Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khner Empire. It was established in the late twelfth century and covers an area of 9 km². At the centre of the city is the Bayon state temple, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north including the Elephant Terrace.
It would be fair to say that we were most impressed with this site, even over Angkor Wat. The scale is massive, the carved faces of the gods are amazing.
One enters over a bridge to the main gate. On one side are statues of gods, on the other demons.
Upon entering, we drive through the grounds until we can see the temple of Bayon.
There are many turrets, each had a face on each of four sides, representing the various gods.
There were beautiful bas relief and sculptures as well.
The restoration work is unimaginably complex –
On our way past a pyramid going to the Terrace of Elephants, we ran into some friends –
The Pyramid –
The Terrace of Elephants –
Across the way, little abodes for King’s wives (one per wife) –
