Angkor Temple Guide: #2 Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is the walled ancient city that was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. It was built by Jayavarnam VII from the late 12th to the early 13th centuries. The total site covers 9 sq km (3.5 square miles), probably accounting for its name, which simply means ‘Great City’.

Although much is now in ruin, it is easy to see how it would have looked when built

Upon his victory over the Cham invaders, King Jayavarman VII embarked on a huge building programme, which spread across his entire kingdom. Angkor Thom was to be his new capital, but was at the heart of so much more. There were two temples already standing, Baphuon and Phimeanakas. He built his walls around them, enclosing what was to become his incredible city.

The Individual Buildings Within Angkor Thom

At the centre of Angkor Thom he built what is for many, his crowning glory. The Bayon is an awesome structure that must have struck fear into anyone who first saw it; with its enormous huge carved faces staring out in all directions. The Royal Palace is here, as are the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. It is an amazing place to stroll around, imagining what life must have been like here 900 years ago. It is thought that as many as 150,000 people lived here. Much of the city has been lost to time, but in its heyday, it must have been a truly magnificent sight.

Entry Points

The city is accessed through 5 gates, 4 of which are set out at the cardinal points. Most visitors will enter the kingdom for the first time via the South gate. These are imposing structures in their own right. Each gate has a tower, 23 metres (75ft) tall. Upon each of these four faces are carved into the sides. The fifth gate is the Victory gate which leads to the Royal Palace.

At the corners he constructed a shrine, in cruciform and oriented to the east. These were known as Prasat Chrung, simply “corner shrine”. They were built of sandstone and dedicated to Avalokiteshvara.