Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is the late 12th-century walled capital city built by King Jayavarman VII and forms the central part of the Angkor archaeological park near Siem Reap. It served as the political and religious center of the Khmer Empire and contains several major temples and ceremonial platforms.

The city is entered through four monumental gates lined with statues leading to a grid of avenues and major monuments. At its heart is the Bayon, famed for its dozens of carved stone faces, while nearby structures include the Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Constructed in the late 12th to early 13th century under Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom replaced earlier capitals and was designed as a fortified ceremonial city with Buddhist and state temples. Over subsequent centuries the city declined and many structures fell into ruin before modern restoration efforts began in the 20th century.

Angkor Thom sits immediately north of the main Angkor Wat complex west of Siem Reap town, occupying the central area of the larger Angkor archaeological zone.

• City layout: The walled city plan measures roughly 3 km by 3 km, with four monumental gates, a surrounding wall, and a protective moat; the layout is compact and walkable between major monuments.

What to See #

• Bayon: Bayon temple - the richly carved state temple at the city center known for its many stone faces and complex layout.
• Baphuon: Baphuon - a large temple-mountain originally built as a state temple before being converted to Buddhist use, notable for its stepped pyramid form and recent restorations.
• Terraces (Elephants and Leper King): Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King - extensive raised platforms used for royal ceremonies and public events, decorated with bas-reliefs of animals and mythic scenes.