Char Temple

Prasat Char (Khmer: ប្រាសាទ​ចា), or Prasat Cha, is a 10th-century site located north of the West Baray in Siem Reap. It is a small but interesting site with two mostly fallen and one partially upright tower located on a raised mound and surrounded by a large moat with an entrance from the east.

The three towers, aligned north-south and opening to the east, share a common laterite stone raised pedestal-like base with each tower being constructed of a mix of laterite in the walls and ornate sandstone for the base, pilasters, and doorframes. Also interesting is that the central tower is lined with bricks on the inside, rather than laterite blocks, perhaps from early restoration work, or, it was perhaps the site of an even earlier temple with components reused. A large mound of bricks is also seen at the rear of the three towers. Albeit in ruin today, this would have been a very ornate temple with rich detail as seen in the sandstone base, pilasters, and scattered blocks.

The center tower features an inscription (given the reference K.257) on the doorway dating to the era of King Jayavarman V stating land allocation for the establishment of villages and temples.

The central tower’s collapse must have been quite catastrophic with massive stone blocks strewn for meters as if they were spat out like mere popcorn. You can also spot a stone statue pedestal in one tower along scattered around along with various carved stone pieces scattered around. An array of sandstone mini-prasats are also seen at the site.

You can reach here by moto or bike, taking a dirt road that comes off the Korean Ring Road. In 2021 that road was in good condition. I am unsure whether a car would be able to take this route as there is one bridge that is quite narrow.