Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of Cambodia’s most important and least understood temples from the Angkorian period. The temple complex, its moat, baray (reservoir) and surrounding unspoilt environment comprises a unique archaeological site and a vital link in Cambodia’s cultural heritage. For these reasons, it is now one of Cambodia’s top priorities for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its remoteness from Angkor Wat, in part, explains the lack of in-depth documentation and study of the temple. The Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts (MCFA) is responsible for overseeing the temple complex.Banteay Chhmar is the 4th largest temple dating from the Angkorian period after Preah Khan (in Kampong Svay), Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat being the largest temple. There are nine satellite temples as part of the temple complex. In addition, Banteay Torp, another intriguing temple well-worth seeing is about 12 kilometers south of the main temple.
The temple is similar in style to Bayon Temple, also commissioned by Jayavarman VII. It is one of only two sites outside Bayon with the enigmatic face towers.The stunning outer gallery walls also have bas-reliefs of military and domestic scenes similar to Bayon Temple. If put end-to-end these bas-reliefs would stretch nearly 1 kilometer.
