A Peaceful Morning at Pre Rup Temple – My Green Season Visit

Location, History & Temple Style

Pre Rup Temple is located in Angkor Archaeological Park, just about 10 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap town. It stands close to East Mebon and is often visited after sunrise at Angkor Wat or Banteay Kdei.

This temple was built in 961 AD during the reign of King Rajendravarman II and served as the state temple of the king. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and represents the classic temple-mountain style of Khmer architecture. The temple’s name, “Pre Rup,” means “turn the body”, and it is believed that the site may have once been used for funerary rituals.

Constructed from laterite, sandstone, and brick, the temple’s central pyramid is surrounded by smaller towers, giving a majestic view when seen from a distance. At sunrise and sunset, the red stones glow warmly, making it a favorite spot for photography.

My Experience

This morning, I arrived at Pre Rup at 7:30 AM, carrying my favorite iced latte coffee. The sky was heavy with rain clouds, a reminder that the green season has come early this year. I walked quietly to the southeast corner of the temple grounds and found a wooden chair placed under a tall tree.

From there, I could see the temple’s towers rising above the trees, a timeless reminder of Khmer heritage. Although Pre Rup Temple is located close to the main road, it’s not completely quiet — you can hear the occasional motorbike or car passing by. There weren’t many birds singing, but the cloudy sky, light breeze, and peaceful view still gave a calm and grounding feeling.

It was a peaceful Sunday morning, and with my iced coffee in hand, I sat back and simply enjoyed the moment. Even during the green season, when everything is turning lush and vibrant, the real beauty of the temple lies in just being present — rain clouds above, ancient stones in front, and time slowing down for a while.

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How to Get There

Pre Rup is accessible in several ways, depending on your preference and travel style:
Cycling: Ideal for adventurous travelers. From Siem Reap town, it takes about 45–60 minutes by bicycle. The route is flat and scenic, passing small villages and rice fields.
Motorbike or Scooter: A great option for freedom and speed. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Remember to wear a helmet and follow local traffic laws.
Car or Tuk-Tuk: This is the most comfortable way, especially if you plan to visit multiple temples. Most tuk-tuk drivers in town offer full-day temple tours and know the route well.

Note: Pre Rup is included in the Angkor Pass, so don’t forget to bring your ticket!

Map of Pre Rub Temple

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best time to visit Pre Rup?
A: Early morning or late afternoon is best for cooler weather and beautiful lighting. Sunrise and sunset are popular times, but the temple is also quiet and lovely on cloudy or rainy mornings.

Q: Is Pre Rup good for photography?
A: Yes! The temple’s elevated platform offers great views of the surrounding jungle, and the red bricks look stunning in soft morning light or when wet from rain.

Q: Are there places to sit and relax at Pre Rup?
A: Yes, you can find quiet spots around the temple, especially near the southeast corner. Some shaded areas under trees have wooden chairs or rocks to rest on.

Q: Can I bring food or drinks?
A: It’s okay to bring a drink like coffee or water, but please avoid eating or leaving trash around the temple. Help keep the area clean and respectful.

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