Angkor Thom

Established in the late 12^th century under King Jayavarman VII regime, Angkor Thom is undeniably an expression of the highest genius. The complex is located in the North of Angkor Wat, between West Baray and East Baray. There are numerous ancient temples inside the walls of the city. Most of the great Angkor ruins have vast displays of bas-relief depicting the various gods, goddesses, and other-worldly beings.

Angkor Thom from the Greatest King’s victory

In 1181, King Jayavarman VII successfully defeated Cham invaders and built a glorious new capital city, Angkor Thom, which was the centre for a population of nearly one million people. After came to power, King Jayavarman VII, a Buddhist as well as a great architect, started a massive construction campaign across the empire. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall and some of Angkor's greatest temples including Bayon, his state-temple at the centre of the city.

Angkor Thom witnessed the reign of the greatest Angkor’s king until 1219 and remained the capital of Khmer Empire throughout its decline which probably led to the complete abandon in the 16th century. Today, Angkor Thom standstills as a World Heritage site, along with the other temples in Angkor Park.

Thereby a glorious construction of Angkor Thom

Built on a perfect square basement, the city of Angkor Thom is enclosed by a lateritic 8-meter-high wall outstretching the length of 12 kilometres. The wall itself is surrounded by a 100-meter-wide moat once filled with ferocious crocodiles which were said to further the protection.

The majestic landscape of Angkor Thom

To access the inner city, there are five gates which are crowned with 4 giant faces and a bridge extending over the moat to the outside area. Each sandstone tower rises 23 meters (approx. 75 feet) to the sky and is built in a grandiose and elegant style. Some of the entrances are decorated with statues of goddesses and demons holding nagas.

Bridge and road through the South Gate

Sculpture outside the South Gate at sunset

A complex of masterpieces in Angkor Thom

At the heart of Angkor Thom rises a state temple Bayon, a mesmerizing centrepiece to get lost in the mysteries with mazes of tunnels, blocked doorways and tumble-down rocks. Bayon has three levels including several galleries on the first base, historical and religious bas-reliefs on the second and a central circular tower in unique Khmer architecture on the last base. However, you will find Bayon the most fascinating with 216 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara peering down at you.

Smiling faces in Bayon Temple

Located 200 meter west of Bayon, Baphuon was marked with a pyramidal representation of Mount Meru which was probably one of the most impressive of the Angkor temples. A 200m elevated walkway leads to the temple which has a central tower 43m high.

A royal terrace, called Terrace of the Elephants, features many statues and images of elephants on a 2.5 meter high and 350-meter long platform with five staircases. This site was supposedly used as a platform from which Jayavarman VII viewed his victorious returning army. Head to the north, stand a 7 meter high Terrace of Leper King built in the late 12^th century. On the top of the terrace, you will see a nude statue which is believed to represent one of two possible Angkorian Kings who had leprosy. It’s the reason for the site’s name is the finding of the “Leper King” statue.

Stupas in Terrace of the Elephants

In the northwest corner of the city, a lovely temple, Preah Paliliay, offers a tranquil atmosphere and great photo shot with huge trees looming over its structure. Another should-not-missed site is Phimeanakas which is more interesting historically than visually. Used to house a Royal Palace, where bathing would take place, there are still apparent pools but very little remains. Once you climb up its pyramidal structure, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Getting to the Angkor Thom complex

The southern gate to Angkor Thom lies 7 kilometres north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat. The complex is best explored by trekking, biking, tuk-tuk or as part of a temple tour by tuk-tuk which transports you around with ease. The perfect time to soak up the real Angkor Thom is from sunrise when the vast majority of tourists are admiring Angkor Wat.

Tourists on a ride elephant tour

Remember to book your Angkor Archaeological Park admission ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line on-site. The main ticket sales office is the Angkor Conservation Area ticket booth on the road between Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Additionally, there are plenty of travel consultants providing booking services as well as the whole Angkorian tour.

Except for children younger than 12 with passport, Cambodian citizens and holders of K visas (for people born in Cambodia or with a Cambodian parent), prices are quoted in various options of a 1-day (US $37), 3-day (US $62) and 7-day (US $72) pass. The 3-day pass is valid for 10 days from the issue date while the 7-day pass is valid for 1 month from the issue date.

Visiting hours in Angkor National Park range from 7:30 am to 5:30 am but the Angkor Thom is opened from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm, to make it possible for sunrise and sunset views.