Prasat Kravan

Prasat Kravan is a Hindu temple in Angkor Archaeological Park built from five reddish brick towers arranged in a row on a raised platform. The central tower rises higher than the others, creating a clear focal point as you approach the site.

This temple was built around 921 CE under the rule of an early Khmer king, possibly Harshavarman I or Ishanavarman II. The period marked an important phase in developing brick construction techniques across the kingdom.

The inner walls display large carved reliefs showing the Hindu gods Vishnu and Lakshmi, revealing what mattered most in the spiritual life of the Khmer people. You can see how skilled artisans portrayed divine figures directly into the brick material itself.

Visit in early morning hours for the best light on the brick towers and fewer crowds at the site. The terrain is flat and easy to walk around, though you should wear sturdy shoes and bring water with you.

The brick towers allowed artisans to carve reliefs directly into the walls rather than sculpting separate stone pieces and attaching them later. This efficient method was unusual for its time and shows the practical ingenuity of Khmer builders.