The Angkor Temples

At the centre of the great city of Angkor  lies the Bayon Temple. It has 52 towers with the huge serene faces of the Jayavarman VII. To the north is the great plaza adjoining 300 metre long  Elephant terrace which must have been a spectacular meeting place 800 years ago. Behind this are the ruins of the  Royal Palace and the pyramid temple of Phiminakas.  The crowning glory is the huge dome of the Baphuon. This is under restoration at present and will be a spectacular sight when completed . The whole area is dotted with dozens of smaller temples all are of some interest.

Angkor Thom is just the starting point. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world is so big as to be hard to take in at once. The 200metre  wide moat and causeway with the 350 metre entrance portico is impressive enough, but the grandeur within its square mile of walls is truly stunning. Over 1 kilometre of spectacular carvings lie within its outer galleries and a vast labyrinth of passages,  courtyards and the five lotus flower towers at its centre.

Ta Prohm

This huge temple complex looks much the same as when it was first discovered. The high lichen covered walls are distorted by the movement of the earth beneath.  800 years of history lie twisted and broken, with sinister root systems of huge trees enveloping doors and windows in a stranglehold. The distinction between organic and non-organic become blurred in the green pallor of light from the jungle canopy.  The intensity of the jungle sounds here can be almost deafening. It must be one of the most atmospheric places on Earth.

East Mebon

3 Towers Elephant Situated at the centre of the huge reservoir of West Baray (now dried up), the island temple of East Mebon was built by Rajendravarman II at the end of 10th Century. It has five brick towers and elephant statues at each corner. The brick shrines are studded with regular holes; used to key in the plaster; which has long since been washed away.

Preah Khan

is another temple highlight This is the second largest temple enclosure in Angkor. Within its square kilometre enclosure lies a temple complex which is almost as atmospheric as Ta Prohm. It is very much better preserved; though still has some eerie root formations; the most impressive being shown here. Preah Khan had an army of 50,000 to service and maintain it. It must have been an amazing sight.

Banteay Srey

A favourite of whoever visits it; this small Hindu temple, around 45 mins drive from Siem Reap, has the finest of all the carvings of the temples of Angkor.  Banteay Srey is a place of breathtaking beauty. Get there early to avoid the crowds!