Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is located about 2 km from the city of Siem Reap, on the right bank of the Tonlé Sap River. It is the capital of the Angkor archaeological site and a great city that reflects the charm and beauty of Angkorian culture. The city is a true testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire, making it one of Cambodia's main attractions. As you visit, you will be instantly overwhelmed by an odd sensation through the wonderfully constructed architecture and the immense faces that seem to follow you along your path.

History

After Yasodharapura, Angkor Thom became the last capital of the Angkor city under the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181-1218). Its construction was completed towards the end of the 12th century. At that time, the prosperity of the city was widely acknowledged. It housed thousands of inhabitants, and its infrastructure fully met the basic needs of its citizens. The city was served by roads and waterways and had public infrastructures accessible to the general public.

With the fall of the Khmer Kingdom around the 1800s, the city became less populated. Its inhabitants gradually abandoned their homes, and after that, the city became deserted and overtaken by wild plants. It was only after the arrival of French explorers that the city began to be rediscovered. A French organization called the École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) took over the reconstruction of these monuments.

Discovering Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom covers a vast area of nearly 9 km². Built in a square layout, the city is a fortified city. The plan and construction of the city follow a logic designed to protect it from threats, especially from the Chams. To achieve this, it is surrounded by 8-meter-high ramparts, which are in turn encircled by a 3 km moat. Each side of the rampart has a large entrance gate decorated with the immense faces of the Four Great Kings of the Hindu pantheon. It is also a vast archaeological site housing the ruins of historical and architectural monuments.

Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, the monuments of Angkor Thom reflect the architectural achievement of the Khmer people between Mahayana Buddhism and the Hindu cults of Shiva and Vishnu. Most of its large ruins represent gods, goddesses, and other mythological figures from these two religions. The site includes a royal palace, religious temples, and archaeological terraces.

Royal Palace

Located to the north of Bayon, on the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace is now almost entirely disappeared, with only ruins remaining. The palace was constructed with light materials, and only the stone terraces have withstood the test of time.

Phimeanakas

Phimeanakas, also known as the Celestial Palace, is a Hindu temple. Located within the Royal Palace grounds, this temple was built around the 10th century. It features a pyramidal architecture made of laterite and sandstone. Once, this site served as a place of worship where the king would regularly retreat. Climbing to the top, you will be awed by the breathtaking view of the entire site.

Elephant Terrace

Stretching 300 meters in length, the Elephant Terrace displays a variety of sculptures representing the mystical image of elephants, lions, and Garudas, a mythical bird in local mythology. Some of these statues are carved with lotus flowers around their trunks. To the north of the terrace, you can admire the most impressive of these sculptures, including five-headed horse statues and elephants that are nearly life-sized.

Terrace of the Leper King

Unlike the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King has a magnificent wall sculpted on both sides. Inside and outside, the wall features bas-reliefs of serpents and Garudas. It also houses a large statue of the Leper King, erected on an elevated platform. This replica of the king, seated with a bare torso, is based on the original, which is now displayed in the National Museum of Phnom Penh.

Baphuon

Built before the construction of the imperial city of Angkor Thom, Baphuon remains the largest mountain temple in Angkor. Like all the other monuments in the city, its bas-reliefs are also part of its decoration. However, the motifs here depict scenes from everyday life or the mythology of the Khmer people. The site is well-known among tourists for its enormous reclining Buddha statue, 40 meters in height. Recently renovated, this site has been open to the public since 2009. The restoration of the large Buddha statue was overseen by the EFEO.

Bayon

The last state temple built in Angkor Thom, Bayon is the principal temple of the city. Located at the heart of the city, this site includes 49 towers, each bearing sculptures of giant Buddha faces, displaying a mysterious and captivating smile. According to history, these artworks were inspired by Javanese influences, reflecting Hindu works related to the cults of Shiva and Vishnu.

How to get there

Taxi

From the center of Siem Reap, you can take a taxi that will bring you directly to the site. At the SRIA airport terminal, one of the busiest airports in the world, you can also hire a taxi. Taxis are available daily to take passengers.

Tuk tuk

To reach Angkor Thom, which is just a short distance from Siem Reap, it is more pleasant to take a tuk tuk. It is also the least expensive means of transport to get there.