Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of Cambodia’s national treasures. Dating from the Angkorian period, it is a precious and irreplaceable link to the cultural heritage of the Khmer people.   There are countless Buddhist images and startling bas-reliefs of Angkorian-era life that signify its importance as a temple complex.
For 800 years, the temple has remained mostly undiscovered and untouched.  The forces of nature resulting in overgrowth and collapse. Recent times, unfortunately, have seen numerous acts of egregious looting.