Wat Banan (Prasat Banan)
ប្រាសាទភ្នំបាណន់
An 11th-century Angkorian temple with five sandstone towers on a hilltop, nicknamed 'mini Angkor Wat', with views over rice fields from the summit.
Wat Banan was built around the 11th century as a Hindu temple of the Angkor period, later converted to Buddhism. The layout of its five hilltop towers resembles Angkor Wat, which is why it is often called 'mini Angkor Wat'. Reaching the top means climbing about 358 steep stone steps. The towers have lintel reliefs, some of them damaged, and from the summit you can look out over the Battambang plain. Admission is about US$2. The temple lies about 25 kilometers south of the city and is often combined with the bamboo train and Prasat Phnom Banon Winery in a half-day tour. There are cold drink stalls at the foot of the hill. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is recommended, and bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Bamboo Train (Norry)
- Prasat Phnom Banon Winery
- Phnom Sampov & Bat Cave
- Bahá'í House of Worship, Battambang
- Wat Kor Ancient Houses
- Wat Damrey Sor
- Battambang Museum
- Ta Dumbong Statue