  Thommanon Temple, Angkor
Thommanon is a small yet elegant Angkor temple, built by the same king that gave us the majestic Angkor Wat. From studying the carvings of the devatas in Thommanon, scholars have concluded that it was built around the time when work on Angkor Wat was begun. The style and experience in Thommanon have allowed the architects to create the more elaborate and complex Angkor Wat and Banteay Samre.
Thommanon is a single-towered temple. Its central sanctuary faces east. Entering from the east, visitors passes through a gopura, followed by a mandapa, or antechamber, before arriving at the central sanctuary which is topped by a prasat, or tower. Thommanon underwent a full restoration in the 1960s, when the French restorers added concrete ceilings.
Thommanon
I explored Thommanon between exploring Ta Nei and Chau Say Tevoda. Thommanon is often paired with Chau Say Tevoda across the road as both were built by Suryavarman II, and both are almost similar in style.
Construction Details
Built in the late 11th to first half of the 12th century
How to reach Thommanon
Thommanon, which is directly opposite Chau Say Tevoda, can be approached from Angkor Thom, or coming from the opposite direction, from Ta Keo. It is just 500 meters east of the Victory Gate on the way to Ta Keo. Although Thommanon is not a major landmark, it is worth stopping to check it out as I can say it is beautiful. However, I can't say for sure whether your tuk tuk driver will know when to stop. So you need to be on the look out yourself.
Thommanon from the roadside.
The West Gopura (left) and Central Sanctuary (right) of Thommanon.
The Library (left), Mandapa (centre) and East Gopura (right) of Thommanon.
The antechamber, called Mandapa, of Thommanon.
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