The story of Angkor Thom is one of the interesting and attractive tourist places in Siem Reap. It is the hometown of Bayon, Baphuan, and Phimeanakas, three of the major temples at Angkor.
Siem Reap is home to Angkor Thom, one of the most important Khmer monuments in the small city. Angkor Thom is a temple that was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII and was constructed to act as a giant royal capital. Although tourism was important during its time, it was also a symbolic place that acted as an expression of the power held by Jayavarman VII over his people and kingdoms. The main highlight of Angkor Thom is the Bayon Temple which holds some of the best carvings in the Khmer Empire. There are other temples spread around Siem Reap but if you only have time to visit one you need to head for Angkor Thom.
Angkor Thom is one of the most popular and best-preserved temples. It lies about 5km west of Angkor Thom Bayang, which was known as East Baray. This place was built for King Jayavarman IV in the late 12th century, entirely following a similar architectural style like Angkor Wat. The temple is built on an artificially raised ground called the Terrace of Baphoun surrounding a rectangular body standing on a terrace platform. The causeway of its entrance is joined to Lolei Temple by a laterite gallery.
Angkor Thom is the Bayon’s older, bigger brother, just 1.5km from the modern town of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Angkor Thom is a Buddhist/Hindu Temple built in the mid-12th century in the ancient Khmer Kingdom. It was dedicated to Vishnu (he of 10,000 names), and its main tower formed the central sanctuary for a royal temple compound dominated by Bayon-style towers (like the Bayon just down the road).
Angkor Thom is a temple complex at the heart of Angkor, Cambodia. It was built by King Jayavarman VII as his state temple and capital city in the early 12th century.
Video by: Amazing Places on Our Planet
Angkor Thom is the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire (802 – 1431 AD) that dominated much of Southeast Asia. Unlike many of the other temples at Angkor, such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom has not been systematically looted. The sandstone temple was dedicated to Vishnu and has a pond in front.
Angkor Thom is the largest city in the Khmer empire that has ever existed. It is the legacy of the mighty king, Jayavarman VII. The temple complex is located at the center of what once was a massive settlement. The area was evacuated and flooded in order to help preserve it for future generations.