The Bayon Temple stands as a mountain of faces, at the center of the great walled city of Angkor Thom. A visit to this temple allows you to explore its many serene stone faces, impressive bas-reliefs, and intricate carvings. These faces are thought to depict Lokesvara, a bodhisattva that embodies compassion, which bear a striking resemblance to King Jayavarman VII himself. Walking through the temple, visitors will also see scenes depicting everyday life and historical events etched into the walls, telling stories of ancient battles and cultural rituals. Each corner reveals a new perspective, with the light changing the mood from dawn to dusk, offering an immersive and contemplative experience.
Imposing and majestic, the gates of Angkor Thom are the only surviving entrance points to what was once a thriving city, capital of the Khmer Empire. Visitors can not only walk up to and through the gates but also can explore the surrounding walls, which ran for 12 kilometers, enclosing the complex. The city was structured perfectly square, and each of its five gates is a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry, adorned with faces similar to those at Bayon Temple and narrating the grandeur of the past Khmer rulers. Tours here can also include visits to the moat, which historians believe served as a defense as well as a water management system.
While in Angkor Thom, a visit to the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King should not be missed. The Elephant Terrace served as a platform for the king to view his army and was also used during public ceremonies. It is adorned with carvings of elephants and their mahouts and has a central section that features lions and garudas supporting the throne. Adjacent to it, the Terrace of the Leper King features a statue that gives it its name. Both terraces are covered in intricate carvings that depict mythical figures and gods, as well as scenes from everyday ancient life. They provide a unique insight into Khmer art and culture.
Baphuon, a pyramid temple mountain, represents the mythical Hindu Mount Meru and dates back to the reign of Udayadityavarman II. It is an architectural representation of the Hindu world order, magnificently restored after a painstaking process that lasted decades. Tourists can witness the incredible work done by the archaeologists in piecing together the temple like a gigantic puzzle, due to the Baphuon's near-total collapse in the 20th century. The temple stands as a testimony to the ingenuity of the people who restored it and offers visitors the chance to observe a restoration process rarely seen on such a scale.
Phimeanakas is a Hindu temple in the shape of a three-tier pyramid located within the Royal Palace enclosure of Angkor Thom. The legend of Phimeanakas is quite fascinating—it is said that a serpent inhabited the top of the temple, and every night the King was required to join the serpent or calamity would befall his kingdom. Exploring this temple and its surroundings, one can marvel at the ancient throne hall, royal baths, and other remains of the once majestic Royal Palace. This area provides context to the life and rituals of ancient Khmer nobility and the architectural creativity of the Angkorian period.
Preah Palilay and Tep Pranam offer a more serene temple experience within Angkor Thom. Preah Palilay is known for its peaceful environment, surrounded by thick jungle providing shaded paths, and a tall tower that once likely hosted a Buddha image. Tep Pranam still holds a place for active worship, with a modern Buddha statue set in its midst. The trail between the two temples is less frequented by tourists, so it offers a more intimate experience with the ancient city, allowing visitors to feel as though they have stepped back in time amongst the ruins and nature.
The Prasat Suor Prat towers are a mysterious group of twelve nearly identical laterite and sandstone towers. The towers' original purpose remains unknown, with speculations ranging from serving as anchor points for a vast hall to temporary residences for visiting dignitaries. Just to the north of these towers, one can find the North Kleang, which was initially believed to have been a palace but more likely served as a storeroom. Exploring these structures offers a glimpse into the everyday functioning of Angkor Thom, far removed from the religious focus of larger temples.
For those looking to delve deep into the history and nuances of Angkor Thom, a guided tour can bring the ancient city to life. With the services of a knowledgeable local guide, visitors can appreciate the intricate carvings, architectural feats, and spiritual symbolism throughout the city. An interactive tour can involve storytelling that connects the sites visited to the larger narrative of Khmer history, showing the astronomical accuracy and bas-reliefs that unfold like chapters from a historical epic. Being guided through Angkor Thom's less explored corners can also provide a personalized and enriched experience.
Angkor Thom is not just a hotspot for historians and archaeologists; it is also a haven for photographers. Joining a photography tour at dawn or dusk, visitors have the opportunity to capture the ancient city and its temples in the best natural light. Photographing the play of light and shadows across the mysterious faces of Bayon or the trees entangled with the structures at sunrise or sunset can result in once-in-a-lifetime shots. Photography tours often offer tips and guidance to both amateur and experienced photographers, ensuring they leave with impressive additions to their portfolios.
For those who prefer an active approach to exploring, a cycling tour of Angkor Thom provides both exercise and education. As you cycle along the ancient roads, you will be accompanied by the sounds of nature and the complex's timeless atmosphere. This eco-friendly way of touring allows visitors to cover more ground at their own pace, stopping at will to admire the intricacies of the temples and the surrounding jungle. Cycling tours can also often access smaller paths and gateways that are not open to larger vehicles, offering a different perspective on the city.
Beaches (9)
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Historical Places (36)
Museums (8)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (4)
National Parks (10)
Villages (3)
Zoos (1)
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Island (7)
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