Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is built facing to the west and this has scholars divided as to its significance.
This magnificent temple combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture; the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. Surrounded by a moat, an outer wall with three rectangular galleries, and a quincunx of towers in the center, clearly indicates that the Angkor Wat temple was designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology. The extensive bas-reliefs and the numerous guardian spirits adorning its walls serve as evidence of the strong Khmer religious beliefs.
The position of the temple is orientated to connect the earth with the sky. The sun raises exactly on the peak of the main Angkor Temple twice a year, at the so-called equinox – time of the year when the sun crosses the plane of the earth’s equator and day and night are of equal length.
Researchers also discovered that the main route to Angkor Wat temple differs by three quarters of a degree from the east-west axis to the north. According to the precession of the earth’s axis, the North Pole is not fixed but moves like a spiral. This happens extremely slowly at around 72 years for each degree. It takes about 26,000 years for a complete revolution.
Multiplying the precession of the earth’s axis – the aforementioned three quarters of a degree – with the number 72 results in the number 54. The number 54 is frequently observed in Angkor Park. For example, the four-faced towers at the Bayon Temple or the guards in front of the South Gate of the city of Angkor Thom.
Built between the late 12th and early 13th century by Jayavarman VII, the greatest king of Angkor, the 9 sq km fortified city of Angkor Thom, was the...
Read MoreThe Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple built in the late twelfth or early thirteenth century.
Read MoreConsecrated in 967 A.D, Banteay Srei was speculated to have been known earlier as Banteay Serai, which
Read MorePhnom Bakheng was constructed more than two centuries before the Angkor Wat. It is a Hindu temple
Read MorePreah Khan was built on the site of Jayavarman VII’s victory over the invading Chams in 1191.
Read MoreTa Prohm, known for the huge trees and the massive roots growing out of its wall, is believed to have been built in the late twelfth and early thirtee...
Read MoreBuilt in the late twelfth to early thirteenth century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Banteay Kdei is known
Read MoreThe Kulen Mountain or Phnom Kulen is declared as a National Park. It is an isolated mountain massif located
Read MoreThe Angkor National Museum is classified as one of Cambodia’s premier museum sites. On display are
Read MoreThe Cambodian Cultural Village is designed to provide tourists with an excellent insight into the life and
Read MoreNo holiday experience is complete without the thrills of shopping at a local night market; In Phnom Penh, the night market opens only on weekends unli...
Read MoreBuilt by King Harshavarman I in the early 10th century and dedicated to Hindusim.
Read MoreThe Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by king
Read MoreIt was perhaps a chapel to Kama, God of Love. The spot would suit the temper of the strange power, terribly
Read MoreEast Mebon temple is a large temple-mountain-like ruin, rising three levels and crowned by five towers.
Read MoreArchitecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well
Read MoreIt is located at the foot of the mountain. Along the river of Siem Reap, there are a lot of figures of Yoni and
Read MoreThis holy place must have been favored during the great Angkorean epoch when its waters, after having
Read MoreA towering 12-meter tall brick and laterite step-pyramid. Harshavarman I began construction or perhaps
Read MoreSmall, untouristed temple near Neak Pean. Similar to Ta Som in architectural/artistic style and scale. Some of
Read MoreLarge, comparatively flat temple displaying distinctively Angkor Wat-style architecture and artistry. The temple
Read More102 hospitals were built throughout the empire under Jayavarman VII. The hospital itself was probably
Read MoreChau Say Tevoda is a small temple of similar design and floor plan to that of Thommanon located across the
Read MoreRectangular sandstone building set opposite the Terrace of Elephants, behind the Prasat Suor Prat. ‘Kleang’
Read MorePrasats in a severe state of ruin. Some carving visible. Kutisvara was mentioned in an inscription in connection
Read MoreImpressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack surviving carvingleaves it artistically uninteresting. But it
Read MoreA set of three brick towers between Baksei Chamkrong and the moat of Angkor Thom near the South Gate.
Read MorePrasat Prei temple is small, untouristed temple ruins in a forest near Neak Pean. Remains of a gopura, the
Read MoreTwelve nearly identical laterite and sandstone towers that stand opposite and parallel to the Terrace of the
Read MoreAngkor Thom: Architecturally unimpressive but historically important small tower. Also known as ‘Monument
Read MoreSmall, ruined towers standing in a quiet section of Angkor Thom. Inscriptions indicate that the site was used
Read MorePicturesque sandstone and laterite tower in a cool, shaded forest setting, in the area behind the Terrace of
Read MoreFive small temples set in a quiet area opposite the Terrace of the Leper King. Most of the construction is from
Read More‘Spean Thma’ literally translates to ‘Stone Bridge’. Remnants of an ancient bridge over the Siem Reap River.
Read MoreIn Siem Reap, after returning from the temple tours in the evening, many tourists are taken to the Pub Street
Read MoreSmall (55m x 47m), semi-ruined, untouristed jungle temple reminiscent of Ta Som, displaying classic
Read MoreA single small sandstone tower located opposite Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Kel is the ruin of the temple or
Read MoreA long walkway with a Buddha figure at the far end. Tep Pranam was originally a Buddhist shrine in the 9th
Read MoreA double terrace wall at the north end of the Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved nagas, demons and
Read MoreThe spare remains of a brick prasat, now disappeared, leaving only a doorframe, lintel and a bit of the terrace.
Read MoreA jungle temple of many names: Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, Preah Khan of Kampong Thom and Prasat
Read MoreTourists visit Siem Reap largely for the Angkor Archaeological Park. However, there are much more this wonderful city can offer to make your holiday...
Read MoreIt is situated in road from airport to Angkor Wat, 1km west of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. Opening time is from
Read MoreThe Museum is situated in Kacam Village of Siem Reap Province, and opening time is from 8:00 to 15:30. I
Read MoreIt is situated on the way to Banteay Srei Temple, Siem Reap. It was founded by a veteran using most of his
Read MoreIt is situated in Boeung Don Pa Village, Slakram Commune, Siem Reap. It was opened in 2008. In the
Read MoreThere is a small palace which the king stays in the garden; it is smaller if compare with the palace in Phnom
Read MoreIt is situated in Tortea Village, Knoberiel Commune, Siem Reap. The silkworm breeding and silk center has the
Read MoreIt is situated in Kasekam Village, Sra Nga Commune, Siem Reap. The golf course with the 7279 miles, 18
Read MorePub Street is so named because it is lined end to end on both sides by pubs, restaurants and shops. This Centre for pubs, clubs, and bars, is filled...
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