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The name Siem Reap actually means the “defeat of Siam”. Interesting name. This destination attracts those who prefer to go off the beaten track. And like the most other travelers who do come here, top of my list for visiting this Cambodian town would be to see the Angkor Wat.
Before, I only thought there was only the Angkor Wat. But did you know that the Angkor Wat is just one of many temples of the Angkor Temples? If you have time and want to explore the less touristy temples, why not go to the Angkor Thom city?
Quick Facts about Angkor Thom
It is known as the last capital.
It was a great city built by a Buddhist king, King Jayavarman VII during the end of the 12th century. It was a center of administration and home to the royalty.
Location: 2km from Angkor Wat
Area: more than 900 hectares.
It consists of a large moat surrounding a 30 feet high stone wall.
Believed to be able to accommodate up to 1 million during its time.
The south gate is the most visited and photographed. You'll see this gate before entering into the Angkor Thom city. It features stone figures of god, demons and giant snakes ‘guarding’ the gate tower.
Temple ruins and shine within Angkor Thom city
Terrace of Elephants and the Leper King
350-long terrace used as a viewing platform for public ceremonies
Built during the 12th century
Features a stature of the Leper King
Visitors can admire stone sculpture of serpents, giants with multiple arms and other mythological creatures
Baphuon temple
A religious shrine symbolising Mount Meru in Hindu mythology.
Has three terraces and galleries
Built in the 11th century
Unique from most other Angkor temples because carvings are on small stone blocks set on top of each other (most of the other are carved into the temple walls)
Bayon
Consists of smiling faces that smile eerily as visitors walk by
Some say they depict Buddha, others say they belong to the face of King Jayavarman VII who commissioned the construction of Bayon.
Second most popular site after Angkor Wat
Phimeanakas
The tallest temple in Angkor Thom.
worshiped personally by the king
It was believed that the top of the temple was crowned with gold when a Chinese diplomat who lived in the 13th century called it the ‘Tower of Gold’.
