East Mebon

East Mebon is a 10th-century Angkorian temple built on an artificial island in the centre of the East Baray reservoir. The monument dates to the mid-900s AD and is part of the wider Angkor temple group in Siem Reap province.

Architecturally it follows the Angkorian island-temple layout with a square platform, a central sanctuary and corner towers; stone elephant sculptures and guardian figures are prominent decorative features. The temple was originally surrounded by water when the East Baray was in use and remains notable for its carved sandstone details.

East Mebon was commissioned during the reign of King Rajendravarman and sits east of the core Angkor group, close to other 10th- and 11th-century temples such as Pre Rup. The temple is reached by road from the Angkor archaeological zone in Siem Reap province.

• 10th-century island temple: Constructed in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it originally stood on an island at the centre of the East Baray reservoir.

What to See #

• Central sanctuary: The central sanctuary sits on a square platform and is flanked by corner towers, the typical island-temple plan used at Angkor in the 10th century.
• Elephant sculptures: Stone elephant sculptures and guardian figures that decorated the temple and its corners, many of which remain in situ around the platform.
• Causeway and approach: A causeway and access steps that led to the island temple when the East Baray reservoir was full and the temple stood surrounded by water.