Ruins in the field, Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia

Taken on: 8th November, 2010. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See travelfishery's page of Flickr

Read more about Banteay Chhmar

Cambodia's best kept secret, and very far from the beaten-tourist track, Banteay Chhmar is an enchanting ancient temple complex in northwest Cambodia. Despite most of it being in shambles and suffering years of looting, what remains is simply stunning.

In addition to Banteay Chhmar temple complex, the surrounding area has points of interest such as Banteay Top, Samnang Tasok, Boeung Cheung Kru (or Pol Pot's lake) and other ancient temples, also in delightful ruin. Unlike Angkor Wat, which has been cleared of overgrowth and has a well-ordered appearance, here you can have a true Indiana Jones-like experience exploring the rambling site.

On our first visit to Banteay Chhmar in late 2010, we had the temple to ourselves. Unlike at Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, there were no paved roads, tuk tuks, Western restaurants, banana pancakes or internet cafes. The two hour road to here from Sisophon has to be one of the worst in the country, but once you arrive you'll be rewarded with a side ... Read our complete Banteay Chhmar travel guide

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