Prasat Kravan

Prasat Kravan is a small Hindu temple built by high court officials in the 10^th century and located east of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

The templeconsists of five red brick towers disposed in a line from north to south and face east. All towers are on the same platform. According to an inscription on door jambs, it was dedicated to Vishnu in the Hindu religion with the following transitional from Bakheng Hill to Koh Ker.

Inside the brick towers there are unique bas-reliefs representing Hindu gods, both are great examples of the carving art in the Angkor area. There are three types of Vishnu on the interior walls of the central tower (the largest one): four-armed Vishnu sits on his vehicle, four-armed Vishnu takes a large stride, and eight-armed Vishnu stands like a statue. Other carvings are equally exclusively fabulous: tires remain intact and visible, male guardians in shallow niches were sculptured on the east side, framed figures can be seen on the pilasters, etc. The other striking towers are decorated with various floral ornamentation and mythical bird-man of Vishnu and Lakshmi. It's suggested best to view the relief in the temple in the morning when the light comes from the east to the door, while in the afternoon they are barely seen. Book a tailor-made tour to this temple and our guide will take care of the rest.

The temple has a twin sister, Neang Khmau, in Takeo province south of Phnom Penh, which differs from Prasat Kravan by surviving paintings other than bas-reliefs. In Siem Reap you should not miss the temple-hoping: Angkor Thom, Banteay Samre, Ta keo and Beng Mealea. To experience the local life you should take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest fresh water in Southeast Asia.