Banteay Chhmar is an Angkorian temple complex located in the northwest of Cambodia, near the border with Thailand. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, who is known for his humanitarian efforts and his extensive building program. The temple is known for its impressive bas-reliefs, which cover the walls of its many galleries and depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as daily life in ancient Cambodia.
Banteay Chhmar is particularly notable for the size and complexity of its bas-reliefs, which are among the most extensive and well-preserved in the Angkor region. The reliefs cover over 50 meters of wall space and depict a wide range of subjects, including the king's military campaigns, religious ceremonies, and scenes of everyday life, such as hunting and fishing. One particularly impressive relief depicts a procession of elephants, each carrying a person or object, including what appears to be a large jar or urn.
The temple complex itself is also impressive, with a central sanctuary surrounded by four smaller shrines, all connected by galleries. The complex was originally surrounded by a moat, and would have been accessed via a causeway that has since been destroyed. Despite its importance, Banteay Chhmar was largely neglected for centuries and has only recently been restored and made more accessible to tourists.