Angkor Thom
The last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire, home to the enigmatic Bayon temple
3-5 Hours
Visit Duration
9 km²
Walled City
5:30 AM
Opens Daily
Late 12th C
Built by Jayavarman VII
Overview
Angkor Thom ("Great City") was the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII after the Cham invasion of 1177, this massive 9 km² walled city was home to an estimated 1 million people at its peak—making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time.
The city is enclosed by an 8-meter-high wall and a wide moat, with five monumental gates decorated with stone faces. Within the walls lie numerous temples and structures, including the famous Bayon temple with its hundreds of serene stone faces, the Baphuon temple-mountain, and the Royal Palace complex.
History & Significance
Jayavarman VII: The Great Builder King
Jayavarman VII was the last great king of the Khmer Empire and its most prolific builder. A devout Buddhist (unlike his Hindu predecessors), he constructed more temples, roads, hospitals, and infrastructure than any other Khmer king. His face is believed to be represented in the Bayon's stone faces.
The Five Gates
Angkor Thom has five monumental gates, each 23 meters tall and topped with four stone faces looking in the cardinal directions. The causeways leading to each gate feature 54 devas (gods) on the left and 54 asuras (demons) on the right, pulling a naga (serpent)—representing the Hindu myth of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
South Gate (Most Popular)
The main entrance from Angkor Wat. Best-preserved causeway statues. Expect crowds but most photogenic. The stone faces atop the gate are well-maintained.
Victory Gate (East)
Leads directly to the Royal Palace area. Less crowded than South Gate. Named because victorious armies entered here. Good photo opportunities.
Gate of the Dead (East)
Used for funeral processions. Atmospheric and often empty. The causeway statues are more damaged but hauntingly beautiful.
North & West Gates
More ruined but rarely visited. Perfect for photography without crowds. The jungle has partially reclaimed these gates, creating dramatic scenes.
The Bayon Temple
The Bayon is the crown jewel of Angkor Thom and one of the most unique temples in the world. Its 54 towers are decorated with over 200 massive stone faces, each wearing an enigmatic "Khmer smile." The temple's bas-reliefs are equally impressive, depicting both mythological scenes and everyday life in 12th-century Cambodia.
Bayon Highlights
- Stone Faces: Over 200 serene faces on 54 towers, best photographed in morning light
- Outer Gallery: 1.2 km of bas-reliefs showing historical battles and daily life
- Inner Gallery: Mythological scenes including Hindu and Buddhist narratives
- Best Times: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) for soft light on faces
Pro Tip: Sunrise at Bayon
While most visitors head to Angkor Wat for sunrise, the Bayon offers an equally magical experience with far fewer crowds. The morning light illuminates the eastern faces first, creating a mystical atmosphere as mist rises from the jungle.
Other Key Sites
Baphuon
A massive three-tiered temple-mountain representing Mount Meru. Features a 200m elevated causeway and a reclining Buddha on the western wall. Recently restored after a 50-year reconstruction project.
Terrace of the Elephants
A 350m-long platform used for public ceremonies and the king's grand audience hall. Named for its impressive carved elephants and garudas along the walls.
Terrace of the Leper King
Features a statue of the "Leper King" (actually Yama, god of death) and intricate carvings of nagas, garudas, and celestial beings. A hidden inner wall reveals earlier, even more detailed carvings.
Phimeanakas
A 10th-century Hindu temple within the Royal Palace enclosure. Legend says the king spent the first watch of every night with a naga princess in the golden tower.
Visiting Guide
Suggested Route
1. Enter via South Gate (photos)
2. Bayon Temple (1-1.5 hours)
3. Baphuon (45 min)
4. Terrace of the Elephants (20 min)
5. Terrace of the Leper King (15 min)
6. Phimeanakas (optional, 20 min)
Total: 3-4 hours
Getting There
From Siem Reap: 20 min by tuk-tuk ($3-5)
From Angkor Wat: 10 min by tuk-tuk
By bicycle: 30 min from town
Most visitors combine with Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm in a single day
Practical Tips
Do
- Visit early morning for best light on the Bayon faces
- Explore the less-visited North and West gates
- Look for the hidden inner wall at the Terrace of the Leper King
- Bring a flashlight for dark corridors in the Bayon
Avoid
- Rushing through—allow at least 3 hours
- Visiting only the Bayon—the other sites are equally impressive
- Climbing on the stone faces or statues
- Mid-day visits (10 AM - 2 PM) when it's hottest and most crowded
Explore More Siem Reap Temples
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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