East Mebon
A 10th-century Hindu temple renowned for its majestic elephant statues and intricate carvings, set on a former island in the East Baray.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid midday heat
East Mebon
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 10th-century Hindu temple renowned for its majestic elephant statues and intricate carvings, set on a former island in the East Baray.
"East Mebon is one of the beautiful and amazing temples, a must-visit if you have time."
🐘 Admire the Elephants
Don't miss the impressive stone elephant statues at the corners of the tiers.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
Carry an umbrella or rain jacket, as showers can be brief but sudden.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Elephant Statues
Corners of the first and second tiers
Imposing two-meter-tall stone elephants guard each corner, a unique and memorable sight.
Intricate Carvings
Temple walls and towers
Discover detailed bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology, including Indra and Shiva.
Tiered Pyramid Structure
Main temple complex
Admire the symbolic representation of Mount Meru with its five towers arranged in a quincunx pattern.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to East Mebon
Understanding East Mebon's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐘 Admire the Elephants
Don't miss the impressive stone elephant statues at the corners of the tiers.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
Carry an umbrella or rain jacket, as showers can be brief but sudden.
🚶♀️ Explore Quiet Corridors
Wander through the peaceful corridors to see carvings up close.
🛍️ Bargain with Vendors
Across the street, vendors offer souvenirs; be prepared to bargain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐘 Admire the Elephants
Don't miss the impressive stone elephant statues at the corners of the tiers.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
Carry an umbrella or rain jacket, as showers can be brief but sudden.
🚶♀️ Explore Quiet Corridors
Wander through the peaceful corridors to see carvings up close.
🛍️ Bargain with Vendors
Across the street, vendors offer souvenirs; be prepared to bargain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate East Mebon for its unique elephant statues and intricate carvings, offering a peaceful escape from the larger crowds. While not a 'must-see' for everyone, its historical significance and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for those with extra time. Some find the repaired sections of the elephant statues noticeable, but overall, the temple is considered a beautiful and amazing site.
"I like the elephants at the corners even though they have been repaired and the concrete or whatever doesn't quite match the original sandstone which would have been fairly easy to achieve using concrete tints, but maybe these weren't available at the time, just being picky, it's of no consequence. I like the way it's out in the open, because it's a nice place to sit and watch the world go by. I agree that it's not on the list of ""must see" temples, but it's a place to see if you have some time, and the vendors across the street are a nice place to relax and have lunch and talk to the ladies, beware of this during the off season for tourists, or you might come away with a lot of extra stuff, especially if you like to bargain."
Greg Ochylski
"Eastern Mebon temple is one of the beautiful and amazing temples, if you have a plan to visit it is the best for you to pin on your plan.
The Eastern Mebon is a 10th-century Hindu temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. It was built during the reign of King Rajendravarman II and is renowned for its unique location and impressive architecture.
The temple was originally built on a man-made island in the center of the vast East Baray, a now-dry water reservoir. It was only accessible by boat, and four stone landing stages can still be seen at its base. The East Baray (also called Yasodharatataka) was a crucial part of the ancient Khmer water management system. The temple was dedicated in 953 CE to the Hindu god Shiva and was built to honor the king's parents. Its design, with five towers on a tiered pyramid, symbolically represents Mount Meru, the sacred mountain and home of the gods in Hindu mythology. The central tower housed a lingam, a symbol of Shiva.
The Eastern Mebon is part of a larger, carefully planned architectural alignment. It sits on a north-south axis with Pre Rup, Rajendravarman II's state temple, and on an east-west axis with the palace temple Phimeanakas.
The temple is constructed from a combination of laterite, brick, and sandstone, with stucco decorations that are now largely gone. The use of brick for the towers is a characteristic of this period of Khmer architecture.
The temple has a stepped-pyramid structure with three levels, surrounded by two enclosing walls.
One of the most distinctive and well-preserved features of the Eastern Mebon are the two-meter-tall stone elephant statues that stand at each corner of the first and second tiers. The temple features intricate carvings and bas-reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Notable carvings include the god Indra riding his three-headed elephant, Airavata, and Shiva riding his sacred bull, Nandi.
The five towers on the highest platform are arranged in a quincunx pattern (one in the center and four at the corners), symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Meru. The central tower is the largest and most significant."
Seng Pheng
"Even on a rainy day nice temple to see with elephants in each corner. Usually rain will not last very long but be prepared and rather have an umbrella or a rain jacket with you."
Stevo T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
East Mebon is typically visited as part of the 'Grand Circuit' tour in the Angkor Archaeological Park. You can hire a tuk-tuk or car for the day to take you to East Mebon and other nearby temples like Pre Rup and Ta Som.
East Mebon is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, about a 30-40 minute drive from Siem Reap, depending on traffic and your starting point.
Cycling is possible, but it's a longer ride and can be very hot. Many visitors opt for tuk-tuks or cars for comfort, especially if visiting multiple temples.
The best way to experience East Mebon is by including it in a guided tour of the Angkor temples, particularly the Grand Circuit, to understand its historical context.
Historically, East Mebon was on an island in the East Baray and accessible by boat. Today, the reservoir is dry, and it's accessed by road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, East Mebon is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park and requires an Angkor Pass for entry. Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days.
The cost is covered by your Angkor Pass. Individual temple entry fees are not separate.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, including East Mebon, is generally open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
No, you must purchase your Angkor Pass from the official ticket center before entering the park.
Compared to major temples like Angkor Wat or Bayon, East Mebon is significantly less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
East Mebon is known for its impressive elephant statues at the corners, intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology, and its unique tiered pyramid structure symbolizing Mount Meru.
A visit to East Mebon typically takes about 30-60 minutes, allowing time to explore the main structures and appreciate the details.
Yes, East Mebon offers great photographic opportunities, especially with the elephant statues and the architectural details. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal.
You can hire licensed guides at the main entrance to the Angkor Archaeological Park or arrange one through your tour operator for a more in-depth understanding of the temple's history.
East Mebon is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, built on an artificial island in the East Baray reservoir. It was a significant religious and architectural site during the Khmer Empire.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the East Mebon temple complex. However, vendors across the street offer food and drinks.
Vendors across the street from East Mebon offer local dishes and refreshments. For more options, you'll find restaurants in Siem Reap or at other temple sites.
You can find local Cambodian dishes, snacks, and drinks from the vendors near the temple.
Many visitors find the vendors across the street a convenient and pleasant place to relax and have lunch. It's a good opportunity to interact with locals.
It's always a good idea to carry water, especially during hot weather. You can also purchase refreshments from the vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The elephant statues at the corners of the tiers are iconic. Also, focus on the intricate carvings and the overall tiered structure for compelling shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warmer atmosphere.
Drone usage is generally restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park to preserve the historical sites and for safety reasons. Check current regulations.
Standard photography is allowed. However, avoid using flash inside enclosed areas where it might damage ancient artwork, and be respectful of other visitors.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for the overall structures and a macro lens for detailed carvings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the open grounds allow for some freedom. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The vendors across the street can be a good spot for a quick, casual lunch break. Consider a tuk-tuk for comfortable transport between sites.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
You can easily explore at your own pace, taking time to admire the intricate carvings and the unique elephant guardians. The vendors across the street provide a friendly opportunity to interact with locals and perhaps enjoy a simple meal. Hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is an efficient way to navigate the temple circuit.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the detailed bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. The tiered pyramid structure provides excellent opportunities for wide-angle shots. Visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) will enhance the textures and colors of the sandstone and laterite.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of East Mebon
The temple is primarily built from laterite and brick, with sandstone used for key decorative elements and carvings. The towers, a characteristic feature of Khmer architecture from this period, are particularly noteworthy. The arrangement of the five towers in a quincunx pattern (one central, four at the corners) further reinforces the symbolism of Mount Meru's five peaks.
Visitors are often struck by the temple's grandeur, even with the passage of time. The intricate carvings, though weathered, still tell stories from Hindu mythology, and the imposing elephant statues at the corners add a distinct visual element. The temple's location, once accessible only by boat, adds a layer of historical intrigue to its exploration.
Symbolism and Deities at East Mebon
The temple's iconography is rich with depictions from Hindu mythology. Look for carvings of Indra, the king of the gods, riding his three-headed elephant Airavata, and Shiva himself accompanied by his sacred bull, Nandi. These detailed bas-reliefs offer a glimpse into the religious narratives and artistic expressions of the era.
The overall design of East Mebon, with its tiered structure and central sanctuary, is a microcosm of the Hindu universe. The temple's alignment with other significant structures like Pre Rup and Phimeanakas also speaks to a larger, carefully planned urban and religious landscape within the Angkor complex.
The East Baray and Water Management
The temple's construction on an island in the center of the East Baray was a deliberate architectural choice, signifying its importance and perhaps its role as a symbolic representation of Mount Meru rising from the cosmic ocean. The four stone landing stages visible at its base are remnants of its former aquatic access, a stark contrast to its current dry state.
Understanding the East Baray's function provides a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity of the Khmer civilization. The ability to construct and maintain such vast hydraulic systems allowed for the flourishing of their empire, and temples like East Mebon were integral parts of this grand design, often serving religious and symbolic purposes related to water and fertility.
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