Things to do in Banteay Chhmar & Banteay Top
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Banteay Chhmar
Originally enclosed by a 9km-long wall, the temple housed one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist monasteries of the Angkorian period. Today, it is one of the few temples to feature the enigmatic, Bayon-style visages of Avalokiteshvara, with their mysterious - and world famous - smiles.
On the temple's east side, a huge bas-relief on a partly-toppled wall dramatically depicts naval warfare between the Khmers (on the left) and the Chams (on the right), with the dead - some being devoured by crocodiles - at the bottom. Further south (to the left) are scenes of land warfare with infantry and elephants. There are more martial bas-reliefs along the exterior of the temp…
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Banteay Top
Constructed around the same time as Banteay Chhmar, it may be a tribute to the army of Jayavarman VII, which confirmed Khmer dominance over the region by conclusively defeating the Chams. One of the damaged towers looks decidedly precarious, like a bony finger pointing skyward. The turn-off from NH69, marked by a stone plinth with gold inscription, is 9km south of Banteay Chhmar.
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Traditional Activities
Through Agir Pour le Cambodge, you can participate in traditional activities such as honey collecting and the hunting of frogs and rice-field crabs (around US$10 for a group). It may also be possible to visit local silk weavers.
A ride out to Banteay Top costs around US$5 by ox-cart or around US$6 by koyun (tractor).
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Banteay Chhmar Protected Landscape
At the headquarters of the Banteay Chhmar Protected Landscape, 2km towards Sisophon from town, it may be possible to hire a guide (non-English speaking) for a nature walk.
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