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.

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THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE NEAR SIEM REAP

With the capital of the Khmer Empire being situated at Angkor for some 500 years, there are a wealth of ancient temples and other sites near Siem Reap Town. Most of these sites are in and around the Angkor Archaeological Park. The largest and most significant ruins of the Angkorian Empire are found just to the north of the municipality of Siem Reap, and thus has grown into a tourist oriented town. It is the base from which most visitors explore the temples of Angkor.

The ruins and restored sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and form part of the largest pre-industrial city in the world.

Depending on how you count them, there are some 50 Hindi and Buddhist temples and other sites near Siem Reap, with another 10 major sites further away.

Unfortunately, due to the ravages of time and conflicts, some sites are ruined and not in good condition, but even these crumbling sites are fascinating to visit, and provide a glimpse into the distant past. We have provided descriptions of some the more important sites you may wish to visit.

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Angkor - Some Amazing Facts

• Built from 879-1191 AD at the zenith of the Khmer civilisation, the temples represent one of the world's most amazing and enduring architectural achievements.
• Angkor had a population of over one million, and was the spiritual centre for the Khmers until it was abandoned after being sacked by the Thais in 1431. The ruling Khmer God-kings controlled a vast territory in the twelfth century, extending south, to the Mekong delta in present-day Vietnam, north into Laos, and west over large tracts of what is now Thailand. In its heyday, 1.
• The surviving structures today are but a fraction of the whole stunning picture, which included a huge city whose wooden buildings - houses, markets, shops, palaces, and public buildings - have long since been destroyed by war and time.
• The best preserved, and most visited, are Angkor Wat, the Bayon, and Ta Prohm, which were first restored by the French, who established an Angkor Conservancy in 1908.

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Good to Know & What not to Miss

Good to Know & What not to Miss

• The amazing structure as a whole is best viewed in soft light. The best lighting conditions are after 14:00, and other than sunrise viewing, the first visit should not be made in the morning.
• Guided tours usually start with the bas-reliefs that cover the first level exterior wall, and which are perhaps the most beautifully done, and follow them around the temple in a counterclockwise direction.
• A popular location for sunrise viewing is the northern reflecting pool. You will need to get there early before sunrise starts, as the most beautiful colors are just before the sun breaks over the horizon.
• When the sun comes up behind Angkor Wat, it will give a silhouette of the distinctive shape of the towers of Angkor Wat against a beautifully coloured sky.

Opening Hours: Angkor Wat is open from 05:00 to 18:00. Other temple sites close earlier: Banteay Srey closes at 17:00, and Kbal Spean closes at 15:00.

Temple Admission Passes

To visit temples and other sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park, you must have a valid admission pass, called an 'Angkor Pass'. Admission passes are purchased at the main entrance located on the road to Angkor Wat, and one-day passes can be obtained at the secondary entrance gate on the road from the airport.

The cost of the passes are $20 for a one-day pass, $40 for a three-day pass, and $60 for a seven-day pass. A three-day pass is valid for any three days within a one week period, and a seven-day pass is valid for any seven days within a one month period. For three-day and seven-day passes, a passport-sized photo is required when buying the pass. For those without a photo, they will take your photo for free, but it can take awhile if there are many visitors buying passes.

If you visit Angkor for only one day, you will only be able to take cursory visits to see the most famous temples (i.e. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom) but not much else. A three-day visit is enough time to explore the main temples, and some of the minor sites, and have some time to explore a few temple sites in depth. A seven-day itinerary will allow you ample time to thoroughly explore all the main temple ruins, visit many of the minor sites, and have time to visit a remote temple site.

You will need to always carry your temple pass with you because you will have to show it each time you enter the park, and when entering major temples. If you don’t have a valid pass while inside the park, or when visiting a temple, you can be subject to a fine. A regular temple pass is not required for remote sites, but some sites have their own admission fees: Phnom Kulen ($20), Koh Ker ($10), Beng Melea ($5).

Guides to the Temple

A guide is not required to visit Angkor Wat, or to any of the other ancient sites, and a self-tour can be done with a good guidebook, but you will get much more out of your visit to this magnificent treasure with the explanation of a competent guide. Because of the sheer size Angkor Wat, and the extraordinary number of bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology, and the thousands of apsara carvings throughout the temple, it is highly recommended that you have a knowledgeable guide. Guides can be hired that speak languages other than English (i.e. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, etc.)

What to Bring & How to Dress

Because of the heat and humidity in Cambodia, and because the tropical sun can be quite fierce, you should wear light clothing that will still protect you from the sun. Remember that you will be walking around in the sun for the better part of the day, and you are well-advised to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In the rainy season you will need a raincoat, and/or an umbrella. Those who are really into temple exploring, will want to also bring a notebook, and a flashlight. For sunrise and sunset tours, the use of mosquito repellent is highly advisable.

Since you will be walking over uneven and rough terrain, and climbing up and down steep and narrow steps, a pair of sturdy walking shoes is essential. Open-toed sandals are acceptable as long as they are the type that fasten around the heel. Flip-flops and high-heels are a definite no go.

Vendors in the Angkor Archaeological Park complex, and at temple entrances, sell items such as guidebooks, snacks, souvenirs, and postcards.

How to get to the Temples

There are two basic ways visitors get to the temples. One way is by a tour organized by a tour company, the other way is a do-it-yourself tour. Most all tours to Siem Reap include at least one visit to the Angkor temples. For independent travelers, hotels and guesthouse all offer tours to the temples.

Depending on the size of the group, transportation can be by bus, mini van, or tuk-tuk. For real hard-core independent types, you can visit the temples on the back of a motorbike. In recent years, cycling to, and around the temples has become increasingly popular. It may not look like it on the map, but the temples are a bit too far apart to comfortably visit them on foot. Although for intrepid hikers who have the time, several temples can be visited in this way.

Temple Itineraries

The Angkor Archaeological Park complex encompasses some 400 square km., and contains dozens of temple ruins. The ancient temples and other sites exhibit several different architectural and artistic styles, and range from those sites that are in good condition to those sites that are in ruins and at which there is not much there.

Most visitors have only a limited amount of time to explore the temples, and to make the most of your visit, you will need to a temple itinerary. The scope of the itinerary will depend on how much time you have, your personal interests, and your budget.

We provide several comprehensive temple itineraries of varying lengths, and designed to suit your interests. Please see the suggested itineraries below.

Read More

Highlights and Features of Angkor Wat

Highlights and Features of Angkor Wat

• The temple itself is approx. 1 km square and consists of three levels.
• The inside and outside walls of the temple are adorned with bas-reliefs and carvings. The bas-relief carving on the exterior walls of the lower level are especially exceptional.
• There are carvings of almost 2,000 Apsaras (celestial dancers) and are some of the best examples of Angkorian carving.
• Just about every surface in the maze of chambers and courtyards is decorated with carved bas-relief scenes of, wars, everyday life, and Hindu legends.
• Angkor was the spiritual centre of the Khmer Kingdom until it was abandoned after being sacked by Siam in 1431.
• The exterior wall surrounding Angkor Wat measures 1300 meters x 1500 meters.
• The surviving stone structures seen today are only a part of what used to exist at Angkor. There was also an enormous, thriving city of wooden houses, markets, shops, palaces, and public buildings. Unfortunately, the city has long since disappeared through the ravages of time and war.
• It was the French who established the Angkor Conservancy in 1908, and they were first to restore the temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
• Although Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple, it has been a Buddhist temple since the 14th century when Buddhism became the dominant religion.
• On the south wall are scenes of heaven and hell, and depictions of the Hindu ‘Churning of the Ocean Milk’ are on the east wall.
• The interior of the temple is not as heavily carved as the first level exterior, but it still contains a great many excellent carvings of Apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology.
• The main tower on the third level is the top-most part of the tour of the temple, and this tower contains four Buddha statues with each statue facing a different point on the compass.
• It is believed by some that it will bring good luck to pay respect to the four Buddha images before leaving the temple.

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ANGKOR WAT

Angkor Wat is the most famous ancient temple site in Cambodia, and visiting the ancient Angkorian temples is the reason most visitors come to Cambodia, and to Siem Reap. With its five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters into the sky, it is truly a monumental, and awe inspiring sight. This UNESCO World Heritage site was at one time the largest pre-industrial city in the world, and is considered one of the ancient wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of any visit to the temples of Angkor.

The ruins of Angkor Wat are located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, and the entrance to the park is located about 3km north of modern-day Siem Reap. There are no hotels within the park grounds, and most visitors to the ancient temples stay in Siem Reap, using it as a base from which to make daily visits to the temples. The most significant temple ruins are found 6 to 25km north of town, with the closest major temple being Angkor Wat. The Roluos Group of temples are 13km east of Siem Reap.

It is best to arrange your tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park with a reputable tour agency and a knowledgeable tour guide. They can assist with purchasing the admission pass, and arrange the transportation you will need. There are also guidebooks available, which will help in understanding the history of the temples.

TOP 10 HOTELS

History of Angkor Wat

The magnificent temple ruins of the Angkorian-era from the 9th to the 13th centuries, including Angkor Wat, Bayon and many other ancient temple ruins of the Khmer Empire are located in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The Park, just north of the town of Siem Reap, is more than 400 square kilometers in size, and is a World Heritage Site.

The temple ruins within the Angkor Archaeological Park are what remains of the thousand year old Angkorian-era capitals and temples of the ancient Khmer Empire. The name ‘Angkor’ comes from the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire that encompassed much of Southeast Asia from 800 and 1400CE, and also refers to the capital cities of the Empire. The Khmer Empire held great wealth and power, and dominated the area of present day Cambodia, as well as much of Thailand, southern Vietnam and Laos militarily, economically, and culturally.

Most of the structures seen today were constructed between the 9th and 12th century CE., and represent the height of Khmer art, architecture, and culture. The Khmer kings constructed magnificent temples, and huge waterworks, and at its zenith, the capital city at Angkor was populated by more than a million people.

Angkor Wat was constructed from the early to mid 1100s by King Suryavarman II at the height of the Khmer Empire’s political and military power. It was built in the shape of an enormous temple-mountain, and reportedly took some 50,000 artisans, workers, and slaves to complete. It was dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu, and is the world's largest religious building. King Suryavarman II built it as his state temple, although the temple has a west facing orientation, and some scholars have theorized that it was actually his funerary temple. Whatever its original purpose, Angkor Wat is one of the world's most awe-inspiring and breathtaking architectural accomplishments of all time.

When one first visits Angkor Wat, the impact is breathtaking, and just seeing photos do not prepare one for the reality of this majestic structure. Approaching along the causeway, at first the architecture and outline against the sky makes it appear almost two- dimensional, like a huge, real-life postcard. However, as one gets nearer, the detail and intricacy become increasingly apparent.

Other temples built in the same time period and in the same style, are Thommanon, Banteay Samre, Wat Atwea and Beng Melea. It is speculated that Beng Melea may have been a model for Angkor Wat.

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Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple

The temples of Angkor Wat and the walled city of Angkor Thom are perhaps the most famous and best known of all the ancient temple sites. To the east of Angkor Thom is the third most important, and one of the most photographed of all the ancient temples due to its dramatic scenery.

Ta Prohm is a quiet, and sprawling monastery, and unlike most other sites, it has only been partially cleared of overgrowth, and has been intentionally left more or less the way it was originally found. Some walls and doorways of the ancient structure were left overgrown and gripped by huge trees and other foliage. Flocks of parrots in the trees add to the atmosphere, and give the visitor the feeling of discovering a temple lost in the jungle. With this image in mind, it is not hard to imagine what the French naturalist Henri Mouhot must have felt when he ‘discovered’ the temple in 1860.

The monastery was one of King Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects, and was dedicated to his mother. It is estimated that at one time this vast 600-room monastery and the surrounding area had a population of over 70,000 people. The temple is 145 metres by 125 metres, It was home to high priests, monks, assistants, dancers and laborers, and was very wealthy with great stores of jewels and gold, and controlled an estimated 3,000 villages.

It contains a maze of courtyards and galleries, and is well worth spending some time to explore its many dark corridors. Ta Prohm was used in both the movie and game of 'Tomb Raider', and has some of the best temple-in-the-jungle photo opportunities.

Ta Prohm is similar in general design to the temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei, which were also built by Jayavarman VII at a later date. Preah Khan was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father.

Ta Prohm is an excellent example of the monastic complex style temples, and is a must to be included in any visit to the temples.

Location: One km east of Angkor Thom 
Construction Period: Mid 12th - Early 13th century C.E. 
Religion: Buddhist 
Built by: King Jayavarman VII 
Building Style: Bayon 
Best Time to Visit: Early morning when it is not as crowded.

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BAYON & TA PROHM TEMPLES

Aside from Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon may be the best known and most photographed of the “other” temples. Ta Prohm is popular because of its lost temple in the jungle atmosphere, overgrown with trees and vines, and Bayon is famous for its huge enigmatic, carved stone faces.

The Bayon Temple is the dominant feature inside the walled city of Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm is not far outside the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. Both are Buddhist temples, and were constructed by King Jayavarman VII; Bayon in the late 12th century, and Ta Prohm from the mid 12th century to the early 13th century. These two magnificent examples of Angkor temple architecture should not be missed. See below for details of these two ancient st

 

Bayon Temple

The two must see ancient Angkorian temples are Angkor Wat and Bayon. The huge enigmatic stone faces of Bayon have become some of the most iconic and recognizable features associated with the ancient Khmer Kingdom and its architecture. 
The Bayon Temple is at the centre of the great walled city of Angkor Thom, which is at the heart of the Angkor Archeological Park.

Bayon has some 50 towers, with four huge carved faces on most of them. Each of the four faces are four metres high and oriented toward the four points of the compass. The faces all have the same strange smile and closed eyes, creating a mysterious and serene countenance, representing an all-knowing state of inner peace, and perhaps a state of Nirvana.

There is debate as to who the faces actually represent, and some theories put forward say that they are the face of a Bodhisattva (Buddhism's compassionate and enlightened being), or a combination of Buddha and Jayavarman VII. Bayon was constructed as Jayavarman VII's state-temple, and it represents the height of his massive building program.

Bayon is rich in decoration, and the bas-reliefs on the exterior walls of the lower level and on the upper level are outstanding. The bas-reliefs on the southern wall are of scenes from a sea battle between the Khmer and the Cham. However, it is not known if they represent the Cham invasion of 1177AD, or a later victorious battle for the Khmer. There are also interesting and extensive carvings of scenes from everyday life, including market scenes, religious rituals, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth. Of note are the unfinished carvings on some walls, which were probably not finished due to the death of Jayavarman VII.

Subsequently, Bayon underwent several additions and modifications under later kings, and some of the bas-reliefs on the inner walls were carved at a later date under the Hindu king Jayavarman VIII. The terrace to the east of the temple, the libraries, the square corners of the inner gallery, and parts of the upper terrace appear to be additions that were not part of the original structure.

Since the Bayon Temple was constructed in stages over a span of many years, it appears to be somewhat of an architectural jumble. When seen from a distance, at first it can seem like a rather formless jumble of stone, but on the inside, there is a maze of galleries, towers and passageways on the three different levels. The best time for photographs is when the sun is rather low near sunrise and sunset.

Location: Central Angkor Thom 
Construction Period: Late 12th century C.E. 
Religion: Buddhist 
Built by: King Jayavarman VII 
Building style: Bayon

Read More

Good to Know & What not to Miss

Good to Know & What not to Miss

• The amazing structure as a whole is best viewed in soft light. The best lighting conditions are after 14:00, and other than sunrise viewing, the first visit should not be made in the morning.
• Guided tours usually start with the bas-reliefs that cover the first level exterior wall, and which are perhaps the most beautifully done, and follow them around the temple in a counterclockwise direction.
• A popular location for sunrise viewing is the northern reflecting pool. You will need to get there early before sunrise starts, as the most beautiful colors are just before the sun breaks over the horizon.
• When the sun comes up behind Angkor Wat, it will give a silhouette of the distinctive shape of the towers of Angkor Wat against a beautifully coloured sky.

Opening Hours: Angkor Wat is open from 05:00 to 18:00. Other temple sites close earlier: Banteay Srey closes at 17:00, and Kbal Spean closes at 15:00.

Temple Admission Passes

To visit temples and other sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park, you must have a valid admission pass, called an 'Angkor Pass'. Admission passes are purchased at the main entrance located on the road to Angkor Wat, and one-day passes can be obtained at the secondary entrance gate on the road from the airport.

The cost of the passes are $20 for a one-day pass, $40 for a three-day pass, and $60 for a seven-day pass. A three-day pass is valid for any three days within a one week period, and a seven-day pass is valid for any seven days within a one month period. For three-day and seven-day passes, a passport-sized photo is required when buying the pass. For those without a photo, they will take your photo for free, but it can take awhile if there are many visitors buying passes.

If you visit Angkor for only one day, you will only be able to take cursory visits to see the most famous temples (i.e. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom) but not much else. A three-day visit is enough time to explore the main temples, and some of the minor sites, and have some time to explore a few temple sites in depth. A seven-day itinerary will allow you ample time to thoroughly explore all the main temple ruins, visit many of the minor sites, and have time to visit a remote temple site.

You will need to always carry your temple pass with you because you will have to show it each time you enter the park, and when entering major temples. If you don’t have a valid pass while inside the park, or when visiting a temple, you can be subject to a fine. A regular temple pass is not required for remote sites, but some sites have their own admission fees: Phnom Kulen ($20), Koh Ker ($10), Beng Melea ($5).

Guides to the Temple

A guide is not required to visit Angkor Wat, or to any of the other ancient sites, and a self-tour can be done with a good guidebook, but you will get much more out of your visit to this magnificent treasure with the explanation of a competent guide. Because of the sheer size Angkor Wat, and the extraordinary number of bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology, and the thousands of apsara carvings throughout the temple, it is highly recommended that you have a knowledgeable guide. Guides can be hired that speak languages other than English (i.e. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, etc.)

What to Bring & How to Dress

Because of the heat and humidity in Cambodia, and because the tropical sun can be quite fierce, you should wear light clothing that will still protect you from the sun. Remember that you will be walking around in the sun for the better part of the day, and you are well-advised to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In the rainy season you will need a raincoat, and/or an umbrella. Those who are really into temple exploring, will want to also bring a notebook, and a flashlight. For sunrise and sunset tours, the use of mosquito repellent is highly advisable.

Since you will be walking over uneven and rough terrain, and climbing up and down steep and narrow steps, a pair of sturdy walking shoes is essential. Open-toed sandals are acceptable as long as they are the type that fasten around the heel. Flip-flops and high-heels are a definite no go.

Vendors in the Angkor Archaeological Park complex, and at temple entrances, sell items such as guidebooks, snacks, souvenirs, and postcards.

How to get to the Temples

There are two basic ways visitors get to the temples. One way is by a tour organized by a tour company, the other way is a do-it-yourself tour. Most all tours to Siem Reap include at least one visit to the Angkor temples. For independent travelers, hotels and guesthouse all offer tours to the temples.

Depending on the size of the group, transportation can be by bus, mini van, or tuk-tuk. For real hard-core independent types, you can visit the temples on the back of a motorbike. In recent years, cycling to, and around the temples has become increasingly popular. It may not look like it on the map, but the temples are a bit too far apart to comfortably visit them on foot. Although for intrepid hikers who have the time, several temples can be visited in this way.

Temple Itineraries

The Angkor Archaeological Park complex encompasses some 400 square km., and contains dozens of temple ruins. The ancient temples and other sites exhibit several different architectural and artistic styles, and range from those sites that are in good condition to those sites that are in ruins and at which there is not much there.

Most visitors have only a limited amount of time to explore the temples, and to make the most of your visit, you will need to a temple itinerary. The scope of the itinerary will depend on how much time you have, your personal interests, and your budget.

We provide several comprehensive temple itineraries of varying lengths, and designed to suit your interests. Please see the suggested itineraries below.

Read More

ANGKOR WAT

Angkor Wat is the most famous ancient temple site in Cambodia, and visiting the ancient Angkorian temples is the reason most visitors come to Cambodia, and to Siem Reap. With its five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters into the sky, it is truly a monumental, and awe inspiring sight. This UNESCO World Heritage site was at one time the largest pre-industrial city in the world, and is considered one of the ancient wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of any visit to the temples of Angkor.

The ruins of Angkor Wat are located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, and the entrance to the park is located about 3km north of modern-day Siem Reap. There are no hotels within the park grounds, and most visitors to the ancient temples stay in Siem Reap, using it as a base from which to make daily visits to the temples. The most significant temple ruins are found 6 to 25km north of town, with the closest major temple being Angkor Wat. The Roluos Group of temples are 13km east of Siem Reap.

It is best to arrange your tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park with a reputable tour agency and a knowledgeable tour guide. They can assist with purchasing the admission pass, and arrange the transportation you will need. There are also guidebooks available, which will help in understanding the history of the temples.

TOP 10 HOTELS

1:		Borei Angkor Resort
2:		Sokha Angkor Resort
3:		Lotus Blanc Resort
4:		Angkor Miracle Resort
5:		Saem Siemreap Hotel
6:		Tara Angkor Hotel
7:		The Privilege Floor at Borei Angkor
8:		Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa
9:		Royal Crown Hotel and Spa
10:		Royal Angkor Resort and Spa

History of Angkor Wat

The magnificent temple ruins of the Angkorian-era from the 9th to the 13th centuries, including Angkor Wat, Bayon and many other ancient temple ruins of the Khmer Empire are located in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The Park, just north of the town of Siem Reap, is more than 400 square kilometers in size, and is a World Heritage Site.

The temple ruins within the Angkor Archaeological Park are what remains of the thousand year old Angkorian-era capitals and temples of the ancient Khmer Empire. The name ‘Angkor’ comes from the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire that encompassed much of Southeast Asia from 800 and 1400CE, and also refers to the capital cities of the Empire. The Khmer Empire held great wealth and power, and dominated the area of present day Cambodia, as well as much of Thailand, southern Vietnam and Laos militarily, economically, and culturally.

Most of the structures seen today were constructed between the 9th and 12th century CE., and represent the height of Khmer art, architecture, and culture. The Khmer kings constructed magnificent temples, and huge waterworks, and at its zenith, the capital city at Angkor was populated by more than a million people.

Angkor Wat was constructed from the early to mid 1100s by King Suryavarman II at the height of the Khmer Empire’s political and military power. It was built in the shape of an enormous temple-mountain, and reportedly took some 50,000 artisans, workers, and slaves to complete. It was dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu, and is the world's largest religious building. King Suryavarman II built it as his state temple, although the temple has a west facing orientation, and some scholars have theorized that it was actually his funerary temple. Whatever its original purpose, Angkor Wat is one of the world's most awe-inspiring and breathtaking architectural accomplishments of all time.

When one first visits Angkor Wat, the impact is breathtaking, and just seeing photos do not prepare one for the reality of this majestic structure. Approaching along the causeway, at first the architecture and outline against the sky makes it appear almost two- dimensional, like a huge, real-life postcard. However, as one gets nearer, the detail and intricacy become increasingly apparent.

Other temples built in the same time period and in the same style, are Thommanon, Banteay Samre, Wat Atwea and Beng Melea. It is speculated that Beng Melea may have been a model for Angkor Wat.

Highlights and Features of Angkor Wat

• The temple itself is approx. 1 km square and consists of three levels.
• The inside and outside walls of the temple are adorned with bas-reliefs and carvings. The bas-relief carving on the exterior walls of the lower level are especially exceptional.
• There are carvings of almost 2,000 Apsaras (celestial dancers) and are some of the best examples of Angkorian carving.
• Just about every surface in the maze of chambers and courtyards is decorated with carved bas-relief scenes of, wars, everyday life, and Hindu legends.
• Angkor was the spiritual centre of the Khmer Kingdom until it was abandoned after being sacked by Siam in 1431.
• The exterior wall surrounding Angkor Wat measures 1300 meters x 1500 meters.
• The surviving stone structures seen today are only a part of what used to exist at Angkor. There was also an enormous, thriving city of wooden houses, markets, shops, palaces, and public buildings. Unfortunately, the city has long since disappeared through the ravages of time and war.
• It was the French who established the Angkor Conservancy in 1908, and they were first to restore the temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
• Although Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple, it has been a Buddhist temple since the 14th century when Buddhism became the dominant religion.
• On the south wall are scenes of heaven and hell, and depictions of the Hindu ‘Churning of the Ocean Milk’ are on the east wall.
• The interior of the temple is not as heavily carved as the first level exterior, but it still contains a great many excellent carvings of Apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology.
• The main tower on the third level is the top-most part of the tour of the temple, and this tower contains four Buddha statues with each statue facing a different point on the compass.
• It is believed by some that it will bring good luck to pay respect to the four Buddha images before leaving the temple.

Read More