Pre Rup
Archaeological Site Angkor-era temple with terraced pyramid and laterite brickwork
A stepped temple‑mount in Angkor’s complex, Pre Rup rewards visitors with brick towers, carved lintels and sunset viewpoints; it’s a common stop on Siem Reap temple circuits.
Pre Rup is a 10th-century temple mountain at the Angkor archaeological park in northwest Cambodia, built as a state temple and dedicated to Shiva in 961 AD. It is constructed chiefly of laterite and brick on a stepped pyramid plan with stone-faced terraces and towers.
The monument’s stepped platforms and central pyramid form a compact complex of terraces, stairways and tower bases that rise in successive levels to a top platform, making it a notable viewpoint within the Angkor precinct. The site is frequently visited for the open views from its upper terraces and for the example it provides of Khmer temple-mountain architecture.
Pre Rup was commissioned by King Rajendravarman II and completed in the mid 10th century as a state temple and funerary monument. Over time it fell into ruin and was later studied and conserved by archaeologists; much of the original brick and carved stonework remains visible.
The temple sits east of the main Angkor Thom area, within the greater Angkor archaeological zone near the eastern baray and east of the central complex of Angkor. It is accessed by road from the town of Siem Reap and is one of several 10th- and 11th-century monuments in the surrounding landscape.
- Sunset views: Sunset is a popular time to visit for panoramic views from the upper platforms; the stone steps and terraces provide clear sightlines toward the surrounding trees and fields.
- Access note: Approach involves uneven stone stairways and terraces, so allow time and wear suitable footwear when climbing the temple levels.
How to Get to Pre Rup #
Pre Rup is about 12-15 km east of Siem Reap town. Most visitors reach it by tuk-tuk (20-30 minutes depending on traffic) or by a hired vehicle as part of an Angkor Park circuit.
Tips for Visiting Pre Rup #
- Visit at sunset - Pre Rup's summit is a classic spot for orange light and clear silhouettes, but arrive at least an hour before sunset for best positioning.
- Combine Pre Rup with nearby East Mebon and the remote temples east of the main Angkor group for a quieter afternoon.
- Bring a headlamp if planning to climb in low light; the stone steps can be uneven.
Best Time to Visit Pre Rup #
Best visited in the dry season for clear views and comfortable mornings; late afternoon light is ideal for photography.
Weather & Climate near Pre Rup #
Pre Rup's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1353 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 (61 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 (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (273 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (193 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 (77 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.
