Localisation
 

160 km to the North East of Siemreap
30 km to the North of the town of Sisophon, not far from the current Thai border

Style

Late Angkorian Period

Construction - Inauguration

Beginning of the building in 1186

Initiato

Jayavarman VII

Dedication

Bouddha as well as Shiva and Vishnu

Visit

About 3 hours

Caracteristics

 

• The scale of this site is comparable to Angkor Thom. It probably was the capital of the important and rich Province of Battambang. The road coming from Phimaï (currently in Thaïland) linked Bantaey Chmar to Angkor Thom.
• The sacred complex looks like the Bayon.
• The superb bas-reliefs of the walls represent scenes of the battle on earth and sea repelling a Cham Invasion in 1177 (See Chapter « Champa History»)
• Unfortunately that heritage has been plundered, piece by piece because of its distance. It started with the Thais, who sacked Angkor in the 14th century and carried out much of its portable wealth. Its remains nowadays a specific attraction for the looters.

Comments
 

• This site is very impressive for the travellers who like to feel like an explorer facing a giant temple whose atmosphere is very particular.
• Bantaey Chmar is a temple where you will find emotions more than explanations.
• The complexity and the bad state of this temple absolutely requires the escort of a guide.
• I particularly recommend this trip which will allow you to meet the Kondal people and their hospitality and to have an enriching experience of an accommodation by the villagers.