Wat Banan

If you're not all templed out from going to Angkor, then this is an excellent place to visit. The temple pre-dates Angkor at around 10th century and is believed to be a modest prototype for Angkor Wat. It sits on top of a plateau reached by 350+ steep steps, meaning it's good exercise and you're likely to get a sweat on! If you don't bring any water, you can buy it at the bottom and on the way up. Once you reach the top, there are five ancient ruin towers, which are well tended to with some lovely surrounding foliage. It 's nice to walk among the reasonably quiet ruins and has a great commanding view of the surrounding province. You can also stay to have a nice well-earned lunch at one of the many bamboo huts, with hammocks overlooking a pond. The entrance fee is US$3 if there is somebody there to collect it. It's a 20-minute drive from Battambang via moto or tuk-tuk, $5 return trip. *TIP* - Go earlier in the morning to avoid the midday heat. A sunhat and of course sunscreen are a good idea, as there isn't much shade as you walk up.