The Mysterious Temples of Angkor: Siem Reap Travel Guide

berfinozelsel
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Beyond Angkor Wat: Angkor Thom

Yes, Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure and attracts nearly 3 million tourists to Cambodia annually, but before that, I should tell you about Angkor Thom.

Angkor Thom was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which became a major power in mainland Southeast Asia from the late 12th century onwards. Angkor Thom means "Great City" in the Khmer language, and it truly lives up to its name. Founded by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, it served as the capital of the Khmer Empire for many years. In the late 14th century, Angkor Thom was invaded by the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand), and the city was subsequently abandoned.

Today, when you visit Angkor Thom, you're not just seeing a single temple. It's actually a vast ancient city. Once, the city housed a royal palace, ceremonial grounds, and numerous temples. Some of the significant structures that still stand and can be visited today include the Temple of Bayon, the Temple of Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. These areas were once part of grand squares where kings held ceremonies, armies were welcomed, and official events took place.

One of Angkor Thom's most impressive features is its massive city walls. Approximately 12 kilometers long, these walls are flanked by a wide moat, completely encircling the city. The ancient city is accessed through five grand gates, reached via bridges over the moat. Four of these gates face north, south, east, and west, while the fifth, the Victory Gate, is located in the northeast. The gates feature giant faces looking in four directions, representing Lokeshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. On either side of the bridges leading to the gates is one of Angkor's most iconic images: stone statues depicting 54 gods and 54 demons pulling a giant serpent. This scene is said to represent the Hindu myth of the "Stirring of the Sea of Milk."

The East Gate – used by both locals and merchants.
The West Gate – again, it served as the public entrance and exit.
South Gate (Victory/King's Gate) – the gate from which the king and his armies set out on campaigns.
The North Gate (Gate of Death) – the gate through which funeral processions exited.

The South Gate is the best-preserved of Angkor Thom's gates. It is also the most frequently used gate, as it lies on the tourist route between Angkor Wat and the Temple of Bayon. The South Gate is one of the most popular entrances for visitors, and the statues of gods and demons on the bridge are considered one of the most photogenic spots in Angkor.

The bridge leading to the gate features two rows of stone statues. On one side are the good figures representing the gods, and on the other, the evil figures representing the demons. These figures are depicted pulling a giant snake (naga).

The Legend of the Churning of the Sea of Milk

According to this legend, gods and demons work together to obtain amrita, the elixir of immortality. Mount Mandara is used as an axis, and the naga serpent Vasuki acts as a rope. The gods and demons stir the sea by pulling the serpent. Just as the mountain is about to sink, Vishnu, in his form as the turtle Kurma, carries the mountain on his back. In the end, amrita is obtained by the gods, and having regained their power, the gods manage to defeat the demons.

Today, Angkor Thom is one of the most important parts of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The vast majority of those visiting Angkor Wat complete their itinerary with temples such as Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm .

While Angkor Wat is often highlighted as the symbol of Cambodia, to truly understand the story of Angkor, a visit to Angkor Thom is essential. In fact, when you book a tour with tuk-tuk drivers, they'll often include this structure in their small circuit tour. With its massive walls, the mysterious Bayon Temple, and impressive city plan, Angkor Thom is one of the best examples of the power of the Khmer Empire.

While Angkor Wat draws heavily on Hinduism, Angkor Thom reflects more the ideas and symbols of Mahayana Buddhism. The sculptures and reliefs seen here express Mahayana Buddhist ideals such as Lokesvara (compassion), Prajnaparamita (wisdom), and Buddha (enlightenment).

However, some Hindu symbols can still be found in the city. In fact, the architecture of Angkor Thom itself has a symbolic design. When the layout of the temples is examined, a mandala-like city plan radiating from the center outwards is seen. This shows that the city was designed not only as a capital but also as a three-dimensional representation of Buddhist cosmology.

🌅 Angkor Wat

Whenever I first set foot on the soil of a new country—especially if reaching it requires long flights, transfers, and a bit of patience—the same thought always crosses my mind: “I’m at the other end of the world.” But this expression describes not just a distance on a map, but the depth of a journey. Because “the other end of the world” is more than just a geographical definition; it’s actually a mosaic where cultures, history, and human stories intertwine.

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is exactly the kind of place that evokes this feeling. It's a temple-city where you can feel the texture of time and trace the footsteps of history. This fascinating structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is more than just a temple; it's like a stone bridge built between the past and the present. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Emperor Suryavarman II and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat was later also used as a Buddhist temple. Today, it is still considered a symbol of Cambodia and even appears on the country's flag.

The intricate details of the temples, the reliefs on the walls, and the fine craftsmanship in the stones completely detach you from the century you are in. Every stone whispers the story of the past; every corridor conceals the splendor of a civilization. You can also check out my article on how to visit Angkor Wat in more detail.

The temple served as the state temple of Khmer King Suryavarman II and was also intended as his mausoleum. Its architectural design is based on Mount Meru, considered a sacred mountain dwelling place of the gods in Hindu mythology. The five towers of the temple symbolize the five peaks of Mount Meru, while the surrounding walls represent mountain ranges, and the wide moat represents the ocean.

One of Angkor Wat's most striking features is its westward orientation. Most Khmer temples were built facing east. This has led some researchers to believe that King Suryavarman II planned this as his own tomb. Other historians suggest that the temple faces west because it was dedicated to Vishnu instead of Shiva. In Hindu belief, the universe exists through the balance of opposites: the towers on the right represent good, and those on the left represent evil. The temple complex also includes two library structures with devata figures on their walls.

🏛️ Angkor National Museum

After experiencing the magic of Angkor Wat, if you wish to delve into the origins and depths of this unique civilization, the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap awaits you. Here, hundreds of sculptures, reliefs, and historical artifacts from the glorious era of the Khmer Empire are on display.

The museum, with its chronologically arranged galleries, offers visitors a comprehensive look at the art, religious beliefs, and royal life of the Angkor period. The Gallery of 1000 Buddhas, in particular, is one of the most impressive parts of the visit — the atmosphere created by hundreds of small and large Buddha statues is truly captivating.

Visiting here after your trip to Angkor Wat allows you to understand each temple and symbol you see much better. The carvings, figures, and legends you encounter in the temples come together seamlessly with the museum's narrative.

📍 Tip: You can also browse local handicrafts and Angkor-themed objects at the small gift shop located at the museum's exit. Furthermore, the museum is air-conditioned, making it a great place to relax on a hot day.

🛕 Bayon Temple – Temple of Smiling Faces

Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple, built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, has become an icon of Angkor with its mystical atmosphere and hundreds of smiling stone faces. Bayon is one of the rare temples where both Buddhist and Hindu elements can be seen together. In this respect, it reflects the religious tolerance and cultural richness of the era. Each of the temple's 54 towers features giant reliefs of faces looking in four directions — meaning wherever you turn, you're likely to encounter a face watching you!

Bayon Temple is located in the very center of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It is easily accessible, being only a few kilometers from Angkor Wat. Other important structures in the vicinity include Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and smaller temples such as South Khleang and Sour Prat Tower. If you are coming from Siem Reap city center or Angkor Wat, you will most likely enter through the South Gate of Angkor Thom. After entering through the gate, you will reach Bayon Temple by walking approximately 1 kilometer north.

Like many temples in the region, Bayon was abandoned in the 16th century and gradually became covered by forest over time. In 1992, the Angkor region was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the temple was placed under protection.

The temple is particularly known as the "Temple of Smiling Faces" because of the 216 giant stone faces on its towers. One theory suggests these faces represent King Jayavarman VII, as many Angkor kings considered themselves "devaraja" (god-kings). Another theory claims these faces belong to Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva representing all Buddhas.

🏯 Ta Prohm Temple – “Tomb Raider Temple”

Probably the most famous temple after Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm is known as one of the locations used for the Tomb Raider movie. Largely built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, it's one of the most crowded of the Angkor Wat temples, so be prepared to queue for photos. However, the atmosphere is incredibly impressive; the ruins and the surrounding forest draw you in.

The reason Ta Prohm Temple is also known as the "Tomb Raider Temple" is because the famous Tomb Raider movie, starring Angelina Jolie, was filmed here. Known worldwide thanks to the film, the temple has become one of the most popular tourist destinations today, thanks to its mystical atmosphere and captivating beauty. Walking through the narrow corridors, watching the roots trying to swallow the stones, or simply listening to the sound of the wind, you feel like you're in a movie scene.

📸 Tip: Arriving early in the morning will help you avoid the crowds and allow you to witness the impressive interplay of sunlight on the temple and trees. The famous “Tomb Raider Tree” is located in the temple’s central sanctuary.

Ta Prohm Temple is included in many day trip programs. The Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour, Angkor Small Circuit Tour, and Angkor Sunset Tour are particularly popular. We spent about an hour at Ta Prohm. Many tourists try to recreate scenes from the Tomb Raider movie and take photos there.

Stegosaurus Relief

Ta Prohm boasts a rather famous "stegosaurus relief." Some claim this relief shows that the ancient Khmers were knowledgeable about dinosaurs or even saw them. However, it's also said to be a wild boar or rhinoceros standing against a leafy background. Whatever the truth, this mysterious relief remains one of Ta Prohm's most intriguing details. It was fun for us to search for it too.

Ta Prohm's original name was Rajavihara, which means "King's Monastery" in English. The temple was built in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII and is one of the first major temples built during the king's long reign.

Ta Prohm was originally founded as a Buddhist monastery and university. Like other temples in the area, Ta Prohm was abandoned in the 16th century and gradually became covered by forest. Today, it is possible to see the roots of giant trees growing between the temple walls.

🌳 Ta Som

Ta Som, one of my favorite temples in Angkor Wat and a true hidden gem, was built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. Because it's a smaller temple, it's often overlooked by tourists. A giant strangler fig tree completely encircles one of the gates. It's a great spot for photos.

🪷 Banteay Srei Temple

No temple in the Angkor region resembles the Banteay Srei Temple. This temple is constructed from red sandstone, which gives it a captivating color in the morning and evening sun. Despite its small size, its elegance rivals that of any other magnificent structure. The finely crafted reliefs on the temple walls depict the gods and legends of Hindu mythology with extraordinary detail. Every corner tells a story. Although it's located a little further from larger complexes like Angkor Wat and Bayon, it's definitely worth the effort. With its tranquil atmosphere, exquisite stone carvings, and spectacular light displays for photographers, it's one of the unforgettable stops in Cambodia.

Phimeanakas Temple

Phimeanakas, also known as the "Celestial Temple," is a Hindu temple built in the 10th century and a significant example of the Khleang architectural style. Designed in a three-tiered pyramid shape, it served as a sacred space for worshipping the gods. Although smaller than other temples in the area, its approximately 40-meter height makes it quite impressive. The temple's name comes from an interesting legend. According to the legend, the king would climb the temple steps every night to meet the Naga princess. If the Naga princess did not arrive one night, it was believed that this would spell the end for the king and bring great disaster to the kingdom. Therefore, Phimeanakas was considered a temple of both religious and legendary significance during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple

Although Baphuon Temple is located within Angkor Thom, it is one of the quieter temples in the area. Unlike the crowded temples such as Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, there are generally fewer tourists here. Despite being one of the large temples built during the Khmer Empire, the structure is quite dilapidated today. Therefore, it is often overlooked. Furthermore, reaching the temple requires walking along an open walkway approximately 200 meters long, with no shade from the sun. Baphuon Temple was built in the 11th century as a three-tiered temple mountain. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and served as the state temple of King Udayadityavarman II.

Terrace of the Elephants

This platform, approximately 2.5 meters high and 300 meters long, was used by King Jayavarman VII to watch his victorious armies return.

Much of the structure, built from materials like wood that could deteriorate over time, has not survived to the present day. What is visible today are the ornate stone foundations of the building. Because these foundations feature numerous elephant reliefs, the structure has been named the "Elephant Terrace."

Terrace of the Elephants, Royal Square in the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It is located approximately 400 meters north of the Temple of Bayon.

Almost all tours passing through Angkor Thom make a short stop at the Terrace of the Elephants. Tours covering Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm temples, in particular, often pass by this terrace as it is on the route. The Elephant Terrace is also a significant stop on the Angkor Wat Small Circuit Tour program. If you are exploring the temples on your own without a guide, don't forget to see this area, one of the most popular spots in the park.

Terrace of the Leper King

The Terrace of the Leper King is one of the areas visited along with the Terrace of the Elephants. This interesting name comes from a 15th-century statue found in the area. Believed to represent Yama, the Hindu god of death, the statue has become completely covered in moss over time. Locals, upon seeing the surface of the statue, thought it resembled a leper, and the structure eventually came to be known as the "Terrace of the Leper King." Built in the 12th century, this terrace is thought to have been used as a cremation site for the royal family.