Temples

pong trees (dubbed “fromagers” by the French owing to their enormous roots that brought to mind an oozing camembert) have invaded this temple erected in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII (dedicated in 1186). Its original name was Rajavihara, the royal monastery.

Hidden deep in the forest, at the North of Takeo, TA NEI is a temple with all the charm of romantic ruins. To get to it, take the narrow road through the forest that winds its way through ficus trees and lianas. Note the Buddhist pediments and the lintels.

This temple dated back to about the year 1000 under Jayavarman V, was never completed, but it is in an excellent state of conservation. It is considered one of the finest mountain-temples built in Angkor. An

Royal Bath modeled around the year 1200 by Jayavarman VII. During the dry season, you can see the remains of an ancient temple in the center of this reservoir, like the Mebon in the center of the Baray. Good place to relax and walk around.

The Royal Palace compound is delimited by a 600-meter long, 250 meters wide laterite wall, delimits the Royal Palace compound. Many Kings have modified it during 600 years.

Five small temples set in a quiet area opposite the Terrace of the Leper King. Most of the construction seems to be from the 12th century but one of the temple is Buddhist and may date from the 14th century or even the 16th century.

Dedicated on 25 January 880 by King Indravarman I to his ancestors, the temple also called Holy Bull, features particularly refined stucco work on its brick walls.

Elegant brick temple, it consists of six towers on a single base. Shiva was the main divinity worshiped at Preah Ko.

In the late 12th century (the main divinity of the Temple was dedicated in 1191), Preah Khan (or “Sacred Sword”) was a considerable city as well as a Buddhist university. Today, it is a temple that invites visitors to meander slowly through and admire the architecture, decoration, the famous Hall of Dancers and, of course, the giant “fromagers”.

Consecrated in 961, this temple is best visited at sunset when the surrounding rice fields are lit up by the setting sun. Located to the south of the East Mebon, it has a pyramidal base, five huge brick sanctuaries at ground floor, twelve sanctuaries on the second level of the pyramid and five towers at the top floor. Do not miss the devatas of the south-west sanctuary.

Built in laterite, these twelve small towers are situated at the edge of the Royal palace. For scholars, they were sanctuaries or reception hall. According to Chinese diplomat, Zhou Daguan (13th century), they were once the seat of arbitration for conflicts handed over the celestial judgment.