Understand

Prepare to be captivated by the historical marvel that is Banteay Chhmar and its surrounding temple complex. Built by the visionary King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century during the illustrious Angkorian era, this magnificent temple and its nine satellite temples stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient times. Behold the striking Bayon-style face towers, a rare sight found in only two sites outside of the iconic Bayon Temple. Banteay Chhmar is not only a treasure trove of history but has also earned its rightful place on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2020. Explore this captivating site and delve into the mysteries of the past.

Get in

To reach the captivating Banteay Chhmar, your starting point should be Sisophon. Situated at the junction of Highway 5 and Highway 6, this bustling transit hub connects Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Penh, and Poipet (Thai border). Traveling to Sisophon is hassle-free thanks to the availability of numerous buses and taxis throughout the day. Once in Sisophon, taxis become your best mode of transportation to reach Banteay Chhmar. Head to the Phasa Thmei (New Market) on Highway 56, where you'll find taxis with the CBT logo. Local taxi drivers also offer this journey. Excitingly, the road to Banteay Chhmar has been newly paved, ensuring a smoother travel experience. If you're taking a shared taxi, the cost is $5 per person, accommodating 6 passengers (4 in the back, 2 in the front with the driver). Should you desire extra legroom, you can opt to pay for 2 seats. In the low season, negotiating a $5 per person fare for a taxi with fewer occupants (2 or 3) is possible. There's no need to cram 6 people into a taxi. The journey from Sisophon to Banteay Chhmar typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, with possible variations during the rainy season based on rainfall. Rest assured, the road is rarely, if ever, completely closed. In the unlikely scenario that the road is inaccessible, an alternative route to Banteay Chhmar is via Samraong, approximately 50km north. Although this road is longer, it also provides access to the O'Smach/Chong Chom border crossing with Thailand. The CBT (Community-Based Tourism) is available to assist you with your onward travels from Banteay Chhmar. If you prefer a more private experience, Sisophon taxi drivers offer full-day trips. They'll transport you to Banteay Chhmar, and while you explore the main temple complex for a few hours, they'll patiently wait before driving you back to Sisophon. However, it is highly recommended to support the local community and allocate ample time to enjoy the smaller surrounding temple sites by staying in Banteay Chhmar.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Amok is a classic Cambodian dish that features a rich and fragrant curry made with fish, chicken, or vegetables. It's known for its spice levels, which can range from mild to fiery, thanks to chilies, lemongrass, and galangal. The ingredients are simmered in banana leaves, giving them an aromatic, earthy flavor. This dish is typically served with rice.

Khmer Curry (Kari Khem) is another beloved Cambodian dish, characterized by its coconut milk base and variety of meats like beef, pork, or duck. This dish also incorporates a mix of spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili pepper, to create a unique, flavorful experience. Khmer Curry is usually accompanied by rice and pickled garlic to complement the robust flavors.

Bai Sach Chrouk, also known as bamboo rice, is a staple street food in Cambodia. Sticky rice is cooked inside a bamboo tube, then served alongside grilled pork ribs, pork belly, or chicken. The smoky flavor from the grilling process perfectly complements the sweetness of the rice, making it a beloved snack or meal for many Cambodians.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing