Angkor Thom was the fortified capital city of Jayavarman VII, built in the second half of the Angkor era after the reputed invasion and defeat by the neighboring Cham.
The centerpiece of the city is Bayon temple, north of which lies the Royal Plaza and Royal Palace Enclosure. The causeways and the gates of the city are attractions in their own right, as are the bas-relief adorned terraces that look out across the Royal Plaza. In addition to these features constructed by Jayavarman, there are a number of other temples, including the Baphuon, which were built either before or after the great city of Angkor Thom was established.
While academics and archaeologists continue to debate the history of King Jayavarman VII and the mysterious meanings of the masterpieces created in his honor, there is no doubt that Angkor Thom, literally ‘big city’, deserves equal billing with Angkor Wat as one of the Wonders of the World.
Unlike Angkor Wat, which literally doubled as both city and temple, Angkor Thom was a city that included numerous temples, the palace enclosure, and even expansive processional grounds, occupying an expansive 15 hectares within its massive moat and towering enclosure walls.
The causeways across the moat and the entry gates to the city are attractions in and of themselves; the causeways featuring columns of larger-than-life statues of demons and gods, each row supporting a massive naga-serpent, and the gates flanked by gigantic, three-headed elephants and capped with the iconic/enigmatic smiling faces that have mystified historians and delighted visitors.
Within the city are dozens of temples built both before and after the reign of Jayavarman, as well as those commissioned by the great king himself, including the Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, and at the very center of the city, the Buddhist temple Bayon, which is surrounded by elaborately carved gallery walls and features tower upon tower of spires adorned with the smiling faces of either Jayavarman, the Buddha, or perhaps a combination of the two in honor of the king who was revered as a compassionate god on Earth.
The city of Angkor Thom contains more sights than can be visited in a single day, spanning centuries of religious and artistic accomplishment, and even contains a number of villages and active Buddhist temples, as well as dense, native forest that is home to an array of wildlife, including monkeys and dozens of species of bird.
Where to Go
- Bayon: The iconic temple of Angkor Thom, famous for its towering stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs depicting historical and mythological scenes.
- Angkor Thom Causeways and Entry Gates: Grand entrances flanked by rows of gods and demons, leading into the vast walled city of Angkor Thom.
- Angkor Thom Royal Square: A spacious area once used for royal ceremonies and public events, surrounded by temples and terraces.
- Preah Pithu: A quiet cluster of five temples, offering a tranquil escape with impressive carvings and jungle surroundings.
- Terrace of the Elephants: A grand viewing platform adorned with carvings of elephants, used by the Khmer king for public ceremonies and processions.
- Terrace of the Leper King: A mysterious platform featuring intricate carvings and statues, believed to be linked to royal or religious rituals.
- Prasat Prompil Loveng: A lesser-known temple with partially ruined structures, offering a serene and off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Angkor Thom Royal Palace: The remains of the once-magnificent royal residence, now mostly ruins but historically significant as the seat of the Khmer kings.
- Baphuon: A massive temple-mountain with a steep climb, offering panoramic views and beautiful carvings, symbolizing Mount Meru.
- Preah Palilay: A charming, small temple surrounded by trees, featuring a mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements in a peaceful setting.
- Tep Pranam: A simple yet peaceful temple with a large seated Buddha, offering a quiet space for reflection.
- Mangalartha: A small, secluded temple dedicated to a 13th-century Brahman scholar, providing a serene atmosphere away from the main crowds.