Angkor Wat Temples - an introduction . . .

Lolei   (late 9th century)

Lolei is part of the Roluos group and was an island temple consisting of four brick towers on a double laterite platform, when it was built it was located in the center of the first large-scalereservoir (baray) constructed by a Khmer king (now dried up). Lolei was the last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition there are some good lintel carvings, as well as some beautifully artistic calligraphy inscriptions to be admired on all the door jambs. An active modern-day pagoda has been built amongst the ruins.

Neak Pean   (late 12th century)

Neak Pean ia a tiny temple and was built by Jayarvarman VII. The King ordered the construction of a vast baray (reservoir) east of Preah Khan temple to provide water to its hundred-thousand support workers. Stretching a half kilometer by 900 meters the artificial lake stored millions of cubic meters of water to irrigate the rice fields during the dry season. Neak Pean (originally called 'Rajasri' but took its modern name which means 'coiled serpents' from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple), sits at the center of this baray. It once consisted of a square pond, measuring 70m x 70m, surrounded by four smaller ponds, which in turn were surrounded by eight more ponds. At the very center of the complex was a tiny island with a single tower made of sandstone. The significance of Neak Pean is not known, however experts beleive that Neak Pean represents Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all illness. During the dry season when the water is low look out for the animal and human head waterspouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.

Phimeanakas   (late 10th century)

Phimeanakas was constructed as a state-temple by Suryavarman and was the first palace to be built within fortifying walls, it later became absorbed into Angkor Thom which was built around 200 years later. There was a golden tower that crowned the temple and legend has it the temple was home ta a spirit which took the form of a serpent by day and a beautiful woman by night. The king had to visit this beautiful woman every night, if he failed to turn up disaster would follow. Phimeanakas is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom providing great views from the top.

Phnom Bakheng   (late 9th century)

Phnom Bakheng was the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area and marked the moving of the capital of the Khmer Empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century. It served as Yasovarman I's state-temple at the centre of his new capital city of Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock rather than being the laterite and earth fill of most other Angkor temples. Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap lake, the immense Western Baray, and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. However, this popularity can detract from the experience. To assist with the steep climb up Phnom Bakheng elephant rides are available.

Phnom Krom   (late 9th century)

Phnom Krom is a large hill 15km south of Siem Reap overlooking the vast expanse of the Tonle Sap lake (the largest lake in South East Asia). At the top of Phnom Krom is a modern pagoda, however within its grounds you will find a ruined late 9th century temple built by Yasovarman I. The three crumbling sandstone towers, dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma, stand in a row on a low platform, and a few carvings can still be made out. Whilst the ruins themselves are not anything special the view from the top of the hill is - it makes for an excellent alternative sunset viewing spot as the lowering sun shimmers on the waters of the lake and surrounding paddy fields.

Phnom Kulen   (9th century)

Phnom Kulen is considered particularly sacred by Khmers as it is regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Angkor Empire, it was here that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in the year 802, and Phnom Kulen became the Empire’s first capital. Phnom Kulen is a large upland area about 45km northwest of Siem Reap and there are many ancient temple sites scattered amongst the jungle on the vast plateau. However, as the area has only recently opened up to tourists many of these temple ruins are inaccessible. The reasons for visiting Phnom Kulen are to witness a massive 15th century reclining Buddha carved out of a huge protruding rock, to see the many lingas carved into the bedrock of the river (this is the source of the river that flows through Siem Reap), and to take a refreshing dip in the plunge pools of the regions largest waterfalls. The journey is also worth experiencing, taking you away from the ‘touristy’ Angkor temples, through traditional villages, past lush green paddy fields, and then climbing Phnom Kulen itself, surrounded by jungle and sandstone outcrops. Phnom Kulen is a magical place and is well worth visiting if you have the time.

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