Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as the capital of the Khmer empire. It covers an area of 9 square km. At the centre lies the Bayon temple. Angkor Thom was abandoned in the late 16th century. At its peak it is believed to have sustained a population of around 100,000 people. Shivers ran down my spine when I set foot inside the Bayon temple. It really is an amazing site.

Late in the afternoon I had the temple almost to myself. It felt so serene.

I visited the Bayon twice, once during the morning when it was quite crowded and once late in the afternoon, when I had the temple almost to myself.

Phimeanakas is a Hindu temple originally built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman (from 941-968). It is located within the enclosure of Angkor Thom.

Preah Palilay is a small temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom. Unfortunately the three monumental trees in front of the temple have been cut, because they were deemed a threat to the temple itself. All that remains are the giant roots.

The Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII. It is home to some amazing sculptures.

The other temples of Angkor: Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Ta Som, Preah Khan, Thommanon, Banteay Samre and the astonishing Beng Mealea, which is a long drive from Siem Reap.