Angkor Archaeological Park

Angkor Wat Temple
Angkor Wat “Temple City” is the famous 7th Wonders of the World, designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1992. Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, and is the largest religious monument in the world as well as the soul of Cambodia. The temple was built in the early 12th century under the reign of King Suryavarman II, was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the Devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometers long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the center of the temple stands a quincunx of towers with 65m high.

Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom “Great City” was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire, established in the late 20th century by King Jayavarman VII. It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras including Baphuon and Phimeanakas as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the center of the city is Jayavarman’s state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north. There are five 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 faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour.

Bayon Temple
One of the main Angkor temples, was built in late 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The giant stone of smiling faces of Bayon has become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture with 37 standing towers. The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes.  Bayon temple is a must to visit when travel to Cambodia otherwise you would feel that you didn’t experience Cambodia enough in meaningful.

 

Ta Prohm Temple
Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of stunning trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors and it was where Lara Croft – Thomb Raider was filmed. Ta Prohm temple was built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries under the reign of Jayavarman VII, located 1km east of Angkor Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray.

 

Banteay Srei Temple
Bateay Srei “The citadel of woman” is situated northeast of Angkor, 40km away from Siem Reap and takes around 1 hour drive. The intricately carved, pink sandstone temple was built in 10th century, dedicated to Hindu and god Shiva, considered to be a Jewel of Khmer art which features elaborate decorations and fine detail. It has become one of the favorite temples for tourist after the main temples of Angkor. There are a few attractions which tourist can visit on the same day if they plan their trip to Banteay Srei. Those attractive places are including butterfly garden, landmine museum and local handicraft souvenirs, and palm sugar making and packing.

Kbal Spean, The river bed of 1000 lingas
Kbal Spean “Bridge Head” is located southwest slops of Phnom Kulen waterfall, which takes approximately more than 1 hour drive from Siem Reap town. The Kbal Spean River is commonly known as the “Valley of a 1000 lingas” or “The River of a Thousand Lingas”, it’s where the ancient Khmer religiously believed that the water that flowed passing by, those who got bathing under the falls, would be more powerful and they still believed the holy water could get rid out of any diseases, cynical evils and so on. The Kbal Spean also provides a nice short hiking from the foothill to the river bed, which is around 40 minute hike each direction. Strong footwear, insect repellent, hat and long sleeves are recommended to bring along to the site.