Angkor Thom
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Ruin - Ancient,
Temple,
Town / City
The last capital of the Khmers is a stupendous complex on a stupefying scale; established in the 12th century on the site of an earlier capital, Angkor Thom dwarfs even nearby Angkor Wat. The city’s 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of wall is ringed by a moat (which no longer holds water or – thankfully – crocodiles). Each of the five enormous gates is a monument in itself, approached by avenues lined with 108 divinities (good on the left, evil on the right).
Some elevation will help you make sense of the layout; head for the Terrace of the Elephants or nearby Terrace of the Leper King with their intricate carvings, or the hilltop Phnom Bakheng, particularly popular at sunset. Among the myriad other points of interest are the temples of East Mebon and Pre Rup, built in the same “temple-mountain” style as Angkor Wat.
Latest Reviews
Review by William B, April 2013
Doing what: Angkor Temples Small-Group Tour
You'll be pretty tired after this tour. Lots of climbing, but how many people get to go to the top of Angkor Wat temple? All the photo spots covered. Good meal included.
Review by Ian H, Singapore, April 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Angkor Wat and The Royal Temples Full-Day Tour from Siem Reap
Excellent private your with very knowledgeable English speaking guide. Only issue was my wife and I went down with very severe 24hr gastro following the lunch at the Blue Pumpkin @ Anghor Wat. Hardly Buffalo tours fault and certianly didnt ruin our trip!
Review by Soni K, March 2013
Doing what: Angkor Temples Small-Group Tour
This was a second day of the Angkor tour and a different tour operator than the one I had a day before..... What a difference!!!! Dee, my tour guide, made this a much more fun and informative tour than the private tour I had the day before... This just proves that the more expense tours don't necessarily give better tours... I recommend this tour and hopefully Dee will be your guide.....
Practical Info
The southern gate to Angkor Thom lies 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat. Baphuon and Bayon are also within the complex while much-photographed Ta Prohm lies to the east, an evocative ruin where trees force their way through intricately carved stone.
