Prasat Kravan - Bow Tie & Costume
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Prasat Kravan

4.6
·620 reviews·ក្រុងសៀមរាប, Cambodia

A 10th-century brick sanctuary featuring 5 towers with ornate bas-reliefs of Vishnu, offering a unique glimpse into Khmer art and history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Prasat Kravan - Bow Tie & Costume

Prasat Kravan

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 10th-century brick sanctuary featuring 5 towers with ornate bas-reliefs of Vishnu, offering a unique glimpse into Khmer art and history.

4.6
(620 reviews)

"The intricate details preserved in the brickwork are remarkable and should not be missed."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss Interior Carvings

The bas-reliefs inside the towers are the highlight! Take time to appreciate the detailed brickwork. :camerawithflash:

Combine with Nearby Temples

Pair your Prasat Kravan visit with Banteay Kdei or Ta Prohm for a more comprehensive Angkor experience. :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Brick Bas-Reliefs

Intricate Brick Bas-Reliefs

Inside the 5 brick towers

Marvel at the remarkably preserved 10th-century bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi, a unique artistic treasure.

Unique Royal Patronage

Unique Royal Patronage

Discover a temple commissioned by a high-ranking official, not a king, offering a different historical perspective.

Serene Atmosphere

Serene Atmosphere

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this smaller temple, surrounded by lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Prasat Kravan

Prasat Kravan is a 10th-century gem, often overlooked. Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people. It's a peaceful stop, perfect for a quick, meaningful exploration of intricate brickwork.

Combine Your Kravan Visit

This temple is a great starting point for exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park. Consider pairing your visit with nearby sites like Banteay Kdei or Ta Prohm for a fuller experience of Khmer architecture.

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Softer light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-day
Why
Some shade, brief stop
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don't Miss Interior Carvings

The bas-reliefs inside the towers are the highlight! Take time to appreciate the detailed brickwork. :camerawithflash:

Combine with Nearby Temples

Pair your Prasat Kravan visit with Banteay Kdei or Ta Prohm for a more comprehensive Angkor experience. :world_map:

Cycle for Local Views

Cycling around the park offers great views of rice paddies and local life near Kravan. :athletic_shoe:

Peaceful Escape

Enjoy the tranquility of this less-crowded temple, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. :lotus:

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss Interior Carvings

The bas-reliefs inside the towers are the highlight! Take time to appreciate the detailed brickwork. :camerawithflash:

Combine with Nearby Temples

Pair your Prasat Kravan visit with Banteay Kdei or Ta Prohm for a more comprehensive Angkor experience. :world_map:

Cycle for Local Views

Cycling around the park offers great views of rice paddies and local life near Kravan. :athletic_shoe:

Peaceful Escape

Enjoy the tranquility of this less-crowded temple, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. :lotus:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(620 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Prasat Kravan is praised as an underrated gem within the Angkor Archaeological Park, celebrated for its remarkably preserved 10th-century brick bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Visitors appreciate its unique historical context as a temple commissioned by a court official, its serene atmosphere, and its manageable size, making it a peaceful and meaningful stop.

"Prasat Kravan is an underrated gem that deserves more attention from visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Interestingly, unlike many of the better-known temples in the area, the temple was commissioned by a high-ranking court official rather than by one of the kings or other royal patronage.

What makes this temple an overlooked gem are the intricate brickwork and figures in bas-relief of Vishnu and Lakshmi found inside the towers. The intricate details that have been preserved in the brickwork is remarkable and should not be missed.

The temple was my first stop of the day on a trip to the mountains and Banteay Srei, another temple commissioned without royal patronage, and also should not be missed."

Micheal Linke

"Prasat Kravan is a unique and often underrated temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Unlike many other temples in the area, it was built by high-ranking officials rather than a king, giving it a special historical significance.

What makes this temple truly stand out are its intricate brick carvings—especially the stunning bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi inside the central towers. The level of detail preserved in the brickwork is remarkable, considering it dates back to the 10th century.

The temple is smaller compared to giants like Angkor Wat or Bayon, but that adds to its charm—it’s peaceful, rarely crowded, and perfect for a quick but meaningful visit. The surrounding greenery enhances its serene atmosphere.

✔️ Best visited early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
✔️ Combine it with a trip to nearby temples like Banteay Kdei or Ta Prohm.
✔️ Don’t miss the interior carvings—they’re the highlight!

A must-see for history and art lovers exploring Angkor!"

Blossoming Romduol

"I bicycle every day 35 kilometers around the huge Angkor Park and pass by Kravan temple which is about ten kilometers from the center of Siam Reap. It is best to visit the early morning side of the temple. There are statues inside each worth a photograph, and there are other lesser known temples down the road and onto a right turn down a dirt road. Check your guidebook. Lots of rice paddies in the neighborhood and an elementary school"

sebold Daniel

What People Like

Intricate brick bas-reliefs
Unique historical context
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be a brief stop

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Prasat Kravan is located about 10 kilometers from Siem Reap, making it accessible by tuk-tuk, car, or bicycle. Many visitors include it as part of a larger Angkor Archaeological Park tour. Cycling is a popular option for those wanting to experience the local scenery and rice paddies along the way. Reddit

Yes, Prasat Kravan is situated within the expansive Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An Angkor Pass is required for entry to the park and its various temples, including Prasat Kravan. Reddit

Tuk-tuks are a common and convenient way to travel between temples within the park. For those seeking a more active experience, bicycles are also a great option, allowing for flexibility and immersion in the surroundings. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, an Angkor Pass is required to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes Prasat Kravan. Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days and can be purchased at the official ticket office. Reddit

Prasat Kravan, like most temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, is generally open from early morning until late afternoon, typically around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. It's best to check the official park hours for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

No, once you have your Angkor Pass, there are no additional entry fees for Prasat Kravan. Your pass covers access to all temples within the designated park area. Reddit

Angkor Pass tickets are typically purchased in person at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket center. While there isn't a direct online purchase for the pass itself, it's advisable to check the official Angkor Enterprise website for any updates on ticketing procedures. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are early morning and late afternoon. The softer, golden light enhances the intricate brickwork and bas-reliefs, creating a more dramatic and atmospheric effect. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed inside Prasat Kravan, especially for capturing the bas-reliefs. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly on delicate carvings if possible. Reddit

Popular shots focus on the detailed bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi within the towers. Wide shots capturing the unique brick architecture and its serene surroundings are also highly recommended. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park to preserve the historical integrity and prevent disturbance. It's best to check the latest regulations with the park authorities before flying a drone. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

A visit to Prasat Kravan is usually brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour. It's a smaller temple, perfect for a quick but impactful stop, especially if you're exploring other sites in the park. Reddit

Prasat Kravan is generally less crowded than the major temples like Angkor Wat or Bayon, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. Visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) further minimizes crowds. Reddit

Its uniqueness lies in its 10th-century brick construction and the exquisite bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi, which are exceptionally well-preserved. It was also commissioned by a court official, not royalty, offering a different historical context. Reddit

Official guides can be hired at the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance or through your tour operator. Hiring a guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the temple's history and artistic significance. Reddit

Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as is respectful for religious sites in Cambodia. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be walking around the temple complex. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Prasat Kravan is a great, manageable stop for families exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park. Its smaller size means kids won't get overwhelmed, and the intricate carvings can spark their imagination about ancient stories. It's a good place for a brief break from larger, more demanding sites. Remember to bring water and snacks, and dress everyone in light, breathable clothing suitable for the Cambodian heat. Reddit

Consider making it a quick stop on your way to or from other temples. The surrounding greenery offers a pleasant environment, and the relative lack of crowds can make it a more relaxed experience for younger children. Pointing out the figures of Vishnu and Lakshmi can turn the visit into a fun scavenger hunt for details. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Prasat Kravan is an excellent addition to a budget-friendly Angkor itinerary. As it's part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the main cost is the Angkor Pass. Once inside, visiting Kravan itself is free. Cycling to the temple from Siem Reap is a very economical way to travel, offering a glimpse of local life and saving on tuk-tuk fares. Reddit

Its manageable size means you won't need to allocate a large chunk of your day or budget to explore it. Combine it with other nearby, less-visited temples to maximize the value of your Angkor Pass. Pack your own water and snacks to avoid inflated prices near the temples. Reddit

🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by ancient art and history, Prasat Kravan is a must-visit. Its 10th-century brick construction and the exceptionally well-preserved bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi are a highlight. The intricate details carved directly into the brick offer a unique insight into Khmer artistic techniques and religious narratives. Reddit

Pay close attention to the craftsmanship and the storytelling within the carvings. The fact that it was commissioned by a court official, rather than royalty, adds another layer of historical context to explore. This temple provides a more intimate and focused experience of Khmer art compared to the grand scale of larger monuments. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Prasat Kravan's Brickwork

Prasat Kravan stands out for its exceptional brick construction, a testament to the advanced architectural techniques of the 10th century. Unlike many of its contemporaries that primarily utilized sandstone, Kravan showcases the intricate possibilities of brick as a primary building material. The temple complex consists of five brick towers arranged in a north-south line, each adorned with unique carvings. The bas-reliefs found within the central towers are particularly noteworthy, depicting Vishnu in his various avatars and his consort Lakshmi. These carvings are not merely decorative; they are narrative, telling stories and illustrating religious iconography with remarkable detail and artistry. The preservation of these delicate brick carvings over a millennium is a significant achievement and a major draw for visitors interested in ancient art and history. Reddit

The craftsmanship involved in shaping and laying the bricks, as well as carving the intricate details directly into the brick surfaces, is a marvel. The texture and color of the brick itself add a warm, earthy aesthetic to the temple. Visitors often express awe at the level of detail and the enduring quality of these ancient artworks. The subtle variations in the brickwork, from the smooth surfaces to the deeply incised figures, create a dynamic visual experience. It’s this artistic mastery in brick that truly sets Prasat Kravan apart and makes it a must-see for art enthusiasts. Reddit

A Temple Built by Officials, Not Kings

A fascinating aspect of Prasat Kravan is its origin story. Unlike many of the grandest temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Angkor Wat or Bayon, which were commissioned by powerful Khmer kings, Prasat Kravan was built by a high-ranking court official named Yajñavarāha. This distinction offers a unique perspective on the social and religious hierarchy of the Khmer Empire. It highlights that significant religious structures were not solely the domain of royalty but also patronized by influential members of the court, demonstrating their wealth and devotion. Reddit

This patronage by a non-royal figure adds a layer of historical intrigue to the temple. It suggests a broader distribution of power and resources, allowing for the creation of such exquisite monuments by individuals of significant standing. Exploring Prasat Kravan provides an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of various societal strata to the rich tapestry of Khmer civilization. The temple’s existence underscores the complex patronage systems that fueled the construction of these enduring architectural wonders. Reddit

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