East-facing brick towers containing unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in brick - the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area. Prasat Kravan was originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king and has a twin sister in Takeo Province south of Phnom Penh, Prasat Neang Khmau, which contained paintings rather than bas-reliefs, some of which still survives. Prasat Kravan was reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA.".
Prasat Kravan (Khmer: ប្រាសាទក្រវាន់) is a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace, located at Angkor, Cambodia south of the artificial lake or baray called Srah Srang. Its original Sanskrit name is unknown. The modern name in Khmer, "Prasat Kravan", means artabotrys odoratissimus temple. The temple was dedicated to Vishnu in 921 CE, according to an inscription on doorjambs.
The site was cleaned from vegetation in the 1930s by Henri Marchal and Georges Trouvè. Afterwards the towers were restored on Bernard Philippe Groslier's initiative from 1962 to 1966, adding some new bricks which are marked with a "CA" (meaning "Conservation Angkor").
The temple is oriented to the East and surrounded by a small moat. Its exterior is striking for its classical lines and symmetry. The central and the south tower have superstructures which take advantage of false perspective by simple means of diminishing tiers. The sanctuary's interiors are remarkable for the large bas-relief depictions of Vishnu and Lakshmi that have been carved into the walls of reddish brick, connected by a vegetable compound. This type of sculptured artwork is rather common in Cham temples, but rare in known Khmer monuments.
The bas-reliefs on the interior walls of the central tower are representations of Vishnu. There are three in all:
The interior walls of the northernmost tower feature a pair of bas-reliefs of Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort, flanked by devotees:
Ideal for those who want to combine a quad bike ride with some fun activities. We include a boat trip on Me Chrey lake, ox cart ride, a visit to some local farms and workshops, and a lunch in a local ...
Siem Reap Dirt Bikes offers 'off the beaten track' motorbike adventure tours in the most remote areas of Cambodia, taking you to places others don't go! Siem Reap Dirt Bikes organized and ran our ...
Explore Siem Reap by night and learn photographic techniques that best capture scenes after dark. You’ll learn from a professional photographer who will then guide you through Siem Reap as you take ...
Flight of the Gibbon is the only Zipline in Cambodia and to top it off we have the absolutely amazing privilege of being located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of The Angkor Archaeological ...
We put together this exceptional day tour to provide an option for visitors to explore the beauty of Siem Reap and the surrounding countryside. Not only do we take you to Kompong Khleang, a floating ...
Trekking & Camping Tour in Cambodia has become possible after the Khmer Rouge has integrated all their forces into government forces in 1998. Then demining projects have been implemented around ...
Guest Name: Mrs. Oksana NOS NOVO
Country: France
City: Chau Doc
N.of Person: 4 pax
Travel date: 2026-07-05
Booked: Blue Cruiser Speedboat
Tour Style:
Duration: