Angkor Thom is a charming 12th Century Buddhist city which has been attracting a lot of tourists from around the world. One of the most famous temples of Cambodia the Bayon Temple is located here. Angkor Thom was built by Jayavarman VII, one of the great kings of Angkor. This city is shaped as a perfect square with its four sides facing the four directions east, west, north and south. Jayagiri is the wall that interestingly surrounds this city on all sides. This wall is 12 km long and 8 metre high.

 

A 100 metre wide moat surrounds the walls on all sides for additional protection. At the centre of the walls, a gate opens to the bridge extending over the moat to the city of Angkor Wat.

 

There are numerous ruins of stone temples in Angkor Thom which are explored with a passion by adventure lovers. One majestic temple ruin features five gates decorated with elephant trunks. Four faces of Avalokiteshwara, which was the king’s favourite motif looks down at you. 54 demons and 54 Gods line the left and right side of the gates.

The Elephant Terrace at Angkor Thom was used by the royalties as a viewing platform. This area is mystical and filled with fascinating picturesque illustrations of garudas and elephants. One of the most famous temples of Angkor the Bayon Temple is located at the centre of the city of Angkor Thom. This Buddhist temple illustrates the intersection between the heaven and earth showcasing some interesting Hindu artistry elements.

This temple features a smiling image that is thought to be that of Jayavarman VII and Bodhisatva Avalokiteshwara’s gigantic stone faces. Stalwart Baphuon is another temple situated to the north of Bayon. This is another temple with unique architecture constructed in the year 1066.

 

Dom was the predominant architectural style as can be seen in the construction of temples. Laterite has been used on a large scale, especially in the giant monsters close to the towers which carry the naga and each of the entrance’s back towers.

 

Mangalartha was the last temple to be constructed at Angkor Thom. This temple was completed in the year 1295. While the older temple structures here lasted and were modified periodically, newer structures could not really withstand the test of time due to the perishable materials used.

 

Each of these temple ruins point out to the unique architectural marvel and intricate carvings that must have been painstakingly etched by skilled artisans of the bygone era. Prominent temples at Angkor Thom are preserved through the efforts of various organizations from around the world as well as by the Cambodian government.

 

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