Phnom Banan

       
   
         
This is Phnom Banan, a Khmer temple from the 11 th century built by king Udayadityavarman II, the king that also built Baphuon and the western Mebon temple. It is located in the south-west of Cambodia near the city of Battambang and has a quincux-layout, meaning a layout with one central tower surrounded by 4 towers on each corner. This classical Khmer layout is used at many major temples, like Pre Rup and Angkor Wat. The temple stands on a hill with a 358-steps stairway in good condition leading to it with superb views to the surrounding countryside in the dry season, but even in the wet season most views are spectacular, with the surplus of everything being beautifully green. Phnom Banan is mostly visited on a day trip in combination with a trip through the Battambang-countryside, a winery, the former Khmer-rouge stronghold of Phnom Sampeau and a nearby bat-cave.    

The temple of Phnom Banan is largely built using laterite, giving the temple rough and unpolished looks, but there are many worthwile decorations to be seen,  like door lintels. Strolling around the small area offers great photo opportunities of the temple and of course the views from the hill to the countryside are very attractive, see picture centre-below. Do stay within the boundaries of the temple, as the surrounding areas are still not 100% clear of landmines, see picture above. Landmines are the national plague of Cambodia.

The picture top-middle shows the prangs of the temple from below, the picture at the centre the prangs from close-by. The inviting stairway  is shown middle-right.

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