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Photo: Angkor Thom
Getting to Angkor
Thom is easy since it is located to the north of
Angkor Wat. Angkor Thom is a
large Buddhist temple city built from the late
12th century to the early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII
and it has the distinction of being the last
capital city of the Khmer Empire.
This fortified city has walls stretching more
then twelve kilometer and six kilometer high. It
is built using Bayon style using mostly laterite. This spectacular place has five monumental walls
with each having four serene faces of Avalokitesvara
with the Victory Gate of Angkor
Thom (located five hundred meters north of the
east gate) being the most famous gate while the
naga-carrying giant figures provide good
opportunity to take some photos.
The Bayon,
Jayavarman VII's state temple, is located at the
centre of the city and consists of 54 towers,
each with 4 faces. Major attractions within the
Angkor Thom complex include Baphuon, Terrace of
the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and Phimeanakas.
Baphuon and Phimeanakas are located in the Royal
Palace. Most places of interest are located
around the Victory Square and among them are Tep
Pranam, Preah Palilay, Prasat Suor, Prasat Prat,
south Khleang, north Khleang and Preah Pithu.
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