Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap

Name: Baksei Chamkrong
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia

#7 among attractions in Siem Reap

Temple, Ruins, Architecture, Historical place

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Baldiri / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Leon petrosyan / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL

Facts and practical information

Baksei Chamkrong is a historic temple that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Siem Reap, Cambodia. This ancient Hindu temple, which translates to "The Bird Who Shelters Under Its Wings," is located near the famous Angkor Wat and is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Constructed in the 10th century during the reign of King Harshavarman I, Baksei Chamkrong was later completed by his successor, Rajendravarman II. It is one of the earliest temples built of brick and laterite, a testament to the architectural innovation of the Khmer Empire.

The temple's central tower, or prasat, is mounted on a high pyramidal base, which gives the structure an impressive height and a commanding view of the surrounding area. The pyramid itself is composed of four tiers, leading up to the sanctuary, which once housed a sacred linga, the symbolic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva.

Baksei Chamkrong's doorway is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions, providing insight into the religious and cultural practices of the time. The temple also features a series of steps flanked by naga balustrades, serpentine deities that are a staple in Khmer architecture.

Despite its smaller size compared to other temples in the Angkor complex, Baksei Chamkrong's historical significance and unique architectural style draw the attention of scholars and tourists alike. Its preservation allows visitors to glimpse the early stages of the classical style of Khmer architecture that would reach its zenith in the construction of Angkor Wat.

Local name: ប្រាសាទបក្សីចាំក្រុង Completed: 968 (1056 years ago)Coordinates: 13°25'31"N, 103°51'29"E

Address

Siem Reap Cambodia

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Day trips

Baksei Chamkrong – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Angkor Wat, Bayon, Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Thom.

1.1 miSE
, Buddhist architecture, Temple
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
28 min walk • Angkor Wat, a sprawling temple complex in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands as a magnificent testament to the Khmer Empire's architectural mastery and religious devotion. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the early 12th century, was originally...
1.1 miN
Angkor Thom temple with smiling faces
Bayon, Siem Reap
28 min walk • In the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the ancient temple of Bayon stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. This iconic 12th-century temple is renowned for its distinctive architectural feature: the serene and smiling stone faces that adorn its towers...
~920 ftSW
Ancient temple complex with sunset views
Phnom Bakheng, Siem Reap
5 min walk • Phnom Bakheng is an emblematic temple standing majestically in the ancient city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Perched atop a hill, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the world-renowned Angkor Wat.
1.1 miN
Ruins, Historical place, Temple
Angkor Thom, Angkor Archaeological Park
29 min walk • The Royal Palace was first built by king Suryavarman I and used continuously from the 11th to the late 16th century AD. During that period, the area was transformed and restored several times.
0.7 miS
Ruins
Ta Prohm Kel, Siem Reap
18 min walk • Ta Prohm Kel or Prohm Kel is a small ruined sandstone monument in Angkor archaeological park, Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Ta Prohm Kel was one of the 102 hospital chapels, some of which were already in existence, by King Jayavarman VII all over the empire.
1.2 miN
Remains of an ancient city and its temples
Angkor Thom, Angkor Archaeological Park
32 min walk • Angkor Thom, alternatively Nokor Thom located in present-day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII.
~440 ftNW
Ruins
Prasat Bei, Angkor Archaeological Park
3 min walk • Prasat Bei is a temple with three brick towers in a north-south row, facing to the east, and standing on a laterite platform. The central tower contained a linga; the flanking towers reach no higher than the doorways.
0.9 miW
Ruins
Prasat Chrung, Angkor Archaeological Park
23 min walk • Prasat Chrung are temples that located at each corner of the Angkor Thom, on the earth embankment that reaches almost to the top of the walls, is a small temple known as Prasat Chrung in modern Khmer.
~880 ftSW
Neighbourhood
Yaśodharapura, Angkor Archaeological Park
5 min walk • Yasodharapura, also known as Angkor, is a city that was the second capital of the Khmer Empire, established by King Yasovarman I in the late 9th century and centred on the temple of Phnom Bakheng.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Baksei Chamkrong?

Nearby attractions include Prasat Bei, Angkor Archaeological Park (3 min walk), Yaśodharapura, Angkor Archaeological Park (5 min walk), Phnom Bakheng, Siem Reap (5 min walk), Ta Prohm Kel, Siem Reap (18 min walk).