Banteay Top Travel Guide

Located just to the north of Sisophon, near Banteay Chhmar in northwest Cambodia, Banteay Top is similar in deign to Banteay Chhmar temple in its striking bas-reliefs and other Angkor-style forms.

Known as the ‘fortress of the army’, Banteay Top was built around the same time as Banteay Chhmar but is a lot smaller and less rambling. It is a sandstone temple that was built at the time of Khmer king Jayavarman VII’s reign, after the defeat of the Chams.

Banteay Top’s main attribute is its five high towers, of which four are still in pretty good shape. One tower collapsed after thieves looted parts of it; a major problem with many temples in the region. Get to Banteay Top for a sunset - the best time to see it.

Getting There & Away

Banteay Top is in the remote Cambodian northwest, and although within reach of Siem Reap, the journey by bus or taxi is tough going. The main Siem Reap to Thai border Route 6 takes you most of the way, after which the precarious NH69 heads north. Banteay Top is about six miles south of Banteay Chhmar. The nearest international airport is in Siem Reap.

Things to Do

Banteay Top Attractions

Banteay Top

The ‘fortress of the army’ temple is the big attraction in the area; a large angkor-style temple with five huge towers, of which four remain intact.

Banteay Chhmar Temple

Is the main temple in the region and those who make the trip to banteay top also make the effort to come here. its bas-reliefs and inscriptions are the main attractions.