Thommanon underwent a major reconstruction thanks to the Ecole francaise d’Extreme-Orient (EFEO) and is now in remarkable condition.
Travel better, travel smarter
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
Like many monuments this was originally a walled-in structure, but the outside wall has largely collapsed leaving the gopuras standing alone almost like mini-temples in their own right. Chau Say Tevoda, also a flat temple with a similar layout, sits opposite Thommanon to form a pair.
Many tick off Thommanon in 10 minutes. Photo: Caroline Major
Probably started by Jayavarman IV and continued by Dharanindravarman I, it seems to have been completed by Suryavarman II around the middle of the 12th century. (Dharanindravarman’s influence is shown by the presence of some Buddhist imagery at this temple.)
Thommanon is a flat temple, with all elements on one level and a dominant tower. Many of the site’s lintels are worn but the site is noteworthy for some of the female devatas with their fancy headgear that flank some of the sanctuary walls.
Just over the road, Chau Say Tevoda is worth a look if you can spare the time between the more famous temples—but if you only have time for one then check out Thomannon for its superb lintels and pediments.
Taking a break at Chau Say Tevoda. Photo: Caroline Major
Slightly later than Thomannon, Chau Say Tevoda may still have been begun by Dharanindravarman since it too has several explicitly Buddhist carvings, before being continued by Suryavarman II and perhaps Yasovarman II. The temple features a couple of libraries as well as a long causeway which leads to a terrace—beyond that, the Siem Reap River.
Restoration work was carried out between 2000-2009 with restricted access, but it’s fully open now and to the untrained eye the new blocks no longer stick out like ... Travelfish members only (Around 200 more words) ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
Caroline Major.
Last updated on 27th July, 2017.
Location map for Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda
Popular attractions in Angkor
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Angkor.
What next?
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Angkor.
Read up on how to get to Angkor, or book your transport online with Camboticket.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Angkor? Please read this.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.