Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is an undeniable site for most visitors taking a tour to Cambodia. Built in the 12^th century and was the last city of the Khmer empire, it was a fortified city consisting of priests' houses, court officials' palaces and workplaces for the administrative people.

Buildings inside the city were made from wood, most of which have perished but there still remain some stone monuments that prove Angkor Thom is a veritable "Great City" as its name indicates. Surrounded by an eight-meter-high wall and a 100-meter-wide moat, the site takes nearly a square, stretching from north to south and east to west. You have lots to explore here: the South Gate is the most popular for it can lead you directly to Angkor Wat. Serving as a viewing point for royal members, the Elephant Terrace vividly depicts formidable elephants and shaded by a lush forest. The Bayon Temple, a Buddhist temple that evokes aesthetic responses - more than 2,000faces of the then king were carved on 54 towers, signifying the king's omnipresence and great power. North of it is the Baphuon Temple, a stunning attraction with over 10 chambers at its base.

Besides the relics mentioned above, there are also several other interesting sights worth a long look: Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, Ta Keo and Beng Mealea.

Indochina Odyssey Tours offers a completed travel guide and worry-free tour service for Angkor Ruins. So why not take your time in Southeast Asia and stay just a little bit more? Check out our picked 18-Day Vietnam with Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang to enjoy a fascinating Asia tour!