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PHNOM BANAN TEMPLE

Phnom Banan temple (Khmer: ភ្នំបាណន់]) is the best prserved of the khmer temple around Battambang Province ( (Khmer ខេត្តបាត់ដំបង). As you approach you will see the distinctive five towers pointing skyward, like a small version of Angkor Wat[ Khmerអង្គរវត្ត] At the base of the mountain you are faced with a step laterite staircase flanked by nagas. After climbing 350+ steps you ae teated to a wonderfully peaceful setting.

History
The 11th century temple was built by King UDAYADITYAVARAMAN 2 [ Khmerឧតយាទិត្យវរ្ម័ន២]son of the king SURYAVARAMAN 1 ( ([[Khmer language|Khmerសូរ្យយវរ្ម័នទី១) and despite some looting it is in a considerably better state of repair that wat EK PHNOM. Was built to pray for the god and thank to the wish that god help. At this era they have the strong beleive to the god. Especially in Hindu.

Architecture
The architecture is a mix of  two distinctive cultures; the newer Khmer architecture built with the left over ruins of the ancient Hindu architecture.  The two imposing ‘nagas’ or dragons flanking the steep laterite staircase at the base of the mountain guard the way to a 358-step climb to the top. At the top, there are five temple structures; the biggest being the centre temple, still housing many intricately carved lintels depicting Hindu mythology.

Tourism
At the Phnom Banan temple is the peaceful location with a sweeping view of the surrounding area. As both are south of Battambang city, The trip to Phnom Banan is often combined with a stop at Phnom Sampeou ((Khmer ភ្នំសំពៅ) .Phnom Banan is one of two populary visited Angkor era ruins not far from Battambang. The journey  to the temple along the sangkar river ((Khmer ស្ទឹងសង្កែ) through pretting rural scenery is a high light of a visit. These are well worth discovering,  though remember that the cave entrance is almost at the base of the hill. To the south you will see a mountain range that features a crocodile shaped mountain. The temple it self is beautiful loooking from the ground as well as the top. Serveral delightfully carved lintels remain above some of towers door ways. other are now displayed in the battabang museum. when strolling around the based of the mountain back to the car park passes through a peaceful strectch of country side you can listen to the birds. At the mountain 's valley, there are ku teuk and two main natural wells , namely bit meas and chhung or chhung achey. At the top are beautiful view of the  winding Sangker river set admist sugar palm trees [ស្ករត្នោត], rice field and small villages. Over all, while Phnom Banan isn't as impreesive as What ek phnom((Khmer វត្តឯកភ្នំ) , the drive out here is pleasant the can combined with other stops on the way to make a half-day trip. Situated at the base of the mountain are three caves, the most popular being the ‘L’Ang But Meas’. After scrambling down the mountain, followed by crawling on hands and knees,  and finally squeezing through a fissure, lo and behold, two large and airy caverns await visitors, with an impressive stalactite hanging from the ceiling. Local folklore states that drinking the sparkling water that drips from the stalactite to the bowl below, leads to knowledge of the past, present and future.

How to get there
-Getting to Phnom Banan is very easy-just head south on the River Road. Just over 20km to the south of battambang, Phnom Banan is the best kept of the khmer ruin in the area, though again, when compared to Angkor wat it isnt't impressive.

-Dating to the 11th century, Phnom Banan has been heavily looted but remains mostly upright, What is impressive from here are the superb views of the surrounds in all directions. A large field gun kept at the site once has now been removed.

- It's a rather steep climb from ground level up to the ruins. Luckily at the top a few industrious drink sellers emerge, who will also be happy to show you arround the temple and then the caves below on the left ( When looking at the ruins from the stairs). These are well worth exploring, though note the cave entrance is almost at the base of the hill, so be sure you are finished with the ruins before you agree to go down.

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