Often dubbed a miniature Angkor Wat, this gently crumbling temple is still used to this day as a Buddhist shrine.
Atop the 250 foot-tall Phnom Banan (Banan Hill), the ruins of an Angkor-era temple draw foreign visitors, worshipping Buddhists, and Batdambang residents, who enjoy picnicking and celebrating holidays within the temple grounds. Located roughly 13 miles (20km) south of Batdambang, Prasat Phnom Banan can be combined with other nearby sites as part of a half-day or full day excursion from Battambang.
Thought to have been built during the reign of 11th century King Udayadityavarman II, the temple atop Phnom Banan once featured eight prasats (towers) surrounding a central sanctuary originally constructed to honor the Hindu god Shiva. The hilltop temple is accessible via a 352-step staircase flanked by naga ballustrades and protected by guardian lions (statues of course).
This summit of Phnom Banan was of strategic importance during the Cambodian civil war, and both Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese soldiers dismantled sections of the temple in order to fortify their positions. Consequently, only five towers remain in varying conditions of ruin. As a temple of apparent importance -it is thought to have been renovated by the great Jayavarman VII- the temple still impresses, though the vast majority of the statuary and carved lintels have been destroyed or stolen.
The view from the top of the hill, which includes nearby phnom-sampeau to the NW, is impressive, and as an active place of worship for local Buddhists, the central tower contains a colorful shrine for Buddha images that contributes to the atmosphere of this important religious and historical site.
When to Go
By far the best time to visit Prasat Phnom Banan is at the end of the day, when shutterbugs will be able to capture spectacular shots and the heat of the day is diminishing.
Getting There
Hire a taxi, motodop, or tuk tuk; Phnom Banan is approximately 40 minutes drive south of the city of Batdambang. While not difficult to find driving oneself on a bicycle or hired motorbike (follow the river road and/or Route 155 directly south of Batdambang), if you wish to combine with Phnom Sampeu and/or Kamping Puoy it is better to have someone else drive who knows where the road connecting the two sites is located.
Either way, combine as part of a half-day trip that includes a visit to the winery, and Ancient Houses, or a full day-trip to Phnom Sampeu and/or Kamping Poy.
Need to Know
- What is It?: An Angkor-era temple that remains an active place of Buddhist worship and popular picnic site for local residents.
- Nearest Town: Phnom Banan is about 18 miles (30km) south of Batdambang town, which can be reached by bus from Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours, from Siem Reap (bus: 3 hours or boat: 7-10 hours), or from the Poipet and the Thai border (2 hours).
- Don’t Miss: Before leaving, note the view to the NW, where Phnom Sampeau is clearly visible.
- Trivia: Jayavarman VII (R.1181-1218), whom it is believed rededicated the temple to the Buddha, may have ordered one of the lintels turned around to feature Buddhist rather than Hindu iconography.
- Opening hours: 06:30 to 18:30, daily.
- Entrance fees: US$1.