Following sunrise at Angkor Wat, we checked out Angkor Thom - the last city of the Kmer Empire.
Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom were built by kings of different religions (Hindu and Buddhist, respectively), so the architecture and symbolism differ. The Angkor Thom complex spans an area of 9 square kilometres, whereas Angkor Wat is only about 1 square kilometre.
Angkor Thom - Bayon (Temple 2 of 16)
Angkor Thom contains several temples including Bayon. Bayon was our favourite temple because of the 200+ large stone faces carved into the temple towers. Each face looks out toward each cardinal direction as though to watch the city from all directions. We liked it so much that we actually even returned here on our third day, to see it again… the faces were just so cool :)
Ankor Thom - Baphuon (Temple 3 of 16)
Next to Bayon, was the Baphuon temple, a 3 tiered temple mountain representing Mount Meru. By the time we climbed up, we were soaked in sweat and dead tired from the heat exposure. One thing that you don't see from the pictures is just how hot it was - about 38 degrees Celsius + humidity…
Angkor Thom Gates
Angkor Thom also has other structures, but the last one worth mentioning are the gates. You can enter and exit the complex through any of the 4 beautiful gates aligned to the 4 cardinal directions. Each gate also has carved stone faces overlooking each direction, as well as angels and demons on either side of the bridge to protect the entry way.
