Pre Rup Temple

Pre Rup is a 10th-century Hindu temple mountain constructed by King Rajendravarman II and dedicated to Shiva. Built primarily of laterite and brick with sandstone carvings, it rises in three steep tiers to a quintet of towers on its summit, each decorated with false doors and devata guardian figures. The temple's name is thought to mean Turn the Body, a possible reference to Khmer cremation rituals that may have taken place here. Positioned at the southeastern edge of the main Angkor complex, Pre Rup offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and nearby East Baray reservoir. It is particularly popular as a sunrise and sunset viewpoint, where the reddish laterite towers glow warmly in low-angle light.