Angkor Wat Temples - an introduction . . .

Angkor Thom   (late 12th century)

Angkor Thom is a 3km sq walled and moated Royal city, was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, and home to Angkor’s greatest king, Jayavarman VII. After Jayavarman VII re-captured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the Empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall and moat, and some of Angkor's greatest temples, including his state temple, Bayon, set at the centre of the city. There are 5 entrances (gates) to the city; one for each cardinal point, and the Victory Gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant smiling faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour of the temples.

Angkor Wat   (mid 12th century)

Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, is unmistakable with its five magnificent towers and vast complex of galleries – it is not only an artistic feat but an emotional experience; no amount of background research quite prepares you for the real thing… Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his capital city, and today it still epitomizes classical Khmer architecture and culture and is even featured on Cambodia’s national flag, the world’s only flag which features a building. After being initially impressed by its overall size and the grandeur and harmony of its architecture which will have set your heart a-flutter with anticipation, you walk across the 200m causeway, crossing the 4km encompassing moat, to the main entrance with excitement building, and as you enter, you discover you have only passed an outer wall. Going further, distracted and awed by the bas-reliefs on every surface, is the first of three concentric chambers with hallways 400 meters long, and covered with thousands of bas-relief sculptures, each of these three galleries rising above the next. Once you have entered the inner sanctum and climbed the final precipitous set of stone stairs, almost vertically pitched, you turn around and are treated to a true spectacle of the Khmer Empire laid out beneath you - the lower towers, the courtyards, the pools, the causeway, the outer walls of the complex; the magnificent moat; and Phnom Bakheng in the distance. Discovering Angkor Wat is truly a memorable experience and one that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Bakong   (late 9th century)

Bakong is the most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Khmer capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850 meters at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural form on a grand scale, and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick. Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. It is a very picturesque temple being surrounded by a moat and lush vegetation, being 'lost' in the jungle until 1936.

Banteay Kdei   (early 13th century)

Banteay Kdei is a sprawling, largely unrestored, monastic complex in much the same style as Ta Prohm. It was originally constructed over the site of an earlier temple, and functioned as a Buddhist monastery under Jayavarman VII. As with other works of Jayavarman VII's era, it is a tightly packed architectural muddle, which like the Bayon, suffered from several changes in the plans at the time of construction. It was also built using an inferior grade of sandstone and using poor construction techniques, leading to much of the deterioration visible today. A restoration project is underway on many of the towers and corridors, and some areas are blocked off. The foundation stele of the temple has not been found so there is no record of to whom it is dedicated. The 13th century vandalism of Buddha images that is seen on many Jayavarman VII temples is quite apparent on Banteay Kdei.

Banteay Samre   (mid 12th century)

Banteay Samre is a large, relatively flat temple near the south east corner of the East Baray, and has undergone extensive restoration this century. Banteay Samre was constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat. The style of the towers and balustrades bear strong resemblance to the towers of Angkor Wat and even more so to the Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition. The journey to Banteay Samre is a nice little road excursion through villages and paddie fields.

Banteay Srei   (late 10th century)

Banteay Srei loosely translates to 'Fortress of the Women' thanks to the intricate carvings found here, considered too fine for the hands of a man. banteay Srei was built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory. The temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srei displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction, and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. The colors are best before 10:30am and after 2:00pm, but there are fewer tourists in the afternoon. This temple was discovered by French archaeologists relatively late, in 1914. Banteay Srei lies 30km north of the main Angkor Wat complex requiring extra travel time, however the extra effort is well worth it.

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