Banteay Thom Temple
Large sandstone temple ruin near Angkor sites
A modest Khmer ruin near Siem Reap, Banteay Thom features laterite and sandstone structures and quiet courtyards; visitors include photographers and those touring lesser-known Angkor monuments.
Banteay Thom at a Glance#
Address: Banteay Thom - Angkor area, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: https://www.apsaraauthority.gov.kh/
Hours: Daily 5:00am-5:30pm (Angkor Archaeological Park hours)
Admission: Angkor Archaeological Park pass required: 1-day US$37, 3-day US$62, 7-day US$72 (prices in USD)
Best Time to Visit Banteay Thom#
Banteay Thom is best visited in the cool, dry season (November-February) for comfortable exploring and clearer skies.
History & Culture of Banteay Thom#
Banteay Thom is an off-the-beaten-path temple at the far north-western tip of Angkor’s ‘Grand Tour’ circuit. Its isolation is its chief charm: while nothing here rivals the grandeur of Angkor Wat or Bayon, the ruins hold considerable allure and see few visitors, and the journey out passes through lovely countryside and a working elephant farm.
The temple lies more than 12 kilometres north-west of Preah Khan, the next largest attraction on the circuit, so walking is impractical; most travellers hire a tuk-tuk from Preah Khan, while those on bicycles enjoy the tree-lined route and the regularly manicured terrain around the ruins. Because the site is quite open it grows hot, and full sun protection is advisable at any hour. For the temple-hunter, its lintel carvings and other engravings reward a leisurely half-hour of exploration.
Weather & Climate near Banteay Thom#
Banteay Thom's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1335 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (186 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (271 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (191 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
