Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a 10th-century temple mountain in the Angkor group near Siem Reap, Cambodia, built as the state temple of King Rajendravarman II around 961 AD. It is an example of a Hindu temple mountain constructed using brick, laterite and sandstone.

A stepped three-tier pyramid dominates the site, and the summit features a cluster of five towers in a quincunx layout. Visitors typically climb the steep stairways to the upper platform for close views of carved lintels and wide views across the eastern Angkor plain.

Constructed under King Rajendravarman II in the mid 10th century, the complex was built as a state temple in the Hindu tradition and bears architectural and decorative elements from that period. Over time the site was partially rebuilt and conserved; later religious use included Buddhist practices common across Angkorian monuments.

The temple sits on the eastern side of the Angkor archaeological area near the East Baray and is reached from Siem Reap by road within the Angkor park circuit. It lies among a dense cluster of Angkor monuments and is commonly visited as part of the eastern temple itinerary.

• Best time to visit: Good sunset viewpoint from the upper tiers; the temple faces east and the summit is often used to watch late-afternoon light on the towers.
• Tower arrangement: Five towers are arranged in a quincunx on the summit, the defining architectural feature of the temple.

What to See #

• Central tower cluster: Final summit arranged as a quincunx of five brick-and-sandstone towers sitting on a three-tiered pyramid; the upper platform is reached by steep laterite stairways and offers 360-degree views over the surrounding complex.
• Terraces and enclosure: Series of lower terraces, causeway and enclosure walls that form the temple mountain layout; these areas contain carved lintels, bas-reliefs and subsidiary structures dating to the original construction phase.