Wat Athvea Temple

Wat Althea, also called Prasat Vat Althea, is a 12th-century Hindu temple at Angkor, Cambodia with an active Buddhist temple and cemetery located adjacent to the walled ancient structure. It is located 6 km. south of Siem Reap just west of the road leading to the Tonle Sap.

The temple's design and the distinctive style of its devata (sacred female images) indicate that it was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II (circa 1115-1150 AD), who also built Angkor Wat

The temple itself is reasonably large and after being restored is in very good condition. Built during the reign of Suryavarman II, Wat Athvea bears a passing resemblance to Banteay Samre and easily identifiable with the Angkor Wat period, though it is devoid of any reliefs except for a couple of lonely apsaras. It also features a large laterite enclosure wall with sandstone gopuras and towers in the Angkor Wat style.

South of the city centre, Wat Athvea is an attractive pagoda on the site of an ancient temple. The old temple is still in very good condition and sees far fewer visitors than the main temples in the Angkor area, making it a peaceful spot in the late afternoon.