Many people who visit Angkor have limited time and are unable to see anything more  than just a few of the greatest Temples of Angkor. There are many minor sites that are of great interest to the visitor and the photographer.

These minor sights are often quiet and sometime very impressive, with tremendous atmosphere. Some are so well hidden that you can feel a little like a temple explorer as you come across these silent and peaceful ruins.

If you want to get away from the crowds and see some pretty unique sights read on

Thommanon Leaving Angkor Thom by the Victory Gate  there are two temples to north and south of the road;  Thommanon and Chau Say Thevoda. Thommanon to the north, is a minor jewel, being beautifully restored in the 1960s.  

The small buildings are in the style of Angkor Wat with concrete reproductions of the original wood ceilings in the central towers. There is a finely carved lintel with 4 armed Vishnu above an internal doorway

Preah Palillay Hidden behind wooden monastic buildings in the north of Angkor Thom; Preah Palillay lies at the head of a long terrace with a modern Buddhist shrine which hides it from view.

A gopura entrance has some very nice carvings. The tower is a partial ruin with some very picturesque trees growing out of the sloping base. It is a lovely and peaceful spot and you are likely to be alone.

To the east of the  main sights of Angkor Thom lie the Preah Pithou group of temples. These small pyramid temples built in the first half of the 12th century are usually quite peaceful.

Baksei Cham Krong  is a small tower near the south gate Angkor Thom  Prasat Bei is a small temple with 3 towers on a laterite pediment. Only the central tower; which has an impressive doorway; was ever completed. Inside is a stone base for a statue and a modern interpretation of a Apsara dancer scrawled on the inner wall!

Prasat Kravan is a small temple with 3 towers to the south of the grand circuit. it has magnificent and unique brick carvings of the Hindu God Vishnu on its interior walls.

On the approach to Baksei Cham Krong are two platforms alongside the moat of Angkor Thom  One known as Thma Bay Kaek has a miniature doorway and a small perfectly preserved Linga or Phallus. It is a rare sight her, as the Buddhists removed most of them and other Hindu figures when the Khmers converted to Buddhism on the 14th century.

Banteay Kdei hardly qualifies as a minor sight; but the Citadel of the Cells is often ignored in favour of its more popular neighbour Ta Prohm. Stylistically similar; Banteay Kdei  is a monastic complex which has a lot of the atmosphere of Ta Prohm but none of the crowds.

Adjoining Srah Srang Reservoir, Banteay Kdei is best approached in the morning after sunrise. The four faced Bayon style gate glows in the sun with dappled light from the overhanging trees.

There is a causeway which leads to a low platform; Terrace (or Hall) of The Dancers.  the complex inner structures are in a partial ruined state. The central towers have been supported by wires to stabilise the  structures. It is a very enjoyable and photographically rewarding temple.

Banteay Kdei South gate

We are running special tours to most of these sites as part of our Angkor Obscura day tour and  Grand circuit tours Please see our Tour Page for details and scheduling

All images and text © Dave Perkes 2007 www.peaceofangkor.com

Peace of Angkor Villa  0133 Slorkram Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia    PO Box 93125      Email us ( 855 (0)63 760 475

One of the the most 'secret sights lies within the walls of Angkor Thom. At the corners of the wall are four temples Prasat Chrung  They are unvisited, atmospheric, & clothed in vegetation with tree roots. The NE corner temple is shown above.

Banteay Prei is a quite a large site with low rambling buildings, stooped passages and doorways. It has a tower; but the centre is dominated by a huge banyan tree.

Banteay Prei has not been restored; so has a very mysterious feel. It is a lovely peaceful spot in late afternoon as hardly anyone goes there! It is one of my favourite minor sights of Angkor.

A huge banyan tree dominates the complex which is best entered by a door on the left hand side.

 The laterite walls to the west are a good viewpoint; to see the temple in the forest and the surrounding landscape The west entrance is very picturesque with some nice Apsaras and red lichen covered pillars.

Ta Prohm Kel is  small ruin on the South side of Phnom Bakeng; Ta Prohm Kel is an ancient hospital chapel built by Jayarvaman VII It is little more than a single tower and can be seen easily from the road. It has a lot of timber supporting the structure and leans noticeably. It has some attractive and well preserved door carvings.