Banteay Chhmar Must-See

Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, Banteay Chhmar is one of Cambodia’s most significant yet remote Angkorian complexes. This collection highlights the primary temple—famed for its Bayon-style face towers and intricate Avalokiteshvara bas-reliefs—alongside its seven satellite shrines. These surrounding structures, such as the precarious towers of Banteay Torp and the jungle-clad ruins of Prasat Samnang Tasok, illustrate the massive scale and provincial architectural style of this ancient military and religious center.

Banteay Chhmar Temple

Banteay Chhmar is a commune in Thma Puok District in Banteay Meanchey province in northwest Cambodia.

Banteay Torp

A large temple complex south of Banteay Chhmar featuring three tall, precarious sandstone towers. It is widely believed to have been constructed as a tribute to the Khmer military.

Prasat Ta Nem

A small satellite temple located to the west of the main complex, featuring partially collapsed enclosures and weathered 12th-century sandstone carvings.

Prasat Ta Prohm

One of the eight satellite temples of Banteay Chhmar, this ruin showcases the characteristic Bayon-style architecture and decorative lintels of the late Angkorian period.

Ta Phlang Temple Ruins

A secluded satellite shrine characterized by weathered stone blocks and dense surrounding vegetation, located near the southern approach of the main temple.

Prasat Yeay Chou

A single-tower satellite shrine located to the east of the main complex, representing the smaller ritual sites that once formed the outer perimeter of Banteay Chhmar.

Prasat Samnang Tasok

A satellite temple notable for its atmospheric state of ruin, with massive tree roots growing through the sandstone blocks and lintels, similar to the famous Ta Prohm in Angkor.

Prasat Ta Em

A small sandstone satellite shrine situated to the northeast of the primary complex, featuring remnants of intricate 12th-century Khmer carvings.