Cambodia Temple #21: Wat Athvea Temple

Wat Athvea, called in Khmer "Prasat Vat Athvea", is a twelfth century Hindu temple at Angkor, Cambodia with a dynamic Buddhist temple and burial ground situated next to the walled ancient structure. It is located 6 kilometers south of Siem Reap just west of the road going to the Tonle Sap. The temple's design and the particular style of its devata (holy female pictures) show that it was constructed amid the reign of King Suryavarman II (around 1115-1150 AD), who additionally constructed Angkor Wat.

Despite lacking carvings, this laterite and sandstone temple is still in generally good condition. Constructed amid the reign of Suryavarman II, Wat Athvea looks to some extent like Banteay Samre and effectively identifiable with the Angkor Wat period, however it is without any reliefs aside from two or three lonely Apsaras. It likewise includes an expansive laterite enclosure wall with sandstone gopuras and towers in the Angkor Wat style. This temple appears to have been left incomplete as prove to some degree by the lack of carvings. Some of the Apsara carvings were abandoned half finished. It is by a active Wat (or pagoda) of a similar name. Situated 7 kilometers south of town, 200 meters off the main road from town to the Tonle Sap. Search for a white solid arch or sign at the side road to the Wat. For a countryside sunset, follow the road for a kilometer or two past the Wat. Palm trees and small huts lining the road open to rice paddies and Phnom Krom on the horizon.

Wat Athvea isn't nearly as touristy as many of the other temples of the Angkor complex, despite the fact that it's one of the better maintained temples. Guests searching for a peaceful place to take photographs without the group can undoubtedly do so here, especially in the late afternoon when it's at its quietest.