Rising like a pyramid of brick, Pre Rup was built in the 10th century as a Hindu temple for royal funerals. The name "Pre Rup" means "turning the body" - referring to funeral rituals that happened here long ago. Climbing the steep stairs, it's easy to imagine processions of mourners centuries back bringing their kings here for cremation. Intricate stone carvings of dancing apsaras line the upper tiers. Legend says these celestial dancers entertained the gods who gathered for royal funerals.

From atop Pre Rup one can gaze out at at the vast Angkor terrain. At sunset, Pre Rup's brick towers glow a fiery red-orange - and this is undoubtedly the most popular time to experience the temple. Nowadays Pre Rup is peaceful, but its majestic architecture still conveys its sacred role. Though an ancient place of mourning, Pre Rup remains one of Angkor's stark temples in size, standing tall above the endless trees that surround it.