Cambodia

The Temples of Angkor

The seat of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th century the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park dot an area of 400km² - within it you'll trip over one anywhere and everywhere, in lush jungle or farmland alike. UNESCO since 1992, Angkor's temples exude a rare majesty and mystery that few places on the planet can match.

What to see

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat

Emerging from the jungle you are confronted with a great moat; follow it a little farther and your eyes find a bridge over the water, travel past the walls to land on Angkor Wat itself, huge and hazy in the jungle heat. This first glimpse for most is simply staggering, surpassed by very few manmade structures around the world. Angkor Wat is the Angkor complex’s most famous sight, and Cambodia’s pride and joy and national symbol. The world’s largest religious structure, the wat is an absolute must visit, and although busy, it is still possible to find a quiet spot to reflect on its extraordinary and intricate beauty. Sunrise, though bustling, is worth it.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is the great walled and moated city that was the heart of the Khmer kingdom – the last great capital of the empire. Entered by five huge, elaborate gates each topped with four faces of a bodhisattva, within the city walls, the enchanting Bayon at the centre, you’ll find a number of sites of interest including the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

The Bayon

The Bayon

Located at the exact centre of Angkor Thom, the Bayon is so unique that experts still aren’t sure exactly what it symbolises and what it was used for. Over 200 enigmatic faces stare out in all directions over the empire from a series of towers – wind your way along corridors and up staircases to find yourself amongst them and join their vigil over the surrounding jungle.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm

The crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm is one of the most atmospheric of Angkor’s temples, purposely left in a state similar to when it was discovered. With the jungle encroaching on all sides and towering trees thrusting out of the stone itself, wandering the courtyards and corridors is quite the adventure.

The Grand Circuit

The Grand Circuit

For those who have a bit more time to explore the temples, the Grand Circuit really shows the variety of architecture on display in the park. This leisurely 26 kilometre route takes you to the temples of Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup, the latter also being an excellent spot for sunset.
To get really off the tourist trial at Angkor is not an easy feat but venturing to the undiscovered temple of Banteay Thom will give you your adventure fix. Only 3 kilometres from Preah Khan you’ll have to negotiate sandy tracks on bicycle or foot and pass through peaceful countryside and a local village to reach Banteay Thom, but your reward will be an Angkorian temple virtually to yourself.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei

Set about 25 kilometres outside the main temple group, the captivating temple of Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women) is a richly embellished vision in rose pink sandstone, often called the ‘jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva the decorative reliefs are so delicate, it is said that they could only have been carved by the hands of women.

Outlying temples

The outlying temples, with the exception of Banteay Srei, give a much quieter experience. The little visited Roluos Group actually pre-date most of Angkor’s temples, whilst Beng Mealea has been left in the grips of the jungle. Get fantastic views over Tonle Sap from hilltop Phnom Krom and enjoy the tranquil nature at Kbal Spean, a site of numerous carvings in a river bed.

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