Title

Khmer architecture style

Uncommon
4.5/5(Based on 7 heritage sites)
DescriptionKhmer architecture, prevalent in Southeast Asia, showcases intricate carvings, towering prasats, and barays, reflecting a blend of Hindu-Buddhist cosmology and royal power.
Also Known As
Khmer Baphuon to Angkor Wat Style Mahayana Buddhist-Shaiva Hindu Synthesis
Khmer Temple Architecture
Baphuon Style
Angkor Wat Style
Mahayana Buddhist Architecture
Shaiva Hindu Architecture
Southeast Asian Prasat Design
Dvaravati Influences
Khmer Baphuon Style Hindu Temple Architecture with Water Cosmology
Hindu Cosmology
Water Architecture
Mount Meru Symbolism
Khmer Baphuon Style Hindu Shiva Temple Architecture
Hindu Shiva Temple Design
Khmer Angkor Wat Style Brick
Stucco Hindu Temple Architecture
Brick Architecture
Stucco Art
Hindu Temple Design
Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural
Iconographic Influences
Indian Hindu Temple Architecture
Indian Shiva Temple Design
Indian Hindu Iconography
Khmer Temple Design
Indian Cosmological Planning
Khmer Mahayana Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Indian Buddhist
Hindu Iconographic Influences
Indian Buddhist Monastery Architecture
Indian Buddhist Iconography
Tags
Prasat
Gopura
Mandapa
Meru
Devaraja
Angkor
Temple architecture
Sandstone carving
Khmer art
Religious architecture
Naga
Devata
Apsara
Baray
Mount Meru
Khmer
Sandstone
Laterite
Temple Mountain
Lintel
Style ID
INHF-STY-9481530554-09:46:24:30:09:19:KAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/khmer-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/khmer-architecture-style
Total Sites7
Primary Sites2
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

View on Wikidata

Regions

Regions
Cambodia
Thailand
Laos
Southeast Asia
Thailand (influenced)
Laos (influenced)
Vietnam (influenced)
Vietnam

Historical Context

Time Periods
9th-15th Century CE
9th-15th centuries CE
9th-15th century CE
Dynasties
Khmer Empire

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Hindu Temples
Buddhist Temples
Hindu temples
Buddhist temples
Buddhist monasteries
Royal complexes
Royal temples
Associated Deities
Shiva
Vishnu
Buddha
Lokeshvara
Brahma
Bodhisattvas
Harihara

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Sandstone
Laterite
Brick
Stucco
Architectural Features
Prasat Towers
Gopuras
Barays
Relief Carvings
Naga Balustrades
Enclosures
Barays (reservoirs)
Intricate bas-reliefs
Temple mountains
Prasats
Moats
Bas-reliefs
Lintels
Nagas
Prasat towers
Elaborate carvings
Axial planning
Prasat (temple mountain)
Gopura (gateway)
Apsaras
Devatas
Libraries
Pediments

Keywords

Keywords
Prasat
Gopura
Mandapa
Meru
Devaraja
Angkor
Temple architecture
Sandstone carving
Khmer art
Religious architecture
Naga
Devata
Apsara
Baray
Mount Meru
Khmer
Sandstone
Laterite
Temple Mountain
Lintel

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Art and Architecture of CambodiaBookComprehensive overview of Khmer architectural development.
Angkor: Heart of an Asian EmpirebookExplores the history and architecture of Angkor.
A History of CambodiaBook
Ancient AngkorBookGeneral overview of Khmer architecture.

See Also

Related Materials

Sandstone
Laterite
Brick
Stucco

Related Features

Prasat Towers
Gopuras
Barays
Relief Carvings
Naga Balustrades
Enclosures
Barays (reservoirs)
Intricate bas-reliefs
Temple mountains
Prasats
Moats
Bas-reliefs
Lintels
Nagas
Prasat towers
Elaborate carvings
Axial planning
Prasat (temple mountain)
Gopura (gateway)
Apsaras
Devatas
Libraries
Pediments
Browse all architectural styles →

How to Identify Khmer architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Prasat Towers, Gopuras, Barays.
  2. Verify geographic location: Khmer architecture style architecture is typically found in Cambodia and Thailand.
  3. Examine construction materials: Khmer architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Laterite.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 9th-15th Century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 7 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions