Wat Banan

Weather :

Tags : Temple

Timings : 8 AM to 5 PM

Time Required : 3 to 4 hours

Entry Fee : 2 USD

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Wat Banan, Battambang Overview

Wat Banan is an Angkorian temple located close to Battambang City in Cambodia. Situated on a hill beside the Sanker river, Wat Banan provides excellent 360-degree panoramic views of the countryside of Battambang. It is known for its five monumental towers modelled on Angkor Wat temple. A trip to this temple is a popular attraction for Battambang's tourists as well as locals who visit in large numbers, especially on the weekends.

Read More on Wat Banan

Wat Banan Temple History & Significance

King Udai Adityavarman II built the original Hindu temple of Wat Banan in 1050. Later on, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple by King  Jayavarman VII in 1219. The temple is constructed using sandstone and laterite. There is a 400-steps steep laterite staircase consisting of lintels with Naga statues at both ends. At the top is the temple with five tall towers with intricately carved lintels depicting mythological scenes from Hindu epics and many other details about the kings. Only some part of the temples remain preserved as most of it were ruined during the Khmer Rouge.

From the top, you can see amazing views of rural Cambodia comprising of rice and paddy fields, palm trees, Sanker river and surrounding mountains in the valley including the crocodile mountain to the south and Phnom Sampeau to the north. There are two wells Bit Meas and Chhung Achey near the river.

There is a cave at the foot of the mountain leading to the temple, which is also visited by the tourists. There is not much light inside, and usually, you'll find local children offering to guide and lead with torches for a small fee. You need to pass through a very narrow entrance to view series of stalactite and stalagmite formations hanging from the roof the caves.

How To Reach Wat Banan

Wat Banan is 22 km to the south of Battambang and takes about 45 to 50 minutes from the downtown. You can get there by a motodop for about 5 USD for a roundtrip. You can reach by renting a motorbike for about 8 USD per day or share a Tuk-Tuk ride for about 6 USD for a roundtrip.

Wat Banan Reviews

Your rating

Have a Question on Wat Banan?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.