Prasat Prei Monti is the fourth monument of the Roluos complex, formerly the capital of the Khmer empire in the 9th century known as Harharalaya. Less well-known and less visited than its neighbours, it nonetheless holds a key place in the history of Khmer art: it is the first great monument attributed to the Angkorian empire, built before Preah Ko (880), Bakong and Lolei.

Why visit Prasat Prei Monti?

The site appeals less for its state of preservation, which is quite partial, than for what it represents in Khmer chronology. It marks a pivotal moment between the founding of the empire by Jayavarman II in 802 and the architectural flourishing of the great sanctuaries of Roluos. The number of visitors remains very low, making it a peaceful stop for travellers interested in the origins of Angkorian art rather than spectacular monuments.

The remains are modest but eloquent: three laterite towers, ornate lintels and the footprint of an ancient royal palace now long gone. It is a useful complement to visiting the other temples of the Roluos group, and a site frequently included in off-the-beaten-path circuits around Angkor.

History of Prei Monti

The construction of Prei Monti remains imprecise. It is attributed to King Jayavarman III, successor to Jayavarman II, who founded the Khmer empire in 802. Jayavarman III reigned from 834 to 877, leaving a less marked imprint than his predecessor. The sanctuary is nonetheless considered the first great monument attributed to the Angkorian empire, a claim that deserves to be nuanced: certain structures on Phnom Kulen, which predate it, are also associated with the early Angkorian period.

Prei Monti was built within the royal palace enclosure, itself long since destroyed. At the time, such residential or ceremonial buildings were built predominantly in wood or bamboo, perishable materials that left no trace on the ground. Only the laterite sanctuary, more durable, has survived the centuries. Ceramic pieces from the Chinese Tang dynasty and various luxury products have been found in the area, strengthening the hypothesis of a reception and entertainment venue associated with a royal palace.

The ornate lintels still in place play an important role in research: their style helps to date the construction and clarify its context, in a period when written sources are rare.

What to see on the site?

The three laterite towers

Only three laterite towers remain today, heavily damaged, built on the same platform. They most likely correspond to the ancient sanctuary. The bases of the buildings are the best-preserved elements, which is common for constructions dating back to the late 9th century.

The carved lintels

Several ornate lintels survive around the towers. Their iconography and style connect the whole to the earliest productions of Angkorian Khmer art and constitute the most interesting element to observe on site.

Geographic alignment

The sanctuary presents a notable feature, though widespread at Angkor: it is aligned on an exact north-south axis with the northern sanctuary of Preah Ko, built shortly after. This axis is moreover parallel to the one connecting the Lolei sanctuary north to south and the Bakong state temple. This logic of ruler-straight placement will be found later at Angkor, for example with the Eastern Mebon linked to Pre Rup on a north-south axis, itself linked to the Western Mebon on an east-west axis.

Practical information

• Location: Roluos group, about fifteen kilometres east of Siem Reap.
• Access: tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap. The site is slightly off the main temples of the group; a local guide will help you find it.
• Site condition: partial ruins, no tourist facilities. Closed-toe shoes recommended.
• Duration of visit: allow 20 to 30 minutes on site.
• Ticket: access is included in the Angkor pass, essential for visiting the entire Roluos group.
• When to visit: morning after sunrise remains the most pleasant time, with raking light and virtually no crowds.

What to see nearby

Prei Monti is logically visited with the other temples of the Roluos group: Preah Ko, just next door, Bakong, the first Khmer temple-mountain, and Lolei. To further explore early Khmer art, the Bayon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants, which are later, offer an illuminating contrast with the sobriety of the origins visible at Roluos.

Include Prei Monti in your trip

Prasat Prei Monti naturally fits into an itinerary centred on the temples of Angkor and their predecessors. Our advisers design tailor-made itineraries including the Roluos group for travellers who wish to understand the origins of the Khmer empire before approaching the major sites. Discover our trips to Cambodia to prepare your stay.