Banteay Chhmar
ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយឆ្មារ
One of the largest temples Jayavarman VII built, in the far northwest, with face towers and bas-reliefs of multi-armed Lokeshvara.
Quick facts
- Pass Type
- Separate Ticket
- Entry Fee USD
- $5
- Opening Hours
- 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Commissioning King
- Jayavarman VII
- Century Built
- Late 12th Century
- Religion & Primary Deity
- Buddhist · Lokeshvara
- Circuit
- Outer Temple
- Distance from Siem Reap
- 165 km
- Best Time to Visit
- Morning in the dry season. Stay in the village if you do not want a same-day dash from Siem Reap.
Nicknames and famous highlights
History and architecture
Banteay Chhmar was a temple, a town, and a baray, built in the Bayon style at the end of Jayavarman VII's reign. Face towers repeat the Bayon idea, and the outer gallery was carved with Avalokiteshvara in many arms and with scenes of the war against the Cham. The name is commonly translated Citadel of the Cat, though the original sense is disputed. The complex was badly ruined and several reliefs were looted in the 1990s. Community tourism in the village now supports the site. The Angkor Pass does not cover it. Budget a local ticket and a guide who knows which galleries are stable.
How to get to Banteay Chhmar
No origin routes are published yet. See every temple in Banteay Meanchey.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to visit Banteay Chhmar?
Banteay Chhmar charges a separate ticket of $5. The pass recorded here is Separate Ticket.
What are the opening hours of Banteay Chhmar?
Banteay Chhmar is listed as open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Best time to visit: Morning in the dry season. Stay in the village if you do not want a same-day dash from Siem Reap..
Who built Banteay Chhmar?
Commissioned under Jayavarman VII, Late 12th Century, Late 12th–early 13th century, dedicated to Lokeshvara. The religion recorded here is Buddhist.
What is Banteay Chhmar known for?
Also called Citadel of the Cat, Face Temple. Known for Avalokiteshvara face towers, Multi-armed Lokeshvara reliefs, Bas-reliefs of the Cham war, One of the largest Khmer complexes. Filed under Face Temples