Angkor Thom

Anchor Thom

Angkor Thom is not a temple, but an entire walled city of 9 sq. kms which served as the royal Capital from approx. 1181.   With a population of 1 million, it was far bigger than any city in Europe at the time.   The center piece is the Bayon temple crowned with 216 giant, enigmatic, smiling faces.   Also visit the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, which houses almost perfectly preserved, detailed carvings.

Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire, with the Bayon temple as its center piece.   Notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction.   Observe the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from which the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex.