Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom

The largest site in the Angkor Archaeological Park, the name Angkor Thom means Big Angkor. It is a huge walled city with a moat, and was the last great capital of the Angkorian Empire. When Jayavarman VII defeated the Cham invaders in 1181, and recaptured the Angkorian capital, he instituted a massive building program throughout the empire. He constructed Angkor Thom as the new capital city, and encompassed the already existing temples of Baphuon and Phimeanakas. At its zenith, it is estimated that the city had a population of almost one million.

Inside Angkor Thom are some of the some of the most impressive temples of the Angkorian period. To enter the city, one has to pass through one of the five huge entrance gates. There is a gate at each of the four points of the compass (north, east, south, and west), plus the so-called Victory Gate, which leads to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is topped by four giant faces, and the bridges leading to the gates are lined with statues of gods and spirits. Angkor Thom contains the famous temple of Bayon, and other important sites.

Construction Period: Late 12th to Early 13th century C.E. 
Religion: Buddhist 
Built by: King Jayavarman VII 
Building Style: Bayon

Remarks: Contact us if you'd like to visit this temple. We can customize a tour for you. 

Banteay Samre

Built in the distinctive Angkor Wat-style of construction and art, this is a large, relatively low-rise temple. It was built around the same time as Angkor Wat, and the influence can seen in the towers and railings which strongly resemble the towers of Angkor Wat, and it also resembles the ancient Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand. and most of the bas-relief carvings are in very good condition. The temple has been extensively restored by archaeologists by completely taking it apart, and then reconstructing it.

To get to Banteay Samre, you need to take a road through villages and paddies to the eastern end of the East Baray. A visit to Banteay Samre is often combined with a visit to Banteay Srey.

Location: near the southeast corner of the East Baray
Construction period: Mid 12th century C.E. 
Religion: Hindu 
Built by: King Suryavarman II 
Building Style: Angkor Wat

Remarks: Contact us if you'd like to visit this temple. We can customize a tour for you.