Banteay Chhmar – The Temple of the Cat
Nicknamed the Palace of the Cat due to a legendary feline statue that once stood at its gate, Banteay Chhmar is a hidden treasure of Cambodia’s northwest.
Built in the 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII atop the remnants of an older sanctuary, this sprawling temple complex remained inaccessible until 1999.
Though less grand than the temples of Angkor, its quiet, jungle-cloaked ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Cambodia’s glorious past—without the crowds.