Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is a historical site located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was the capital city of the Khmer Empire from the late 12th to the early 13th century and was founded by King Jayavarman VII. The name Angkor Thom means "Great City" or "City of Temples."

The site covers an area of approximately 9 square kilometers and is surrounded by an 8-meter high wall and a moat that is 100 meters wide. There are five gates into the city, each of which is decorated with stone carvings of gods and demons.

The most famous structure within Angkor Thom is the Bayon Temple, which is located in the center of the city. The temple is known for its impressive stone faces, which are thought to represent King Jayavarman VII. There are also several other temples within Angkor Thom, including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and the Terrace of the Elephants.

In addition to the temples, Angkor Thom also contains a royal palace, administrative buildings, and residential areas. The site was abandoned in the 15th century and was rediscovered by French explorers in the late 19th century. Today, Angkor Thom is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia.

The name "Angkor Thom" means "Great City" in Khmer, the official language of Cambodia.

The city was built in the late 12th century, at a time when the Khmer Empire was facing military and political instability.

The Bayon Temple is one of the most iconic structures of Angkor Thom, with its massive towers and enigmatic stone faces.

The faces are thought to represent either King Jayavarman VII or the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

The Baphuon Temple, another major temple in Angkor Thom, was originally built as a Hindu temple but was later converted to a Buddhist temple.

The Terrace of the Elephants is named for its intricate carvings of elephants and other animals.

It was used as a viewing stand for royal processions and ceremonies.The Royal Palace was a vast complex that included numerous buildings and gardens.

Sadly, very little of it remains today, as it was largely made of wood and has since decayed.

Angkor Thom was rediscovered by French explorers in the late 19th century and has since become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The site is also significant for its cultural and spiritual importance, as it represents a key period in the history of Buddhism and Hinduism in Southeast Asia.

The area around Angkor Thom is home to several small villages, where visitors can learn about traditional Khmer culture and cuisine.

Finally, the site is also important for its conservation efforts, as it has been the focus of numerous preservation and restoration projects aimed at protecting its fragile cultural and ecological heritage.

The best time to visit Angkor Thom is during the dry season, which runs from November to March. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures. This makes it more comfortable for exploring the temple complex and other areas of the site.

In contrast, the wet season in Angkor Thom runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. While the vegetation is lush and green during this time, the heavy rains can make it difficult to explore the site, and some areas may be flooded or inaccessible.

It's also worth noting that Angkor Thom can get very crowded during peak tourist season, which is from December to February. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of November or March, when the weather is still good but there are fewer visitors.