Banteay Srey

Late 10th century C.E.
Religion: Hindu (Shiva)
King: Rajendravarman

Banteay Srey loosely translate to ‘citadel of the women’ but this a is modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by Brahmin counselor under a powerful king,Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srey displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely convered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of an Angkorian temple. The temple’s relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and omate design give it a fairyland ambiance. The colors are best before 10:30AM and after2:00PM, but there are fewer tourist in the afternoon. This temple was discovered by French archaeologists relatively late in 1914. The temple area closes at 5:00PM. Banteay Srey lies 38Km from Siem Reap, requiring extra travel time. Drivers usually charge a fee in addition to their normal daily charge for the trip. Banteay Srey is the well worth the extra effort.Combine a visit to Banteay Srey with Banteay Samre.

Kbal Spean

11th – 13th century C.E           
Religion: Hindu/Buddhist

  A river of 1000 lingas is at Phnom Kulen. There are also carving of Buddha and Buddhist image in the rock that date from a later period than the lingas. Entrance to the area closes at 3:00pm. Combine with a visit Banteay Srey and allow a half day for the two. Take the road straight pass Banteay Srey about 12 km. Look for the sigh and parking area on the left side. Requires a moderately easy 45 minutes uphill walk though the woods.

Beng Melea

Early 11th century C.E                             
Religion: Hindu
King: Suryavarman II   

Sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer. The temple is largely overrun by vegetation and very lightly tourist, giving it an adventurous, ‘lost temple’ feel. Photographers: trees growing from the broken towers and galleries offer some of the best ‘tree in temple ’ shots aside from Ta Prohm .Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style under the same king that built Angkor Wat
Beng Melea  preceded and many have served  as a prototype of short for Angkor Wat .Though there are some lintel and doorway carvings , there are no bas-reliefs and the carvings are comparatively sparse.

Phnom Kulen

9th century C.E ,                             
Religion : Hindu
King: Jayavarman II   

This is where the 500- year long ‘Age of Angkor’ began. Phnom Kulen is the mountain on which Jayamarman initiated the royal ‘ god of the king ’ linga cult in 802AD , declaring a unified and independent khmer Empire under a single ruler and beginning what would later become know as the Angkor period (though the capital city would not actually move to the Angkor area for another century.) Soon after the Ceremony , Jayamarman II moved his capital from Phnom Kulen to the area near the modern town of Roluos  where it was to remain for almost a century before moving to the Angkor area .

Koh Ker

The temple complex at Koh ker, northeast of Siem Reap, represents the remnants of the Capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 AD – 944 A.D, avery unique period in the age of Angkor. From the time the Khmer Capital was first moved to the Angkor area in the late 9th century, it would remain there for almost 500 years, with one brief interruption. Just a few decades after the establishment at Angkor, there was a disruption in the royal sucession for reasons that remain a matter of academic debate. What is known is that in 928 A.D. king Jayavaman IV, possibly a usurper to the throne, created new capital 100km away at Koh Ker, either moving the capital city from Angkor or creating a rival capital. Obviously a king of much wealth and power, he raised an impressive royal city at Koh Ker of Brahmanic monuments, temple and prasats, surrounding a huge barray ( reservoir) Raha. Jayvarman IV reigned at Koh Ker for 20 years before he died in 941 A.D. His son Hashavarman II would remain at Koh ker for other 3 years before returning the capital to the Angkor area. The monuments of the Koh Ker are now on the a road loop around the baray past the most important temples.

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