Bayon was erected under the reign of Jayavarman VII, towards the end of the 12th century; this extremely complex temple is sometimes viewed as embodying a type of Angkorian “baroque” in comparison with Angkor Wat. The smiling face depicted on many of its towers is enigmatic. Only 37 towers are still standing among the 49 […]
Boeng Melea is a largest temple built in the middle of the 12th century following a layout similar to Angkor Wat. Located 60 kilometers northeast of the town of Siem Reap and enveloped in luxuriant jungle vegetation, it was recently re-opened to visitors. Built of blue sandstone, this powerful temple is for some parts in […]
Chau Srei Vibol was built in the 11th century; it sits about 17 kilometers directly east of Angkor Wat. Surrounded by huge moats (about 1450 meters east-west and 970 meters north-south), the largest after those of Angkor Wat. Inside the moat is another laterite wall. Quite ruined, the temple is located on top of a […]
The East Mebon rises up from the middle of a huge dry reservoir, the east Baray (7.5 km x 1.83 km) that was capable of holding 55 million cubic meters of water. The same architect who built Bat Chum built the Mebon. An inscription indicates that the divinity of this Temple was dedicated on Friday […]
Known in English as the River of 1,000 Lingas, Kbal Spean has hundreds of Brahmanist yoni and lingas which have been carved into the stone riverbed of Steung Siem Reap. The river is said to represent the life force which joins the phallic and feminine carvings creating blessed water. Beautiful walk in a forested area. […]
