Wat Ek Phnom

Wat Ek Phnom dates back to the 11th century Bayon period and as is one of the most-visited attractions around Battambang. The ruins, dating from the reign of Suryavarman I, are now dilapidated but this makes for an atmospheric setting. The ruins, which consists of prasats on a platform with some carvings in pretty good condition, have been heavily looted and sections have been purposely collapsed to make it easier for the looters to reach their goal. Today the temple sits in the grounds of a modern pagoda surrounded by lotus ponds, small streams and rivers, giving the feeling of being on an island. The temple itself is enclosed by a crumbling laterite wall, and the buildings of the main sanctuary are lined up in a row, joined by an enclosed walkway. To enter the temple sanctuary involves a climb through a window or a broken section of wall, or walk round to the slightly better-preserved south side, where a crumbling doorway survives, along with some carvings. A real highlight of visiting Wat Ek Phnom is the 15km journey, the dirt road follows a winding river passing through a series of picturesque villages where it appears life has remained unchanged for centuries – look out for the unique antique covered bridges. This trip is a real delight around sunset when the golden glow is ideal for photography.