Red brick
Glows at dusk.
Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 3.0 · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marcin Konsek — CC BY-SA 4.0
A pyramid temple mountain that served as King Rajendravarman's state temple, dedicated in 961 or early 962, about a century and a half before Angkor Wat. Built of brick and red laterite with sandstone details, it takes on a warm reddish tone that deepens in low light. A steep stairway climbs to the upper terrace with its five brick towers, from which the flat plain, rice fields and palm trees stretch to the horizon; in the distance stands the East Mebon temple, on the same axis in the middle of the old reservoir. Pre Rup has become a calmer alternative to Phnom Bakheng at sunset, as it stays open until 7 pm, draws fewer visitors and the sun sets over open fields. Entry is with the Angkor Pass: USD 37 for one day, USD 62 for three days within ten, and USD 72 for seven days within a month; children under 12 go free with a passport. Temples are living places of worship: cover shoulders and knees, remove your hat where asked and keep off roped-off stones. The heat is fierce most of the year, so carry water and start early.
Glows at dusk.
Views of the plain.
Over the fields.
South of the East Baray, on the grand circuit
It is far calmer with no visitor cap and the sun sets over open fields, though the stairs are steep.