The Angkor Temples

Angkor and the Temples

There is nothing like Angkor anywhere on this planet.
The 12th century city covered an area of over 100 Sq Kms with a population of over 1 million.
At its core, the Great City, of Angkor Thom, is contained with high walls with huge faces carved in the gateways.
Angkor Wat; the Worlds largest religious building covers one and a half square Kms and contains more stone than was used to build the great pyramid of Giza.


The Royal pyramid of Phiminakas	Small part of the Elephants Terrace
Map area approx 20 kms x 12 kms

Angkor thom South Gate

The great Temple

city of

Angkor Thom

Bayon Faces

Royal Palace gate

East Gate of Angkor thom

Huge stone faces adorn the main gates of Angkor Thom and other temples.

Angkor Thom Moat with demon figure on Naga Balustrade

Angkor Thom is is just the starting point. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world is so big as to be hard to take in at once.
The 200metre wide moat and causeway with the 350 metre entrance portico is impressive enough, but the grandeur within its walls is truly stunning.
Over 1 kilometre of spectacular carvings lie within its outer galleries and a vast labyrinth of passages, courtyards and the five lotus flower towers at its centre.
More on Angkor Wat

Offerings Angkor Wat

Cambodia is one of the few countries in the world to depict a building on its flag

Angkor Wat South Gate taken from across the moat

Multi Armed Vishnu at Angkor

	Angkor reflected in pool at sundown
Asara Figure Angkor Wat	Angkor reflected in pool at sundown

Steep steps on 3rd level	The rare sight of the empty causway	Western entrance terrace

the 200 metre wide moat and entrance causeway (left)		Angkor Wat West tower

Other Temples within Angkor

	Ta Prohm "This huge temple complex looks much the same as when it was first discovered. The high lichen covered walls are distorted by the movement of the earth beneath. 800 years of history lie twisted and broken, with sinister root systems of huge trees enveloping doors and windows in a stranglehold. The distinction between organic and non-organic become blurred in the green pallor of light from the jungle canopy. The intensity of the jungle sounds here can be almost deafening. It must be one of the most atmospheric places on Earth". These words were penned by myself after visiting Ta Prohm for the first time in 2002. Things have changed a lot in 5 years. Tourist numbers have now reduced the ambiance somewhat. It its however a spectacular sight not to be missed! More on Ta Prohm
Preah Khan: The Temple of the Sacred Sword This is the second largest temple enclosure in Angkor. Within its square kilometre enclosure lies a temple complex which is almost as atmospheric as Ta Prohm. It is very much better preserved; though still has some eerie root formations; the most impressive being shown here. Preah Khan had an army of 80,000 to service and maintain it. It must have been an amazing sight.
More on Preah Khan	One of the many strange trees on the walls of Preah Khan

Ta Keo	Pre Rup Central Tower	Thommanon

Banteay Samre	Spean Thma (ruined stone bridge)	Phnom Bakheng hill Temple

Ta Keo and Pre Rup are temple mountain pyramids which had five towers, which like Angkor Wat, represent the mythcal Mount Meru the centre of the Hindu Universe. Spean Thma is an old stone Bridge which was laft high and dry After the Siem Reap River changes its course.

The Hill Temple of Phnom Bakheng is one of the most ancient of all the Angkor temples. It is popular as a sunset viewpoint; an average of 3000 people climb to the top each evening. Visit at other times and it will be ammost deserted.


East Mebon	Banteay Srey

East Mebon
Situated at the centre of the huge reservoir of Eest Baray (now dried up), the island temple of East Mebon was built by Rajendravarman II at the end of 10th Century. It has five brick towers and elephant statues at each corner. It is a contemporary of Pre Rup (Turning of the Body) a funerary temple with a similar plan.

Banteay Srey
A favourite of whoever visits it; this small Hindu temple around 45 mins drive from Siem Reap, has the finest of all the carvings of the temples of Angkor. Banteay Srey is a place of breathtaking beauty. Get there early to avoid the crowds!

Banteay Srey: Citadel of the Women

▲Top of page

All images and text © Dave Perkes 2007 www.peaceofangkor.com

Peace of Angkor Villa 0133 Slorkram Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
PO Box 93125 Email us ( 855 (0)63 760 475