Banan Temple

Banan Temple is an Angkor-era hilltop sanctuary located approximately 25 kilometers south of Battambang city, often described as a miniature Angkor Wat for its arrangement of five tower prangs crowning the summit of Phnom Banan hill. Built primarily during the reign of Suryavarman II in the 12th century and dedicated to Shiva, the temple shares stylistic features with Angkor Wat and Banteay Samre. Access requires climbing a steep stairway of 358 steps flanked by crumbling naga balustrades, which rises through the jungle to the hilltop compound. Though significantly ruined, the towers retain carved detail on their doorways and false windows. The view from the summit across the flat agricultural plain of Battambang province, the river, and the distant Cardamom mountain foothills is outstanding.