Baksei Chamkrong
Attraction Baksei Chamkrong Temple Angkor Campuchia Published on: 13-11-2015
2 hours | |
05:00 AM - 06:00 PM | |
04:00 PM | |
05:00 PM | |
Second-time visit | |
Attraction
Kids
Architecture
Temple & Monument
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20.00 USD |
Baksei Chamkrong is good for





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Why Baksei Chamkrong is special ?
The Baksei Chamkrong is a 10th century temple found near the Angkor Thom South gate. The very steep pyramidal temple topped with a single prasat tower was built as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Shiva. The name Baksei Chamkrong translates to “the bird that shelters under its wings”. The temple was built by Harshavarman I in the early 10th century. Soon after his reign, the capital of the Khmer Kingdom was moved to Koh Kher, North of Angkor. The temple was completed and dedicated in the year 948 by King Rajendravarman II, after the capital had been moved back to Angkor. https://www.renown-travel.com
What to explore at Baksei Chamkrong?
Stepped pyramid: East of the temple are the remains of a brick wall and a gopura that was guarded by lions. A few steps and a single guardian lion are all that remain today. The stepped pyramid consists of four laterite tiers of diminishing size. The lowest tier measures 27 meters long, the 4th tier 15 meters. The square, symmetrical structure reaches a height of 13 meters. Four very steep staircases at the center of the pyramid lead to the upper platform with the prasat.
Platform with a single prasat: Atop the fourth tier is a small platform with a single prasat. The brick tower has one real door opening to the East, the other ends have false doors. Most of the decoration on the exterior of the prasat has disappeared, though the shape of sculpted devatas can still be seen. The sandstone lintel over the Eastern doorway contains a carving of Indra on the three headed elephant Airavata, and one of Ganesha.
The doorjamb of the Eastern entrance of the sanctuary tower contains an inscription that provides information about the history of the Baksei Chamkrong temple. The inscription contains praise of several Gods and of King Rajendravarman II, listing his accomplishments. It also tells of the dedication of a golden statue of Shiva in 948. In the back of the cella is a reclining Buddha image of a much later date. https://www.renown-travel.com
How to get to Baksei Chamkrong?
Baksei Chamkrong is located on the left, near the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Its classical pyramid shape is difficult to miss. Furthermore, most tuk tuk drivers and tour guides know about Baksei Chamkrong. http://www.siemreapcambodia.org/
Selling points
- One of Angkor's best kept secrets
- One of Angkor's best kept secrets
- A nice temple with no tourists
- Good for a short visit
- Beautiful architecture, beautiful atmosphere
Location
Baksei Chamkrong Temple Angkor Campuchia
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Reviews
This temple is very special. Very intresting is that its architecture is almost identical with the south american prymids. Very peacfull here also you may get the temple to yourselves as we did. The whole park is amazing! Amazing... The architecture of these temples are based on astronomical alignments and sacred geometry, very magical place. No doubt about it one of the wanders of the world. Its very intresting to note that Angkor wat itself is one of the biggest religious monuments in the world. Its also intresting to note that most of these temples were Hindu, but have now been claimed as Buddhist temples. Would have been so amazing while they were in use, the architectures muat have been genius. Really amazing. Must come visit in a life time.
Though this temple is just down the road from Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom it is easy to drive by. We stopped and our tuk tuk driver gave us some advice on climbing to the top. By this stage we had climbed every temple but the steps at Chamkrong were the steepest and narrowist. But once at the top it is a nice place to sit down and take things in. We were the only people there and it does not look like alot of people stop there. If you dont mind a short climb it is worth stopping at.
Baksei Chamkrong is a stone's throw away from (on the outside) the South gate of Angkor Thom. It is also only about 200 metres away from the start point of the walk up Phnom Bakheng where most would go to see the sunset. So, before you go up for the hill for the sunset and especially if you are a bit early for the sunset, it is well worth a short 200 metre walk away just to visit this site.It is made of bricks and hence has a good colour and is much older than Angkor Wat and is pyramid like. It also has a few levels of steep steps (but not as high as Ta Keo) running all the way up to the top. There weren't anybody there when we visited and this made it nice. Since the top level of Angkor Wat is still closed (as at August 2008), this would give you some form of a 'replacement' fix, although not as high as Ta Keo.
This temple is very special. Very interesting is that its architecture is almost identical with the south American pyramids. Very peaceful here also you may get the temple to yourselves as we did. The whole park is amazing! Amazing... The architecture of these temples are based on astronomical alignments and sacred geometry, very magical place. No doubt about it one of the wanders of the world. It’s very interesting to note that Angkor wat itself is one of the biggest religious monuments in the world. It’s also interesting to note that most of these temples were Hindu, but have now been claimed as Buddhist temples. Would have been so amazing while they were in use, the architectures muat have been genius. Really amazing. Must come visit in a life time.
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