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Angkor Thom
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Angkor Thom, the last capital of Khmer Empire, was a fortified city enclosing residences for priests, officials, civil servants, military, as well as buildings the kingdom administration. These structures were built in wood and have gone since many centuries; but the remaining stone monuments testify that Angkor Thom was indeed a ‘Great City’, as its name implies. Visitors normally enter through the South Gate, stopping first at the main temple inside the walls - the Bayon, which most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. Then Baphuon, a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Phimean Akas, in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple; the Terrace of the Elephants, a platform from which to view his victorious returning army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, the Hindu god Yama, the god of Deat. Preah Palilay, which most distinctive feature is the chimney-shaped tower....Angkor Wat
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The symbol of a whole country. The masterpiece of Khmer architecture was built by King Sûryavarman II, in the 12th century. It is the largest and most impressive of all Cambodian monuments, and one of the finest religious structures in the world. The construction mirrors the concept of the ancient universe and its bas-relief carvings and intricate murals tell a fascinating story of life over 800 year ago. The "Apsaras", or Heavenly Dancers, have lost none of their grace and beauty as they dance frozen in time on the walls. Angkor Wat by Night
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A sensation beyond words. The atmosphere is completely different, the towers, the sculptures, the Apsaras come alive under the light, creating a sort of intimacy and delivering very strong emotions. Sometimes, musical or dance shows are organized by Angkor Conservation, like on New Years Eve or during other festivities. Elephant Rides
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Available in Angkor Thom (particularly around Bayon) in the morning, and at Phnom Bakheng in the evening.
Banteay Kdei
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Built between the late 12th to early 13th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, it is a Buddhist temple in the Bayon style, of similar plan to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, but smaller. Two walls enclose concentric galleries and a central shrine from which emerge towers, preceded to the east by a cloister. It is also known as “The Cells Citadel”, due to the presence of many monks and hermits at a certain time over the centuries.Chau Say Thevoda
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Considered the little brother of Thommanom, as built a little later in the 12th century by the same king Suryavarman II. Its plan is almost identical but for the presence of 4 gopuras connected one to the other by a mandapa. Two libraries complete the structure.Helicopter
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Another different way to discover the wonders of Angkor complex. East Mebon
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Built under the reign of King Rajendravarman in 10th century, it stands on what was an artificial island at the centre of the now dry East Baray reservoir. It is not a mountain- temple, as could be imagined at a first glance. Apart from the absence of a moat, because of its maritime location, it’ still a classic temple, topped with a row of shrines and libraries located in the centre, surrounded by galleries and walls pierced with gopuras.Balloon
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The tethered helium balloons ride 200 meters straight up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungle and rice paddies. Neak Pean
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Coiled serpents: constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area, located in the middle of the large circular reservoir. The small central temple sits in the centre of a cross or lotus pattern made up of eight pools. Everything here seems to refer to the Himalayan Anavatapta, the holy lake of hindu religion. Neak Pean may have served for a purification function and the waters were thought to have healing properties. It is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.Phnom Bakheng
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The first major temple to be constructed in Angkor area, it marked the transfer of Khmer empire capital from Roluos in the late 9th century. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock, not made of laterite and earth fill likewise most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop is the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a magnificent view over Angkor Wat, countryside and down to the Tonle Sap Lake. Elephant rides uphill are available.Prasat Kravan
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A small 10th century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a platform. The most interesting features are the carvings on inside walls, dedicated to Vishnu.Pre Rup
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Built as the state temple of King Rajendravarman and dedicated in 961 or 962. It’s a mountain-temple of combined brick, laterite and sandstone. Its architecture has a series of walls pierced by gopura leading to stepped laterite and sandstone towers supporting five towers. Previously, a linga inside the temple showed its devotion to the cult of Shiva..Preah Khan
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The “Holy Sword” is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex, full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. The cylindrical columns on the west building of the main temple are one of the very few examples of round columns, maybe from a later period. For a short period, it was the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. It’s dedicated to King Jayavarman VII's father.Srah Srang (Royal Bath)
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It was perhaps a chapel to Kama, God of Love. The spot would suit the temper of the strange power, terribly strong and yet terribly tender, of that passion which carries away kingdoms, empires, whole worlds, and inhabits the humblest dwellings. 700 metres long and 350 wide, it was not reserved just for the king, but accessible to everyone. A very charming place, best to visit early morning or late afternoon. Ta Keo
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Sandstone mountain-temple founded by Jayavarman V around the beginning of the eleventh century. The central tower stands in the middle of a 27 m high complex. It seems that its construction was not completed because just a few bas-reliefs adorn the walls of the monument.Ta Nei
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The forest hides this Bayon style temple, built in the 13th century under Jayavarman VII. Its development is mostly in length, with two gopuras and two moats.Ta Prohm
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Similar design to the later Jayavarman VII temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdey, this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive gif and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best "tree-in-temple" photo opportunities at Angkor. Ta Prohm is well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. It was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother. Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of the control of over 3,000 villages, thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. Ta Som
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Built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII, and located northeast of Angkor Thom and just east of Neak Pean. The King dedicated the temple to his father.Thommanon
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Certainly the work of Suryavarman II (12th century), this temple was fully restored 50 years ago. Within its walls, a single central tower, a library and a first mandapa (passage) linking to the East gopura (entrance).
