🛕 Angkor Thom
អង្គរធំ
Also known as: The Great City
Province
Siem Reap
Era
Late Angkorian
Difficulty
🟢 Easy
Crowds
👥👥 High
Key Facts
Built: 12th–13th century (1181–1220)
Built by: King Jayavarman VII
Religion: Buddhist
Entry Fee: Angkor Pass
Time Needed: 3–4 hours (excluding Bayon interior)
UNESCO: ✅ World Heritage Site
The last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire — a 9 km² walled city containing the famous Bayon temple.
Angkor Thom (meaning "Great City") was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, built by Jayavarman VII after the Cham invasion of 1177 devastated the previous capital. The city covers 9 square kilometers, enclosed by an 8-meter-high wall and a wide moat. Five monumental gates, each flanked by 54 stone gods and 54 demons pulling a naga serpent (recreating the Churning of the Ocean of Milk), provide entry. At the geometric center sits the enigmatic Bayon temple with its 216 serene face towers. The city also contains the Royal Palace enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Phimeanakas, and numerous smaller temples. At its peak, an estimated one million people lived within and around the walls.
Highlights
- ✦ South Gate entrance with naga-pulling statues
- ✦ Bayon temple (separate entry)
- ✦ Terrace of the Elephants (350m long)
- ✦ Terrace of the Leper King
- ✦ Phimeanakas pyramid temple
- ✦ Royal Palace grounds
Best Time to Visit
Morning (7-9 AM) for soft light on the face towers
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Enter through the South Gate for the most photogenic approach
- 💡 Combine with Bayon, Baphuon, and the terraces in one visit
- 💡 The north gate is much quieter for photos
Nearby Temples
13.4411°N, 103.8586°E
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.