Banteay Prey Nokor Temple

Banteay Prey Nokor Temple

  • Travel Location Siem Reap
  • The temple complex of Banteay Prey Nokor is especially known by the temple of Wat Nokor located in Khum of Kompong Siem, at a distance of 1200 meters from the town of Kompong Cham. The monument was built out of sandstone and laterite, and dates from the last years of the reign of Jayavarman ...

OVERVIEW

Small, untouristed temple near Neak Pean. Similar to Ta Som in architectural/artistic style and scale. Some of the apsara and Buddhist-themed lintel carvings are in pretty good condition. Oddly small doors and windows. Quiet, meditative spot.

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on September 1, 1992 in the Cultural category.

Video Travel Inspiration

The temple complex of Banteay Prey Nokor is especially known by the temple of Wat Nokor located in Khum of Kompong Siem, at a distance of 1200 meters from the town of Kompong Cham. The monument was built out of sandstone and laterite, and dates from the last years of the reign of Jayavarman VII. It is composed of a central tower surrounded by four laterite wall-enclosures. The central tower of the temple of Vat Nokor is decorated with motifs characteristic of Bayon with Buddhist scenes on the pediments. The temple complex is also believed to have been the headquarters of Jayavarman VII for a time, from where he extended his influence over nearby principalities.

The local people sometimes call the temple 'Wat Angkor' though a sign at the entrance of the temple now officially designates the name of the temple as Wat Nokor Bachey. The temple has a number of distinguishing characteristics other than the fact that it is the largest ancient temple complex in Kampong Cham Province. One of these characteristics alludes to the fact that it is built of black sandstone, which causes it to stand out from other temples of the period which are often built of brick or reddish sandstone. The temple has an inscription which is still open to visitors to see (and even touch) in the temple's central pavilion. The temple also boasts a 'Chartre' effect in which another more modern temple of a very different style has been built over and around the original Angkorian structure creating a blend of architectural styles. There are many legends surrounding the origin of the temple but the most popular one has Oedipal overtones. According to this legend, the temple was built by a king who accidentally killed his father and married his mother. As recounted in the Greek legend, this King was put out by his father after a seer told him that his son would kill him. The son, however, did not die and returned to his kingdom not knowing that his father was the King. After quareling on the road, the son killed the King and married his Queen who was his mother. Upon discovering his crime, this young man built Wat Nokor in penance for his crime.

Wat Nokor does not get the attention or maintenance necessary to maintain the grounds and gardens. The temple has great potential as a tourist attraction. Its deserted ambiance is one of its greatest attractions and distinguishes it from the touristed atmosphere found in Siem Reap and other popular tourist locations. Nevertheless, the litter strewn walkways around the temple are contrary to tourists' expectations.

REQUEST FOR TOUR
 
 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR BUS TICKETS, HERE YOU CAN BOOK IN ADVANCE

Popular Package Tours in Siem Reap

Discover Cambodia Adventure

from Siem Reap

14 DAYS 13 NIGHTS

Discover Cambodia Adventure

Through Discover Cambodia Adventure Tour you will enjoy the combination of city tour; Khmer pottery products, Natural Mekong Dolphin, Eco-Tourism, cultural and historical of Cambodia. You would see ...

Cambodia Family Package Tour with Horse Riding

from Siem Reap

4 Days

Cambodia Family Package Tour with Horse Riding

The half-day horse riding tour through the countryside, scenic rice fields and tourist-free temple ruins is the highlight of this tour. And you also have the chance to have a half day tour to Tonle ...

Angkor Wat Golf Holiday Tour

from Siem Reap

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

Angkor Wat Golf Holiday Tour

Joining Angkor Wat Golf Holiday with Visit Cambodia Travel, you will enjoy a great the Cambodian golf Course and experience the ancient temples of Khmer ...

Angkor Wat Air Balloon Rides

from Siem Reap

20mn

Angkor Wat Air Balloon Rides

A 360 degrees view on the temple complex and countryside. Best of all? You don’t need a temple pass to fly the Angkor Balloon. Angkor Balloon is a tethered helium balloon which allows you to ...

Angkor Temple Daily Photography Tour

from Siem Reap

Full Day

Angkor Temple Daily Photography Tour

Discover Angkor Wat with one of our expert guides, and see why it’s one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth. Our guides will lead you to some of the best locations and give you an ...

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Cycling

from Siem Reap

9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Cycling

This is a new itinerary which combines an amazing cycling experience with boat cruises on the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake. Through Kampong Chhnang Province, Siem Reap and Battambang you will ...

 

Book Hotels in Siem Reap with our Top Pick!

Uncle Sam Villa

Siem Reap

Lynnaya Urban River Resort

Siem Reap

Home Indochine D'angkor

Siem Reap

Grand Champei Residence

Siem Reap

Laysung Boutique Hotel

Siem Reap

Bayon Era Hotel

Siem Reap

 

Recommended Cambodia Tour Themes

Couldn't find suitable trip for you? Let us help you!

Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.

Flag Counter