Banteay Prey Nokor, Archaeological site in Kampong Cham, Cambodia.
Banteay Prey Nokor is a Buddhist temple complex in Kampong Cham province, with an outer laterite wall about 420 by 370 metres and an inner enclosure of roughly 100 by 130 metres. Its central sandstone tower, decorated with Bayon-style motifs and Buddhist scenes on the pediments, stands within a modern pagoda built over the Angkorian remains. An inscription in the central pavilion can be seen and touched by visitors.
The complex was built in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII, who used it as a base for extending Khmer rule into neighboring lands. It reflects the reach of the empire during one of its most active periods of expansion.
A modern pagoda stands among the temple's ruins, built over and around the older stone structure in a layering visitors can see directly. The entrance sign now gives the official name as Nokor Bachey Temple, while locals call it Wat Nokor or Wat Angkor. The complex also holds a representation of Dam Din among its newer additions.
The site is open to visitors and early morning is the best time to go, when the light is softer and the heat more bearable. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven in places and there is little shade across most of the area.
Unlike most Khmer temples in the region, the complex was built using black sandstone, a material rarely chosen for temple construction in this part of Cambodia. This gives it a noticeably different appearance when compared to other temples nearby.
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