Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by king, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and then was finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400-meter heighten mountain at Kon Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District in 25-kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain's valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.
This Angkor-era mountaintop temple is definitely worth a look. At the top are beautiful views of the winding Sangker River set amidst sugar palm trees, rice fields and small villages. To the south you will see a mountain range that features a crocodile shaped mountain. The temple itself is beautiful looking from the ground as well as the top. The structures are pretty much intact, but unfortunately like so many Khmer ruins, they have fallen victim to massive looting. Still, there are some interesting works to see. There are five temple structures, like Angkor, with the middle being the largest. (Use caution around the entrance to the center structure-there is a large hanging block-a headache-in-waiting for some poor soul).
As with Preah Vihear Temple (close to the Thai border in the province of the same name), there are a couple of big guns on the mountaintop next to the ruins. The guns are still pointing down at the surrounding area as they were during the more recent years of the government-Khmer Rouge skirmishes.It's part of the sad irony of Cambodia that a place built for worship, harmony and tranquility was utilized as a place for making war. Looking down the hillside to the southwest you can see more of the ruins. As always, if you go looking around, STAY ON THE WORN PATHWAYS AND TRAILS- there may still be undiscovered landmines.
Being not so far from Battambang Town, Phnom Banan is surely one of the best natural tourism sites mostly during holiday and weekend for family picnic travelling of local people as well as other tourists from different places inside and outside of Cambodia. Tourists usually go there through the road along Sangker River running from Battambang Town or now new road linked national road 57A (old national road Nº 10) to this road in the midway just travelling for the rest to Banan mountain. However, if all tourists travel through the old road along Sangker River, there will be much more good scenery to see like old ancient Khmer-style wooden houses, Sangker River and other side river view, grape orchard, Pursat orange (most famous and tasty fruit of Battambang) orchards, other orchards, pagodas, rice field, and so on. Many sweet Khmer songs of the most famous singers before Pol Pot Regime were written and sung describing the view in this area as well as Phnom Banan. Today, new written songs were also sung describing these views, especially by a new singer born in this area, SON Sreypich. Just a few hours, Phnom Banan could be seen on the right hand side. Driving motorbikes or other vehicles, all tourists would be much more comfortable with local suitable price parking lot. Being in shade, everyone will surely satisfy this trip. Local sellers could provide various delicious local foods to everyone. There are more renting kiosks for tourists to take a rest enjoying picnic with family or friends; tourists could bring food to the mountain top for eat and find a suitable place by yourself. Not only mountain, ancient Khmer temple is here welcoming all travelers to visit and know the history. A special thing here is for everyone to know. This mountain is the strategic area for national defense against the enemy in the past; the underground path was built starting from this mountain to far area of Thailand today. Ancient lakes near mountain are also fascinating with lotus and other green plants. Today this underground path was in the worst condition and could not use anymore. Techo Damden was a national hero linking to the history with this mountain. Being in the top of mountain, all tourists could visit the ancient five-top temple by climbing the repaired stone ladder with ancient Naga and Lion statues at first. Higher and higher under the tree shade, green view of the mountain as well as large green rice field is amazing to see and memorize for life. A bit thirsty, tourists could look back down seeing how many ladders you climb up and you will do feel excited for that. There! On the mountain top, everyone could enjoy seeing the remaining sculpture of this old broken temple and the view around the mountain. You will know how hard ancient architects do to achieve this architectural plan and how hard work local people do to build this stone temple. The efforts of them remain for us as the cultural heritage bringing daily revenues for both local people and country as the whole from national and international tourism. “Taking a relax, coming to Banan mountain and enjoying life with family and friends” “Loving fresh life, having a good environmental protection habit” “Environmental protection could be done by everyone’s efforts plus right place rubbish bin.
