Tucked away in the forests east of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, Prasat Kravan is a 10th century Hindu temple constructed under the rule of the Khmer king Harshavarman I. The five brick sanctuaries of Prasat Kravan were dedicated to Vishnu and served as a place of worship rather than for royal ceremonies. The structures feature striking carvings of Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi in various forms, set upon beautifully preserved bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu texts. According to local folklore, Prasat Kravan was named after the five mountain peaks said to resemble its tower silhouettes at sunset. Another legend claims the sanctuary chambers were constructed from bricks shaped bycelestial Apsaras, which gave them their perfect carved forms. While these tales cannot be verified, they speak to the air of mysticism surrounding remote Prasat Kravan.

Today, the peaceful Prasat Kravan sees few visitors compared to Angkor's grand temples, allowing one to reflect on the site's spiritual purpose. The elegant brick towers blend harmoniously with the surrounding forest. Wandering around Kravan at sunrise or sunset offers a glimpse of the sanctuary's original atmosphere and striking silhouette. Though smaller in scale than Angkor Wat, Prasat Kravan has an enduring majesty rooted in its religious heritage and serenity. It is often the last visited temple in the small circuit, though on our experience, the circuit should be taken in reverse, starting in the smaller Prasat Kravan until gradually ending in the grandest temples such as Bayon and Angkor (while also avoiding the crowds).