Banteay Top, which literally means Army Fortress, is perhaps aptly named, as the gap in the Dangkrek Mountains near the border with modern day Thailand was clearly an area of strategic military importance.
Built around the same time as Banteay Chhmar, Banteay Top is considerably smaller and in a far greater state of ruin. All that remains of interest at this once grand sandstone temple commissioned by King Jayavarman VII are a four teetering towers of stones that seem to defy gravity; the fifth tower of the complex collapsed after thieves looted parts of it; a major problem with many temples in the region. Scrambling around the ruins, beneath these precarious piled stone towers is an exhilarating experience. Although Bantey Top and nearby Banteay Chhmar can be accessed on a long day trip from Sisophan or Siem Reap, you may have a more enjoyable visit if you combine your trip to the temples with a home-stay in a nearby village, where you can experience rural Cambodian life.
When to Go
Banteay Top is best visited December through March during the dry season. Get to Banteay Top for a sunset - the best time to see it.
Getting There
Banteay Top is in the remote Cambodian northwest, and although within reach of Siem Reap, the journey by bus or taxi is tough going. Follow National Road 6 towards Poipet (and the Thai border) and then head north on the precarious Route 69. Banteay Top is about six miles south of Banteay Chhmar. The nearest international airport is in Siem Reap.
Need to Know
- What is It?: The ruins of an Angkor-era temple complex near the more grand ruins of Banteay Chhmar temple.
- Nearest Town: The temple is located 9km south of Banteay Chhmar commune, which is located north of Sisophan (the provincial capital). Banteay Chhmar is a good days-drive from Siem Reap, where an international airport is located.
- Don’t Miss: Scrambling beneath precarious towers of stone.
- When to Go: best visited December through March during the dry season.
- Opening hours: Standard daylight hours
- Entrance fees: free