Prasat Chrung: The Corner Temples of Angkor Thom

History and Significance

Prasat Chrung, meaning “corner temple,” refers to four small stone sanctuaries built by King Jayavarman VII at each corner of Angkor Thom. Each temple sits where the city’s massive laterite walls meet the surrounding moat, symbolically guarding the royal enclosure. Inscriptions found at the sites record the king’s public works and Buddhist dedications, offering rare contemporary insight into life in the 12th-century Khmer capital.

What to See and Do

Each Prasat Chrung features a central tower on a raised platform, surrounded by a narrow moat crossed by a short causeway. Look for the well-preserved lintels and pediments carved with scenes from Buddhist and Hindu stories. The northeast and southeast temples are easiest to reach on foot from the Bayon; the northwest and southwest require a short walk or drive along the outer wall. Visitors often combine a visit with a slow circuit of the 12-kilometer perimeter path, stopping to photograph the wall’s elephant carvings and the wide moat reflections at sunrise or late afternoon.

How to Get There

Prasat Chrung lies inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, roughly 6 kilometers north of Siem Reap town. Most travelers hire a tuk-tuk or bicycle for the day and enter through the South Gate of Angkor Thom. From the Bayon, the northeast Prasat Chrung is about a 15-minute walk along the eastern wall. Drivers can continue around the outer road to reach the other three corners without backtracking. A one-day Angkor pass covers all four sites.

Best Time to Visit

The coolest and driest months, November through February, provide the most comfortable conditions for walking the shaded wall paths. Early morning visits avoid both heat and tour groups; late afternoon offers softer light for photography and the chance to watch birds over the moat. Rainy-season visits (June–October) are possible but expect muddy trails and fewer open viewpoints.

Nearby Attractions

Prasat Chrung forms a natural loop with other Angkor Thom highlights. From the northeast corner you can continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King Terrace. The northwest corner sits near the western entrance to the Royal Palace enclosure and the Baphuon temple. Many visitors finish the circuit at the South Gate before heading to nearby Ta Prohm or Angkor Wat.