Wat Banan Temple is located about 25km from Battambang town along a new road. Wat Banan is an Angkor era temple which sits on top of a hill close to the Sanker River. It was once thought that Wat Banan with its five towers was a prototype for Angkor Wat although this has now been dismissed by most scholars who date the structure later than Angkor.
The
Steep steps up to the temple are worth the effort as there are stunning 36
degree panoramic views from the top. Banan is seldom frequented by tourists and
outside of Cambodia holidays it is likely that you may be the only visitor.. At
the bottom of the hill are a few food and drink stalls making it a pleasant
place to while away some time. Also beneath the hill are some limestone caves
which local children with torches are happy to show you around for a small fee.
The Stair go up
Close to Wat Banan is the Prassat Banan
vineyard, the only such one in Cambodia. Visitors are welcome to drop by to
sample and perhaps buy some of the wines made here. They also make a brandy
which is very palatable!
