🛕 Pre Rup
ប្រែរូប
Also known as: Turn the Body
Province
Siem Reap
Era
Classical Angkorian
Difficulty
🟡 Moderate
Crowds
👥 Moderate
Key Facts
Built: 10th century (961 AD)
Built by: King Rajendravarman II
Religion: Hindu
Entry Fee: Angkor Pass
Time Needed: 45 min–1 hour
UNESCO: ✅ World Heritage Site
A dramatic brick-and-laterite temple mountain — one of the best sunset viewpoints in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Pre Rup (meaning "Turn the Body") is a Hindu temple mountain built by King Rajendravarman II as the state temple of his capital. The name derives from the common belief that the temple was used for cremation rituals, where the body would be ritually "turned" in the ashes. The temple consists of a three-tiered pyramid with five brick towers on the summit platform, offering commanding views of the surrounding jungle and rice paddies. As one of the last major temples built with brick (rather than sandstone), Pre Rup marks a transitional period in Khmer architecture. The warm colors of the laterite and brick glow magnificently during sunset, making it one of the most popular sunset spots in Angkor.
Highlights
- ✦ Premier sunset viewpoint
- ✦ Five brick towers on summit
- ✦ Panoramic jungle views
- ✦ Beautiful brick and laterite coloring
- ✦ Sacred cistern at the base
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon for sunset (arrive by 4:30 PM)
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Arrive early for a good sunset viewing spot on the upper level
- 💡 The steep stairs require some fitness
- 💡 Combine with East Mebon nearby
Nearby Temples
13.4500°N, 103.8996°E
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