PHIMEANAKAS TEMPLE

Date:      Late 10th to early 11th centuries (Phimeanakas); 12th to 13th centuries.

Style:     Khleang (Phimeanakas); Bakheng to Bayon.

Reign:   Jayavarman V and Udayadityavarman I (Phimeanakas); Suryavarman I onwards.

Visit:     45 mins to1hr

The site where Suryavarman I built his royal palace continued in use, almost uninterruptedly, from the 11th to the end of the 16th century. During that time, the area underwent many transformations and restorations. Recent excavations have revealed many remains, some of which are even earlier, such as a temple from the beginning of the 10th century built by a minister to Yasovarman I and sturdy posts which may have been the residence for this minister.

    The majority of the buildings here would have been non-religious in nature, and as were constructed of these structures means that what remains today give an impression of great disorder.
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LEPER KING TERRACE

Date:     13th century

Style:     Bayon

Reign:   Jayavarman VII, added to by Jayavarman VII

Visit:    15-30 mins

This massive terrace, named after the 15th century sculpture that was discovered on top, stands more or less independent of the other building that surround the Royal Square of Angkor Thom. Like the Elephant Terrace it has certain dating problem. It probably dates to the reign of Jayavarman VIII and was part of significant alterations made to the royal palace during his reign, including the extension of the Elephant Terrace with the Bapuon entrance gopura. After a partial collapse, its surface area was extended and the wall entirely rebuilt, although the former sculptures were left intact within the new embankment. Recent excavation and restoration now allow both sets of reliefs to be appreciated. Read More...

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ELEPHANT TERRACE

Date:      late 12th century, with late 13th century additions

Style:      Bayon

Reign:    Jayavarman VII, added to by Jayavarman VII

Visit:     20-30 mins

This long terrace at the heart of Angkor Thom, looking out over the Royal Square, was the foundation for royal reception pavilions; the carvings of elephants along its walls give it its modern name.   Read More...

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ANGKOR THOM

This, one of the largest of all Khmer cities, was founded by Jayavarman VII and probably remained the capital until the 17th century. For most visitors, the first sight of this monumental construction is the magnificent S Gate, with its towers with four faces pointing each of the cardinal directions and elephants, preceded by the no less impressive avenue of gods and asuras lining the bridge across the moat. 

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