Wat Ek Phnom

The central sanctuary of Ek Phnom
The central sanctuary of Ek Phnom

Wat Ek Phnom is an eleventh century Hindu temple about 14 kilometers north of Battambang. It now sits within a modern Buddhist temple that features a beautiful elaborate prayer hall, and a large concrete seated Buddha image, still under construction in the middle of a lotus pond.

The temple is in a badly deteriorated state. A linear central sanctuary stands on the ruins of two terraces, all of which is surrounded bye a covered gallery, most of which is now collapsed. You have to Scrabble over a lot of tumbled down blocks, but the reward is several beautifully carved lintels and reliefs.

Admission to the ruins costs US$2.