Situated in northwestern Cambodia, Banteay Meanchey--“Fortress of Victory” in Khmer--is a charming province that offers a wide selection of natural and historical attractions, including ancient temple complexes, wildlife reserves, and a crane sanctuary. Though primarily known to visitors for its Thai-Cambodian border crossing in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey is much more than just a passing-through spot. Adventurous travelers will find the province presents plenty of opportunities to sample authentic Khmer culture and take in the stunning natural beauty Cambodia has to offer. Banteay Meanchey's capital is Serei Sophon (also known as Sisophon).
The main attraction in Banteay Meanchey is the 12th century temple of Banteay Chhmar.
Built under Jayavarman VII between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Banteay Chhmar Temple complex is a lesser-known, but equally magnificent, alternative to the Angkor Wat temples. Just two hours from Siem Reap, Banteay Chhmar is a unique historical treasure: a massive, sprawling temple complex tucked away in a largely-untouched location, surrounded by lush vegetation. Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of the two temple complexes outside of Angkor that feature massive stone “face-towers” bearing Bayon-style enigmatic smiles. Abundant sandstone bas-reliefs in the temples depict images of mythical Cambodian battles along with scenes from daily life.
The enormous complex of Banteay Chhmar is perhaps one of the most intriguing in the Khmer empire, both in terms of its scale and its relative seclusion. This mysterious temple complex embodies perfectly the image of a lost Khmer city; ruined structures with exotic carvings are strewn about in dense forest surroundings, while the occasional bird call echoes through the temple walls to break the stillness. Those who visit the temple will find many beautiful carvings hidden amongst the ruins and broken colonnades.
In the vicinity, there are at least a dozen smaller temples, all in ruinous state. These include Prasat Mebon, Ta Prohm, Prom Muk Buon, Yeay Choun, Pranang Ta Sok and Prasat Ciem Trey.
Banteay Chhmar is not on the tourist map, but a trip to this exotic site is one adventure you will harbor in your memory for a long time.
Banteay Chhmar
Banteay Chhmar is a largely unrestored, sprawling monastic complex set amongst jungle overgrowth. Face towers, temple in jungle scenes and extensive, amazingly well preserved bas-reliefs provide some of the highlights. Banteay Chhmar was dedicated to the son of the King, Jayavarman VII, who died fighting Champa. Khmer-Cham battles are depicted in the bas reliefs.
Ang Trapeang Thmor
The Ang Trapeang Thmor Sarus Crane Conservation Area is one of the prime bird watching sites of northwest Cambodia. The area offers a unique opportunity to easily observe a diversity of bird species including the endangered Eastern Sarus Crane, the world's tallest flying bird. The protected area is a huge reservoir created by forced labor during the Khmer Rouge regime, which harbors a unique wetland now. Besides the Sarus Crane, the reservoir harbors more than 200 species of other birds, of which 18 have been classified as globally threatened or globally near-threatened.
Banteay Neang
For reaching the Banteay Neang it takes distance around 11 km (20mn) From Provincial Town. It is in The Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Tmar Puok District. The Historical Sites and Buildings, Location: Road No. 69A, Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Tmar Puok District.
Banteay Torp
IWe can go down along the National Road No 59 to access the Thmar Puok District. It is the historical site which was built between 12th and 13th centuries during the reign of King, Jar Varman VII. The temple is located at Thmar Puok District, along the National Road No 59.
La Ang Phnom Touch
Is the natural and cultural resort locating at Se Rey Sa Phoan District, along the National Road No 5 in 65-kilometer distance from Phnom Penh or five-kilometer distance from the provincial town, then turning right more 500 Meters. The resort consists of two mountains closed to each other and big-stand rocks which look like wall. On the top of the mountains, there are new buildings constructed in ancient style for local tourists who spend their visit and leisure there during the festival days.
Phnom Bak and Phnom Chen Chung
Are the natural and cultural resort locating at Se Rey Sa Phoan District, along the National Road No 5, about 5kilometers west of Banteay Meanchey provincial town.
Ang Teuk Kang Va
The way to reach the Ang Touk Kanh Va let getting down along the National Road No 69A. It located Se Rey Sa Phoan District, it is the natural resort locating at Se Rey Sa Phoan District, along the National Road No 69A in four-kilometer distance from the provincial town or 364-kilometer distance from Phnom Penh.
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