Known as the last capital, Angkor Thom is actually a great city. Built by a Buddhist king Jayavarman VII during the end of the 12th century, it was a center of administration and home to the king and his family, officials and priests.

Located about 2 kilometres from Angkor Wat, the city covers an area of more than 900 hectares and is surrounded by a large long moat and a 30 feet high stone wall. It is believed be able to accommodate up to 1 million populations during its time. It can be entered through 5 causeways, which prevent the sections of the moat from connecting to each other. The south gate of the city is the most visited and photographed site before going into Angkor Thom city. Its causeway is franked by 108 stone figures of gods, demons and giant snakes that guard the gate tower – all seem to be engaged in a game of tug of war.

There are several temple ruins and shrines within the wall of Angkor Thom city. Some of them are famed for its mystery while some are known for its beauty.

Buildings in Angkor Thom

Baphuon temple is a mountain temple at the heart of Angkor Thom. Built in the 11th century, Baphuon is single religious shrine set on a small hill symbolising Mount Meru in Hindu mythology. This sandstone shrine has three terraces and galleries. It is famous for delicate bas reliefs that differ from most Angkor temples in which they are carved in small stone blocks set one above the other on the temple walls. The images on the stone are inspired by episodes from the Ramayana. Another unique feature of the temple is its 200 meter long elevated causeway that is supported by three rows of short and round columns. Architecturally, the temple is different from most of the temples in Siem Reap. Unfortunately, its grandeur is not clearly visible since many parts of the temple collapse or is dismantled. The restoration works have been undertaken for a while and is nearly completed.

The most eccentric temple in Angkor Wat, Bayon consists of dozens of remarkable tall stone towers of eerily smiling faces – whose face they are representing are still the subject of the debate. Some experts believe they belong to the face of King Jayavarman VII who commissioned the construction of Bayon. Some assert that they portray the compassionate face of Bodhisattava Buddha or perhaps the combination of both.

From the distance, the temple looks like a messy shapeless formation of grey and brown stones. However, as you approach the temple, the image of hundreds of carved stone faces become apparent. In addition to the carved stone towers, the highlight of Bayon is the bas reliefs which adorn the walls of galleries around the temple. Each wall has diverse themes depicting scenes of the military procession, sea battle, childbirth, cockfighting, palace and daily life of the locals. Built about 100 years after Angkor Wat, Bayon is now the second most popular site after Angkor Wat.

Terrace of Elephants and the Leper King is a 350m-long terrace used as a reviewing platform for public ceremonies. Built in the reign of Jayavarman VII during the 12th century, it features the enclosure walls of bas reliefs, a water filled basin and a statue of the Leper King, whose origin and historical record are still mysterious. Visitors can walk along the corridor of the walls and admire carved stones of serpents, giants with multiple arms, seated women with naked torsos, mythical creatures and serpents. Note that the statue of leper king is a reproduction. the original one is displayed at the National Museum, Phnom Penh.

Phimeanakas is the tallest temple in Angkor Thom. Located in the royal palace compound, it is worshiped personally by the king. The 3-tiered temple has a rectangular shape and made of sandstone and laterite. It was believed that the top of the temple was crowned with gold as it was described by a Chinese diplomat, who lived in Siem Reap in the 13th century, as the ‘Tower of Gold’.

From the layout, the temple is not suitable to hold a ceremony or accommodate religious pilgrims. However, its highest level supports one shrine. The legend has it that the shrine is inhabited by the spirit of nine-headed serpent who transforms into a woman at night. The Khmer king is required to sleep with her every night. If he misses a night with her or she does not appear to the king, he would prepare for his death and the kingdom will come to an end.