Banteay Prei

Banteay Prei Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Angkor, Cambodia. It dates from the 6th century, during the pre-Angkorian period, that is to say before the appearance of the Khmer empire. It is considered one of the oldest temples in the region and is considered an outstanding example of architecture from this period.
The temple is built of sandstone and is surrounded by an earthen wall. It is made up of a complex of temples and shrines that have been built over the centuries. There is a large central tower called “prasat” which was dedicated to the Buddha and Buddhist deities. There are also many statues of Buddha and Buddhist deities adorning temples and shrines.
The temple was abandoned after the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 15th century and was overrun by jungle for centuries. It was rediscovered in the 19th century by French archaeologists and was restored in the 1900s. Today it is one of the least visited sites in Angkor, but is considered a symbol of cultural and architectural wealth of the ancient Khmer empire and the pre-Angkorian region.

Architecture

The architecture of the Banteay Prei temple is characteristic of the pre-Angkorian period, with the use of sandstone for the construction of the walls and towers. It is surrounded by an earthen wall. It is made up of a complex of temples and shrines that have been built over the centuries.
The central tower, called “prasat”, is dedicated to the Buddha and Buddhist deities. It is decorated with bas-reliefs and statues which represent the different incarnations of the Buddha and Buddhist deities. Temples and shrines are also decorated with statues of Buddha and Buddhist deities, as well as bas-reliefs that depict scenes from daily life and mythological scenes.
The temple is built of sandstone, a strong and durable stone used for the construction of Khmer temples. The sandstone is precision cut to fit together perfectly, without the use of mortar or cement. This allowed the temple to withstand the elements for centuries.
In general, the architecture of Banteay Prei Temple is an outstanding example of Khmer technology, engineering and art of the pre-Angkorian period. It is a fascinating testimony to the architecture, history and culture of this ancient era of Khmer history. It is less known and less crowded than the other famous temples of Angkor, but it is a destination not to be missed for lovers of history and architecture.

Visit

Visiting the Banteay Prei temple is a must-see experience for lovers of archeology and history. It is located in the ancient city of Angkor, a few kilometers from the modern city of Siem Reap. It is generally accessible by car or tuk-tuk.
Once there, you can discover the different parts of the temple, such as the large central tower surrounded by temples and shrines. You can also admire the bas-reliefs and statues of Buddha and Buddhist deities that adorn the temples and shrines. It is also interesting to walk through the temples to discover the scenes of daily life and the mythological scenes represented there.
It is advisable to visit the temple early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Opening hours

Most temples are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• Angkor Wat : 5h – 17h30
• Baphuon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Banteay Prei : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bayon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bakheng : 5h – 19h
• Srah Srang : 5h – 17h30
• Pre Khan : 7h30 – 17h30
• Prè Rup : 5h – 19h
• Phnom Bakheng : 5h – 19h

Times given as an indication, but guides and tuk-tuks know them very well.

You will easily find restaurants and merchants that offer good meals with good
Khmer recipes for your meals during your visit.
On the site, you will also find where to stay during your stay in Cambodia.