East Mebon is a 10th-century Hindu temple-mountain built on what was once an island in the centre of the East Baray, the huge reservoir that provided water for the eastern Angkor complex. Built by Rajendravarman II in 952 AD, it is dedicated to Shiva and closely resembles Pre Rup — both were designed by the same architect. The stone elephants at the corners of each level are among the best-preserved animal sculptures at Angkor, and the brick towers have good surviving carved decoration.
The temple sits slightly north of the main Angkor circuit and sees fewer visitors than the central group, which makes it a pleasant alternative to the crowds. The dry baray surrounding it stretches flat in all directions, and it takes an effort of imagination to picture the whole structure rising from a vast sheet of water, approached by ceremonial causeways — but it is worth trying. East Mebon and Pre Rup are logical companions on a half-day exploring the eastern Angkor area.