Angkor Temple Guide: #24 Prasat Prei Monti
Prasat Prei Monti consist of three brick prasats and is found 2 km (1 mile) south of the temple mountain, Bakong. This is one of the minor additions to the Roluos group of temples, the major ones being Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. It is unclear when this was actually built, but scholars have placed it under the rule of different kings. Some say it was the work of Jayavarman III, of whom little is known, whilst others say it was the first palace of Indravarman.
The three towers here are located towards the east of a rectangular compound. Originally this would have been surrounded by a moat, as with Preah Ko. The two compounds of Prasat Prei Monti and Preah Ko might have been royal palaces. The sanctuaries are built from brisk, but much of everything else from perishable materials. With great accuracy, the two sanctuaries of both compounds are located on the same north-south axis. This runs parallel to the north-south-line connecting Bakong with Lolei, and is a very nice place to visit.
Sadly the technique of using wood and bamboo means that huge portions of this monument have been lost forever. However fragments of ceramics found here are from the Chinese Tang Dynasty. Prasat Prei Monti is older than the three main temples of the Roluos group. In fact this was one of the earliest of all the Angkor temples.
Prasat Prei Monti’s three brick prasats face east, standing on a single platform. Broader, more squat, and less elegant than those of Preah Ko, they are still worth a visit. The central tower is in a state of almost complete ruin. Its sandstone lintel can be seen on the ground slightly to the east. Carvings hint at a style pre-Angkorian
This is a pleasant and quiet spot to spend a few moments away from the crowds, which sometimes dominate the Angkor Temples experience. Many tours miss this one out, giving you opportunities to enjoy sightseeing in peace.
Top Tips whilst visiting Prasat Prei Monti
In Roluos as you approach Bakong, about 300m (1000 ft) away there is a signpost pointing the way to Prasat Prei Monti to the south.
Prasat Prei Monti is better in the morning. There is no ticket policy for paying a visit to this particular attraction.
Previously published:
1: Ak Yom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-1-ak-yom
2: Angkor Thom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-2-angkor-thom
3: Angkor Wat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-3-angkor-wat
4: Bakong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-4-bakong
5: Baksei Chamrong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-5-baksei-chamrong
6: Banteay Kdei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-6-banteay-kdei
7: Banteay Prei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-7-banteay-prei
8: Banteay Samre https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-8-banteay-samre
9: Banteay Srey https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-9-banteay-srey
10: Baphuon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-10-baphuon
11: Bat Chum https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-11-bat-chum
12: Bayon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-12-bayon
13: Beng Mealea https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-13-beng-mealea
14: Chapel of the Hospital https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-14-the-chapel-of-the-hospital
15: Chau Say Tevoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-15-chau-say-tevoda
16: Kbal Spean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-16-kbal-spean
17: The Khleangs https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-17-the-khleangs
18: Krol Ko https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-krol-ko
19: Lolei https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-19-lolei
20: Neak Pean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-neak-pean
21: Phimeanakas https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-21-phimeanakas
22: Phnom Bakheng https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-22-phnom-bakheng
23: https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-templ-guide-23-prasat-kravan
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