Where is Angkor Wat located? | Reference.com Where is Angkor Wat located? A: Quick Answer Angkor Wat is located in Angkor, a heavily forested area in the northern Siem Reap province of the Cambodian jungle. Angkor is a sprawling complex of religious shrines, named as one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites in 1992. Full Answer The ancient Khmer Kingdom established its capitals in Angkor and built numerous temples across the region. The most renowned among these revered sites is Angkor Wat. It was constructed during the reign of King Suryavarman II and was dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Some of the other temples in Angkor include the Bayon, Ta Prohm and Preah Khan. Angkor Wat remains as one of the most enduring architectural feats in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat, Cambodia - Map, Location, History, Tours, Tickets Angkor Wat, Cambodia Angkor Wat, Cambodia PDF Angkor Wat Angkor in Cambodia is a complex of religious temples at the capital of the Khmer Empire and is the most important archaeological site in the region.

The most famous of these temples is Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple built under the rule of King Suryavarman II in the Temple Mountain architectural style. Angkor Wat, which means Ctiy of Temples in Khmer, was the state temple and capital city, and later became a mausoleum for Suryavarman II. Angkor Wat differs from many other temples because it is oriented to the west rather than the east. This could have been because the king wanted it to be a burial temple for himself, or it may have been because it was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, who has associations with the west. The History of the Angkor Wat is interesting. The temple was designed to represent the universe. The central tower symbolizes the Mount Meru. The temple with entrances on the west and east, constructed in a mountain-like pyramidal shape, crowned by exactly five towers, symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Meru. A statue of Vishnu, called Ta Reach is among the artwork and many decorations around Angkor Wat. The rectangular moat surrounding the temple represents the oceans surrounding Meru.

The churning of the ocean of milk bas relief is a prominent one among the various sculpts on the walls of the temple. Around 5 million tons of sandstone was used in the construction of the temple complex. The sandstone was transported from a quarry located 25 miles away. An interesting fact about the raw material used in construction is that the Khmer bricks were bound together invisibly by applying a vegetable compound instead of the mortar. After King Suryavarman II’s death in around 1150, construction on the temple ended. It was conquered and later restored by King Jayavarman VII, who built a new temple, Bayon, and moved the new state capital to Angkor Thom. Nobody knows the reason for the abandonment of the Angkor Wat. Speculations done by archeologists and historians suggest that the complex may have collapsed due to floods. Angkor Wat is the biggest tourist attraction in the country, and has become an important part of Cambodian history and culture. Tourists love to visit the Angkor Wat during sunrise or sunset as these are picture-perfect timings.

Activities at Angkor Wat Besides hiking around, you may hire a quad bike for an enticing bike tour of the Angkor Wat, or you may choose to go on an elephant ride. Hot air ballooning is also done over the Angkor Wat region. Every year Half Marathon is held at the Angkor Wat. The 2014 Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is scheduled for December 7, 2014. After a day trip, you may shop for souvenirs at the Angkor Wat night market. Popular tourist places near the site are Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Lake Tonlé Sap. Angkor Wat was constructed in the early 12th century. Angkor Wat became a Theravada Buddhist site in around the 13th century. Before the death of Suryavarman II, the temple was dedicated to Hindu divinities. After his death, it became a Buddhist site. This popular site has been featured in movies such as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and “Lord Jim”, etc. The temple complex is even featured on the nation’s flag. Angkor Wat was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Covering an area of 40,100 ha, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. Where is Angkor Wat? Angkor Wat lies 5.5 km (3.4 mi) north of the modern town of Siem Reap. Angkor is part of the Siem Reap province, just north of the town of the same name, and east of the former capital, Baphuon. It is at a distance of just 6.5 km from the Siem Reap International Airport. Distance of Angkor Wat from Bangkok: Around 406 km (via National Highway 6) Distance of Angkor Wat from Phnom Penh: Around 321 km (via NH 6) Best time to visit Angkor Wat Winter (November through February) is the perfect time to visit Angkor Wat as the weather is pleasant. Angkor Wat Hours The Angkor Wat opens from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. Angkor Wat Tickets Where Is Angkor Wat? Where Is Angkor Wat?

What You Need to Know About Visiting Angkor Wat Stewart Atkins (visualSA) By Greg Rodgers Updated October 20, 2016. So where is Angkor Wat? Other than travelers to Southeast Asia and archaeologists, it's surprising how many people don't know the location of Angkor Wat. The impressive ruins that make up the world's largest religious monument don't get nearly as much world attention as they should. Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia, just 3.7 miles (six kilometers) north of Siem Reap, a popular tourist town. To get to Angkor Wat, you'll need to arrive in Siem Reap (by bus, train, or flight), find accommodation, and get an early start on the ruins the following day. The primary Angkor Wat site is close enough to Siem Reap to reach by bicycle. For those less excited about Cambodia's sticky heat, catch a tuk-tuk or hire a knowledgeable driver for the day to cart you around. Read all about visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia . Angkor Wat Entrance Fees Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as managed by a private company adds to the entrance cost at Angkor Wat.

Sadly, not much of the money is put back into Cambodia . continue reading below our video 5 Tips to Make Coach Feel Like First Class Most temple restoration is funded by outside organizations. With so many remote temples away from the main tourist site and ruins to see, you'll most likely want at least a three-day pass to fully appreciate the monument without rushing around too much. One-day pass: US $20 Seven-day pass: US $60 Hiring a Guide for Angkor Wat As always, there are advantages and disadvantages to exploring Angkor Wat with a guide or on a tour. Although you'll probably learn more in an organized tour, finding the magic of the place in a group setting just isn't as easy. The ideal scenario is to have enough days at Angkor Wat that you can hire an independent guide for one day (don't worry, guide fees are relatively inexpensive) and then return to your favorite spots to enjoy them without someone rushing you along. Technically, guides are supposed to be officially licensed, but there are plenty of rogue guides hanging around to intercept business. Hire someone recommended by your accommodation or through a travel agency to be safe.

Getting a Visa for Cambodia Visitors to Cambodia need to get a travel visa either before they enter or upon arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. If traveling overland, you can get a visa on arrival as you cross the border. A fee of US $20 is charged; paying for the Cambodian visa in U.S. dollars is best. Authorities ask for more money thanks to exchange rates made up on the spot, especially when trying to pay with Thai baht. Tip: U.S. dollars are often scrutinized by immigration officials and only crisp, new banknotes are accepted. Any bills with tears or defects may be rejected . You will need one or two passport-sized photos (different entry points have different policies) for the visa application. A tourist visa is typically good for 30 days and can be extended one time. You can get an E-visa for Cambodia electronically before arrival, however, there is an additional US $7 processing charge and you will need a digital passport-sized photo for the online application. Most overland travelers simply wait until arrival. If you thought the scams in Thailand were annoying, wait until you get closer to Cambodia! The border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are rife with petty scams that target new arrivals.

Be mindful, don't talk to touts no matter how friendly they appear, and the quicker you get away from the border the better. Getting to Angkor Wat Siem Reap International Airport (airport code: REP) is connected to South Korea, China, and major hubs throughout Southeast Asia, including Bangkok. AirAsia operates flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . The airport is around 4.3 miles from the center of Siem Reap. Nicer hotels offer free airport shuttles or you can take a fixed-rate taxi for US $7. Siem Reap has a busy tourist infrastructure, so getting around isn't a problem. See reviews and prices for hotels in Siem Reap on TripAdvisor . From Bangkok to Angkor Wat Although the quick flight between Bangkok and Siem Reap is overpriced for the short distance, it does allow you to avoid running a gauntlet of overland scams between Bangkok and Angkor Wat. Overpriced buses, taxis, and even the potential to be overcharged for your visa by corrupt immigration officials make the otherwise-easy trip more difficult than it should be.

Fortunately, the legendary, spine-rattling road between Bangkok and Siem Reap was resurfaced in 2006 and offers a much smoother ride. Tip: A majority of the direct buses and minibuses offered to backpackers from Khao San Road to Siem Reap are scams. Some have even been known to conveniently "break down" so that you are forced to spend a night in an expensive guesthouse until the border reopens in the morning. That very thing happened to myself, so I can confirm: the choices are pretty slim when you're on the side of a jungle road late at night. The bus from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet on the Thai side of the border takes around five hours, depending on traffic. In Aranyaphet, you will need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk a short distance to the actual border with Cambodia. Clearing immigration at the border could take a while, depending upon how busy they are. At all costs avoid being stuck in the area and forced to a nearby guesthouse when the border closes at 8 p.m.

After crossing into Poipet, the border town on the Cambodian side, you'll have to get a bus or taxi onward to Siem Reap; there are many transportation options of varying cost. The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat The weather in Cambodia pretty well follows the climate in Southeast Asia : hot and dry or hot and wet. Humidity is often thick. The best months to visit Angkor Wat from December to February . After that, heat and humidity build until the rainy season begins sometime in May. You can definitely visit and travel during the monsoon season , although slogging around in the rain to see outdoor temples isn't as enjoyable. Where is Angkor Wat Located, Angkor Wat Cambodia in World Map Share | Map showing Where is Angkor Wat, Cambodia located on the World Map. Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat located in Angkor, Cambodia.

Angkor Wat: History of Ancient Temple Angkor Wat: History of Ancient Temple By Owen Jarus, Live Science Contributor | October 8, 2014 09:01pm ET MORE Aerial view of Angkor Wat, showing the moat and causeway and the central tower surrounded by four smaller towers Credit: Alexey Stiop | Shutterstock.com Built between roughly A.D. 1113 and 1150, and encompassing an area of about 500 acres (200 hectares), Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed. Its name means “temple city.” Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was converted into a Buddhist temple in the 14th century, and statues of Buddha were added to its already rich artwork. Its 213-foot-tall (65 meters) central tower is surrounded by four smaller towers and a series of enclosure walls, a layout that recreates the image of Mount Meru, a legendary place in Hindu mythology that is said to lie beyond the Himalayas and be the home of the gods.

Within the largest city in the world The city where the temple was built, Angkor, is located in modern-day Cambodia and was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. This city contains hundreds of temples. The population may have been over 1 million people. It was easily the largest city in the world until the Industrial Revolution. Recent research using airborne laser scanning (lidar) has shown that Angkor contains an urban core that could have held 500,000 people and a vast hinterland that could have held many more inhabitants. Researchers have also identified a ‘lost’ city called Mahendraparvata, which is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Angkor Wat. A moat, tower and hidden paintings Angkor Wat itself is surrounded by a 650-foot-wide (200 m) moat that encompasses a perimeter of more than 3 miles (5 km). This moat is 13 feet deep (4 m) and would have helped stabilize the temple’s foundation, preventing groundwater from rising too high or falling too low.

Angkor Wat’s main entrance was to the west (a direction associated with Vishnu) across a stone causeway, with guardian lions marking the way. To the east of the temple was a second, more modest, entrance. The heart of the temple was the central tower, entered by way of a steep staircase, a statue of Vishnu at top. This tower “was at once the symbolic center of the nation and the actual center where secular and sacred power joined forces,” writes researcher Eleanor Mannikka in the book " Angkor: Celestial Temples of the Khmer Empire " (Abbeville Press, 2002). “From that unparalleled space, Vishnu and the king ruled over the Khmer people.” Hidden paintings have recently been discovered in the central tower. One chamber in the tower has a scene showing a traditional Khmer musical ensemble known as the pinpeat, which is made up of different gongs, xylophones, wind instruments and other percussion instruments. In the same chamber, there's also an intricate scene featuring people riding horses between two structures, which might be temples. These two paintings are among 200 that have been recently been discovered in Angkor Wat.

Bas relief carving showing Hindu devas, or gods, pulling on the snake Vasuki in the Churning of the Sea of Milk creation story. Credit: BasPhoto Shutterstock.com Vishnu and the king The builder of Angkor Wat was a king named Suryavarman II. A usurper, he came to power in his teenage years by killing his great uncle, Dharanindravarman I, while he was riding an elephant. An inscription says that Suryavarman killed the man “as Garuda [a mythical bird] on a mountain ledge would kill a serpent.” Suryavarman’s bloodlust would continue into his rule; he launched attacks into Vietnam in an effort to gain control over the territory. He also made peaceful diplomatic advances, re-opening relations which China. He venerated the god Vishnu, a deity often depicted as a protector, and installed a statue of the god in Angkor Wat’s central tower. This devotion can also be seen in one of the most remarkable reliefs at Angkor Wat, located in the southeast of the temple.

The relief shows a chapter in the Hindu story of creation known as the “churning of the sea of milk.” As archaeologist Michael Coe writes, the relief “describes how the devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) churned the ocean under the aegis of Vishnu, to produce the divine elixir of immortality,” (" Angkor and the Khmer Civilization ," Thames & Hudson, 2003). Scholars consider this relief to be one of the finest art pieces at Angkor Wat. Suryavarman’s devotion to Vishnu is also shown in the posthumous name he was given, “Paramavishnuloka” which, according to researcher Hélène Legendre-De Koninck, means “he who is in the supreme abode of Vishnu.” (" Angkor Wat: A Royal Temple ," VDG, 2001). Construction techniques Building Angkor Wat was an enormous undertaking that involved quarrying, careful artistic work and lots of digging.

To create the moat around the temple, 1.5 million cubic meters (53 million cubic feet) of sand and silt were moved, a task that would have required thousands of people working at one time. The buildings at Angkor Wat posed their own challenges. To support them a tough material called laterite was used, which in turn was encased with softer sandstone that was used for carving the reliefs. These sandstone blocks were quarried at the Kulen Hills, about 18 miles (30 km) to the north. Recent research proves that they were transported to the site by a series of canals. Beneath the central tower was a shaft that leads to a chamber where, in 1934, archaeologists found “two pieces of crystal and two gold leaves far beneath where the Vishnu statue must have been,” Coe writes, adding that deposits like these “spiritually ‘energized’ a temple, much as a battery will provide power to a portable electronic device.” A Ficus strangulosa tree grows over a doorway at Angkor Wat. Credit: David Davis Shutterstock.com Purpose Although Angkor Wat is dedicated to Vishnu, the full purpose of the temple is still debated.

One question is whether the ashes of Suryavarman II were interred in the monument, perhaps in the same chamber where the deposits were found. If that were the case it would give the temple a funerary meaning. Eleanor Mannikka has noted that Angkor Wat is located at 13.41 degrees north in latitude and that the north-south axis of the central tower’s chamber is 13.43 cubits long. This, Mannikka believes, is not an accident. “In the central sanctuary, Vishnu is not only placed at the latitude of Angkor Wat, he is also placed along the axis of the earth,” she writes, pointing out that the Khmer knew the Earth was round. In addition, in her writing, Mannikka notes a dozen lunar alignments with Angkor Wat’s towers, suggesting that it served an important astronomical role. “During the long and clear Cambodian nights, when the stars filled every inch of the black sky, the astronomer-priests stood on the long western causeway ...

and recorded the movements of the moon against the towers in the top two galleries of the temple.” Additional resources Angkor Wat is on UNESCO's World Heritage List , which recognizes sites with cultural, historical and natural significance. Tourism of Cambodia has information about Angkor Wat and tips on visiting the temple. Google Maps has street views of Angkor Wat and other Cambodian temples. Editor's Recommendations Angkor Wat Angkor Wat Sunrise at Angkor Wat ( Enlarge ) There are two great complexes of ancient temples in Southeast Asia, one at Bagan in Burma, the other at Angkor in Cambodia. The temples of Angkor, built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, represent one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From Angkor the Khmer kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China to the Bay of Bengal. The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 stone temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings - palaces, public buildings, and houses - were built of wood and have long since decayed and disappeared.

Conventional theories presume the lands where Angkor stands were chosen as a settlement site because of their strategic military position and agricultural potential. Alternative scholars, however, believe the geographical location of the Angkor complex and the arrangement of its temples was based on a planet-spanning sacred geography from archaic times. Using computer simulations, it has been shown that the ground plan of the Angkor complex – the terrestrial placement of its principal temples - mirrors the stars in the constellation of Draco at the time of spring equinox in 10,500 BC. While the date of this astronomical alignment is far earlier than any known construction at Angkor, it appears that its purpose was to architecturally mirror the heavens in order to assist in the harmonization of the earth and the stars. Both the layout of the Angkor temples and the iconographic nature of much its sculpture, particularly the asuras ('demons') and devas ('deities') are also intended to indicate the celestial phenomenon of the precession of the equinoxes and the slow transition from one astrological age to another. At the temple of Phnom Bakheng there are 108 surrounding towers.

The number 108, considered sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies, is the sum of 72 plus 36 (36 being ½ of 72). The number 72 is a primary number in the sequence of numbers linked to the earth's axial precession, which causes the apparent alteration in the position of the constellations over the period of 25,920 years, or one degree every 72 years. Another mysterious fact about the Angkor complex is its location 72 degrees of longitude east of the Pyramids of Giza. The temples of Bakong, Prah Ko and Prei Monli at Roluos, south of the main Angkor complex, are situated in relation to each other in such a way that they mirror the three stars in the Corona Borealis as they appeared at dawn on the spring equinox in 10,500 BC. It is interesting to note that the Corona Borealis would not have been visible from these temples during the 10th and 11th centuries when they were constructed.

Angkor Wat, built during the early years of the 12th century by Suryavaram II, honors the Hindu god Vishnu and is a symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology. Consisting of an enormous temple symbolizing the mythic Mt. Meru, its five inter-nested rectangular walls and moats represent chains of mountains and the cosmic ocean. The short dimensions of the vast compound are precisely aligned along a north-south axis, while the east-west axis has been deliberately diverted 0.75 degrees south of east and north of west, seemingly in order to give observers a three day anticipation of the spring equinox. Unlike other temples at Angkor, Ta Prohm has been left as it was found, preserved as an example of what a tropical forest will do to an architectural monument when the protective hands of humans are withdrawn. Ta Prohm's walls, roofs, chambers and courtyards have been sufficiently repaired to stop further deterioration, and the inner sanctuary has been cleared of bushes and thick undergrowth, but the temple has been left in the stranglehold of trees. Having planted themselves centuries ago, the tree's serpentine roots pry apart the ancient stones and their immense trunks straddle the once bustling Buddhist temple.

Built in the later part of the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is the terrestrial counterpart of the star Eta Draconis the Draco constellation. During half-millennia of Khmer occupation, the city of Angkor became a pilgrimage destination of importance throughout Southeastern Asia. Sacked by the Thais in 1431 and abandoned in 1432, Angkor was forgotten for a few centuries. Wandering Buddhist monks, passing through the dense jungles, occasionally came upon the awesome ruins. Recognizing the sacred nature of the temples but ignorant of their origins, they invented fables about the mysterious sanctuaries, saying they had been built by the gods in a far ancient time. Centuries passed, these fables became legends, and pilgrims from the distant reaches of Asia sought out the mystic city of the gods. A few adventurous European travelers knew of the ruins and stories circulated in antiquarian circles of a strange city lost in the jungles. Most people believed the stories to be nothing more than legend, however, until the French explorer Henri Mouhot brought Angkor to the world's attention in 1860.

The French people were enchanted with the ancient city and beginning in 1908 funded and superbly managed an extensive restoration project. The restoration has continued to the present day, excepting periods in the 70's and 80's when military fighting prevented archaeologists from living near the ruins. Orthodox archaeologists sometimes interpret the temples of the Angkor complex as tombs of megalomaniacal kings yet in reality those kings designed and constructed the temples as a form of service to both god and their own subjects. The temples were places not for the worship of the kings but rather for the worship of god. Precisely aligned with the stars, constructed as vast three dimensional yantras and adorned with stunningly beautiful religious art, the Angkor temples were instruments for assisting humans in their realization of the divine.

Jayavaram VII, spoke of his intentions in erecting temples as being: "full of deep sympathy for the good of the world, so as to bestow on men the ambrosia of remedies to win them immortality….By virtue of these good works would that I might rescue all those who are struggling in the ocean of existence." Temple of Ta Prohm, Angkor, Cambodia ( Enlarge ) Stone Heads of Bodhisattva Avilokiteshvara, Bayon temple, Angkor, Cambodia ( Enlarge ) Bayon Temple, Angkor, Cambodia ( Enlarge ) Angkor Wat, Cambodia, aerial view Angkor Wat, Cambodia, painting Angkor Wat - 7th Wonder of the World - Angkor Archeological Park - Angkor Wat Guide | Tourism Cambodia ANGKOR WAT was listed in World Wonder List Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal.

Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom . Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west gate. Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style of art. BACKGROUND Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is "vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks. It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death.

The bas-reliefs, designed for viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this function. ARCHITECTURAL PLAN The plan of Angkor Wat is difficult to grasp when walking through the monument because of the vastness. Its complexity and beauty both attract and distract one's attention. From a distance Angkor Wat appears to be a colossal mass of stone on one level with a long causeway leading to the center but close up it is a series of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers, porches and courtyards on different levels linked by stairways. The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the top of the central tower is greater than it might appear: 213 meters (699 feet), achieved with three rectangular or square levels (1-3) Each one is progressively smaller and higher than the one below starting from the outer limits of the temple. Covered galleries with columns define the boundaries of the first and second levels. The third level supports five towers –four in the corners and one in the middle and these is the most prominent architectural feature of Angkor Wat. This arrangement is sometimes called a quincunx.

Graduated tiers, one rising above the other, give the towers a conical shape and, near the top, rows of lotuses taper to a point. Apsara Statue at Angkor Wat The overall profile imitates a lotus bud, Several architectural lines stand out in the profile of the monument. The eye is drawn left and right to the horizontal aspect of the levels and upward to the soaring height of the towers. The ingenious plan of Angkor Wat only allows a view of all five towers from certain angles. They are not visible, for example, from the entrance. Many of the structures and courtyards are in the shape of a cross. The. Visitor should study the plan on page 86 and become familiar with this dominant layout. A curved sloping roof on galleries, chambers and aisles is a hallmark of Angkor Wat. From a distance it looks like a series of long narrow ridges but close up from identifies itself. It is a roof made of gracefully arched stone rectangles placed end to end. Each row of tiles is capped with an end tile at right angles the ridge of the roof. The scheme culminates in decorated tympanums with elaborate frames. Steps provide access to the various levels.

Helen Churchill Candee, who visited Angkor in the 1920s, thought their usefulness surpassed their architectural purpose. The steps to Angkor Wat are made to force a halt at beauteous obstruction that the mind may be prepared for the atmosphere of sanctity, she wrote In order to become familiar with the composition of Angkor Wat the visitor should learn to recognize the repetitive elements in the architecture. Galleries with columns, towers, curved roofs, tympanums, steps and the cross-shaped plan occur again and again. It was by combining two or more of these aspects that a sense of height was achieved. This arrangement was used to link one part of the monument to another. Roofs were frequently layered to add height, length or dimension. A smaller replica of the central towers was repeated at the limits of two prominent areas-the galleries and the entry pavilions. The long causeway at the entrance reappears on the other side of the entry pavilion. SYMBOLISM Angkor Wat is a miniature replica of the universe in stone and represents an earthly model of the cosmic world. The central tower rises from the center of the monument symbolizing the mythical mountain, Meru, situated at the center of the universe.

Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru. The outer wall corresponds to the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat the oceans beyond. LAYOUT Even though Angkor Wat is the most photographed Khmer monument, nothing approaches the actual experience of seeing this temple. Frank Vincent grasped this sensation over 100 years ago. The general appearance of the wonder of the temple is beautiful and romantic as well as impressive and grand it must be seen to be understood and appreciated. One can never look upon the ensemble of the vat without a thrill, a pause, a feeling of being caught up onto the heavens. Perhaps it is the most impressive sight in the world of edifices. Angkor Wat occupies a rectangular area of about 208 hectares (500 acres) defined by a laetrile wall. The first evidence of the site is a moat with a long sandstone causeway (length 250 meters, 820 feet; width 12 meters, 39 feet) crossing it and serving as the main access to the monument.

The moat is 200 meters (656 feel) wide with a perimeter of 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles). The west entrance begins with steps leading to a raised sandstone terrace in the shape of a cross at the foot of the long causeway. Giant stone lions on each side of the terrace guard the monument. Looking straight ahead, one can see at the end of the causeway the entry gate with three towers of varying heights and with collapsed upper portion. This entry tower hides the full view of the five towers of the central group. A long covered failure with square columns and a curved roof extends along the moat to the left and right of the entry tower. This is the majestic facade of Angkor Wat and a fine example of classical Khmer architecture. Helen Churchill candee must have been standing on this terrace almost 70 years ago when she wrote Any architect would thrill at the harmony of the fasade, an unbroken stretch of repeated pillars leading from the far angles of the structure to the central opening, which is dominated, by three imposing towers with broken summits. This facade originally had another row of pillars with a roof.

Evidence of this remains in a series of round holes set in square based in front of the standing pillars. Tip Before proceeding along the causeway turns right, go down the steps of the terrace and walk along the path a few meters for a view of all five towers of Angkor Wat. Return to the center of the terrace and walk down the causeway towards the main part of the temple. The left-hand side of the causeway has more original sand stone than the right-hand side, which was restored by the French. In the 1920 when RJ Casey walked on this causeway he noted it was an oddity of engineering The slabs were cut in irregular shapes, which meant that each had to be chiseled to fit the one adjoining. The effect as seen under the noonday sun...is like that of a long strip of watered silk'10 On the left side just before the midway point in the causeway two large feet are carved in a block of sandstone. They belong to one of the figures at the entrances to Angkor Thom and were brought to Angkor Wat in this century the causeway was repaired with reused stones.

The upper portions of the three sections on this tower-one each at the center and the two ends – have collapsed. The porches on each end of the gallery may have served as passages for elephants, horses and carts as they are on ground level. When Helen Churchill Candee saw these entrances in the 1920 she remarked that architecture made to fit the passage of elephants is an idea most inspiriting. A figure of a standing Visnu (eight arms) is in the right inside the entry tower. Traces of original color can be seen on the ceiling of the entry tower at the left. Continue westward along a second raised walkway (length 350 meters, 1,148 feet; width 9 meters, 30 feet). A low balustrade resembling the body of a serpent borders each side. Short columns support the balustrade. Looking west one sees the celebrate view of Angkor Wat that appears on the Cambodian flag. Standing at this point one teels compelled to get to the wondrous group of the five domes, companions of the sky, sisters of the clouds, and determine whether or not one lives in a world of reality or in a fantastic dream.

Six pairs of ceremonial stairs with platforms on each side of the walkway lead to the courtyard. A continuation of the serpent balustrade along the walkway frames the stairs. This arrangement is sometimes called a landing platform. The balustrade terminates with the body of the serpent making a turn at right angles towards the sky and gracefully spreading its nine heads to from the shape of a fan. Two buildings, so-called libraries stand in the courtyard on the left and right, just past the middle of the causeway. These 'jewel-boxes Khmer art 'are perfectly formed. A large central area, four porches, columns and steps present a symmetrical plan in the shape of a cross. Some of the columns have been replaced with cement copies for support. An original pillar lies on the ground before the library on the left. In front of the libraries are two basins (length 65 meters, 213 feet, width 50 meters, 164 feet) the one on the left is filled with water whereas the other lone is usually dry.

Tip Turn left at the first steps after the library and before the basin and follow the path for about 40 meters (131 feet) to a large tree for a superb view of the five towers of Angkor Wat, particularly at sunrise. The walkway leads to a terrace kin the shape of a cross, known as the Terrace of Honor, Just in front of the principal entry tower of Angkor Wat. Supporting columns and horizontal carved molding around the base accentuate the form of the terrace. Steps flanked by lions on pedestals are on three sides of the terrace. Ritual dances were performed here and it may have been where the king viewed processions and received foreign dignitaries. R Casey sensed such activity in the 1920s One cannot but feel that only a few hours ago it was palpitating with life. The torches were burning about the altars. Companies of priests were in the galleries chanting the rituals. Dancing girls were flitting up and down the steps... that was only an hour or two ago, monsieur....it cannot have been more..

From the top of the terrace there is a fine view of the gallery on the first level, known as the Gallery of Bas-reliefs (215 by 187 meters, 705 by 614 feet). The outer side, closest to the visitor, comprises a row of 60 columns whereas the inner side is a solid wall decorated with bas-reliefs. Tip: At this point the visitor has the choice of continuing straight to the central towers or turning right to see the Gallery of Bas-reliefs (see pages 96-108 for a description of the bas-reliefs). The unit providing a link between the first and second levels is the Cross-shaped Galleries. This unique architectural design consists of two covered galleries with square columns in the shape of a cross and a courtyard divided into four equal parts with paved basins and steps. The method used by the Khmers to form corbel arches is visible in the vaults. Several decorative features in these galleries stand out windows with balusters turned as if they were made of wood, rosettes on the vaults, a frieze of Apsaras under the cornices, and ascetics at the base of the columns.

Tip: Some of the pillars in the galleries of this courtyard have inscriptions written in Sanskrit and Khmer. On either side of the courtyard there are two libraries of similar form but smaller than the ones along the entrance causeway The Gallery of 1,000 Buddha's, on the right, once contained many images dating from the period when Angkor Wat was Backlist. Only a few of these figures remain today. The gallery on the left is the Hall of Echoes, so named because of its unusual acoustics. Tip: To hear the resonance in the Hall of Echoes walk to the end of the gallery, stand in the left-hand corner with your back to the wall, thump your chest and listen carefully. Those who want to visit the library should leave the door at the end of this gallery. There is a good view of the upper level of Angkor Wat from this library. Return to the center of the cross-shaped galleries and continue walking toward the central towers. Another set of stairs alerts one to the continuing ascent.

The outer wall of the gallery of the second level, closest to the visitor, (100 by 115 meters, 328 by 377 feet), is solid and undecorated, probably to create an environment for meditation by the priests and the king. The starkness of the exterior of the second level gallery is offset by the decoration of the interior. Over 1,500 Apsaras (celestial dancers) line the walls of the gallery offering endless visual and spiritual enchantment. These graceful and beautiful females delight all visitors. They were crated by the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. When one first walks into the courtyard the multitude of female figures on the walls and in the niches may seem repetitive but as one moves closer and looks carefully one sees that every one of these celestial nymphs is different, the elaborate coiffures, headdresses and jewellery befit, yet never overpower, these 'ethereal inhabitants of the heavens' Apsaras appear at Angkor Wat for the first time in twos and threes.

These groups break with the traditional of decoration kin other part of the temple by standing with arms linked in coquettish postures and always in frontal view except for the feet, which appear in profile. Pang, a Cambodian poet, in a tribute to the Khmer ideal of female beauty wrote of the Apsaras in the seventeenth century. These millions of gracious figures, filling you with such emotion that the eye is never wearied, the soul is renewed, and the heart sated! They were never carved by the hands of men! They were created by the gods living, lovely, breathing women! Only the king and the high priest were allowed on the upper or third level of Angkor Wat, it lacks the stately covered galleries of the other two but is the base of the five central towers, one of which contains the most sacred image of the temple. The square base (60 meters, 197 feet long) of the upper level is 13 meters (43 feet) high and raises over 40 meters (131 feet) above the second level.

Twelve sets of stairs with 40 steps each one in the center of each side and two at the corners-ascend at a 70-degree angle giving access to this level. Tip: The stairway to the third level is less steep on the west (center) but those who suffer from vertigo should use the south stairway (center, which has concrete steps and a handrail. the steps on all sides are exceptionally narrow. the visitor should ascend and descend sideways. All the repetitive elements of the architectural composition of Angkor Wat appear on the upper level. The space is divided into a cross-shaped area defined with covered galleries and four paved courts. An entry tower with a porch and columns is at the top of each stairway. Passages supported on both sides with double rows of columns link the entry tower to the central structure. The corners of the upper level are dominated by the four towers. Steps both separate and link the different parts. A narrow covered gallery with a double row of pillars and windows and balusters on the outer side surrounds the third level. The Central sanctuary rises on a tiered base 42 meters (137 feet) above the upper level.

The highest of the five towers, it is equal in height to the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. This central sanctuary sheltered the sacred image of the temple. It originally had four porches opening to the cardinal directions. The central core was walled up some time after the sacking of Angkor in the middle if the fifteenth century. Nearly 500 years later French archaeologists discovered a vertical shaft 27 meters (89 feet) below the surface in the center of the upper level with a hoard of gold objects at the base. At the summit the layout of Angkor Wat reveals itself at last. The view is a spectacle of beauty befitting the Khmer's architectural genius for creating harmonious proportions. Tip: Walk all the way around the outer gallery of the upper level to enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside, the causeway in the west and the central group of towers. You have not quite an aerial view the Phnom is not high enough for that ...But you can see enough to realize something of the superb audacity of the architects who dared to embark upon a single plan measuring nearly a mile square.

Your point of view is diagonal, across the north-west corner of the moat to the soaring lotus-tip of the central sanctuary, you can trace the perfect balance of every faultless line, Worshipful for its beauty bewildering in its stupendous size, there is no other point from which the Wat appears so inconceivable an undertaking to have been attempted-much less achieved by human brains and hands. GALLERY OF BAS-RELIEF By their beauty they first attract, by their strangeness they hold attention, Helen Churchill Candee wrote of the bas-reliefs in the 1920 .The Gallery of Bas-reliefs, surrounding the first level of Angkor Wat, contains 1,200 square meters (12,917 square feet) of sandstone carvings. The relief covers most of the inner wall of all four sides of the gallery and extend for two meters (seven feet) from top to bottom. The detail, quality composition and execution give them an unequalled status in world art. Columns along the outer wall of the gallery create an intriguing interplay of light and shadow on the relief.

The effect is one of textured wallpaper that looks like the work of painters rather than sculptors' The bas-reliefs are of dazzling rich decoration-always kept in check, never allowed to run unbridled over wall and ceiling possess strength and repose, imagination and power of fantasy, wherever one looks [the] main effect is one of "supreme dignity "wrote a visitor 50 years ago. The bas-reliefs are divided into eight sections, two on each wall of the square gallery each section depicts a specific theme. In addition the two pavilions at the corners of the west Gallery have a variety of scenes. The book does not include description of badly damaged relief. Some others are unidentifiable .The composition of the relief can be divided into two types scenes without any attempt to contain or separate the contents and scenes contain or separate the contents; and scenes contained in panels which are some-times superimposed on one another-this type is probably later. The panels run horizontally along the wall and generally consist of two or three parts. Sometimes the borders at the top bottom are also decorated. Themes for the bas-reliefs derive from two main sources-Indian epics and sacred books and warfare of the Angkor Period.

Some scholars suggest that the placement of a relief has a relevance to its theme. The relief on the east and west walls, for example, depict themes related to the rising and setting sun. The word bas means low or shallow and refers to the degree of projection of the relief. The method of creating relief at Angkor Wat was generally to carve away the background leaving the design in relief. Sometime, though the method was reversed giving a sunken appearance. of some of the relief have a polished appearance on the surface. There are two theories as to why this occurred. The position of the sheen and its occurrence in important parts of the relief suggest it may have resulted from visitors rubbing their hands over them. Some art historians, though think it was the result of lacquer applied over the relief. Traces of gilt and paint, particularly black and red, can also be found on some of the relief's. They are probably the remains of an undercoat or a fixative. Several primitive artistic conventions are seen in the bas-reliefs. A river is represented by two parallel vertical lines with fish swimming between them. As in Egyptian art, a person's rank is indicated by size. The higher the rank the larger the size.

In battle scenes, broken shafts on the ceremonial umbrellas of a chief signify defeat. Perspective is shown by planes placed one above the other. The higher up the wall, the further away is the scene. Figures with legs far apart and knees flexed are in a flying posture. INVITING THE GALLERY OF BAS-RELIEFS Those who like to linger in this wonderful gallery of bas-reliefs will always be made happy by new discoveries will return as other joys of Angkor will allow. Tip: As the bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat were designed for viewing from to lefts the visitor should, follow this convention for maximum appreciation. Enter at the west entrance, turn right into the gallery and continue walking counterclockwise. If you start from another point always keep the monument on your left. If one's time at Angkor is limited, the following bas-recommended. LOCATION THEME Description of the bas-reliefs in this guidebook follows the normal route for viewing Angkor Wat. They begin in the middle of the West Gallery and continue counter clockwise. The other half of the West Gallery is at the end of the section. Identifying characteristics are in parenthesis and the locations of scenes on the bas-reliefs are in bold type.

WEST GALLERY - BATTLE OF KURUKSHETRA This battle scene is the main subject of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It recalls the historic was wars in Kurukshetra, a province in India, and depicts the last battle between rival enemies who are cousins (see page 54 for a description of this legend). The armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas march from opposite ends towards the center of the panel where they meet in combat. Headpieces differentiate the warriors of the two armies. The scene begins with infantry marching into battle and musicians playing a rhythmic cadence. The battlefield is the scene of hand-to-hand combat and many dead soldiers. Chief officers and generals (represented on a larger scale) oversee the battle in chariots and on elephants and horses. The scene builds up gradually and climaxes in a melée. Bisma (near the beginning of the pane), one of the heroes of the Mahabharata and commander of the Kauravas, pierced with arrow, is dying and his men surround him. Arjuna (holding a shield decorated with the face of the demon rahu) shoots an arrow at Krsna, his half-brother, and kills him.

After death, Krisna (four arms) becomes the charioteer of Arjuna. Corner pavilion (southwest) Enter the pavilion and view the scenes facing you. Then continue clockwise around the pavilion. The bas-reliefs in this pavilion depict scenes from epic the Ramayana. EAST A- Left, Water festival; two ships (superimposed) with Apsaras, chess players (top ship) B- Center, above the door: A god receiving offerings. SOUTH C- Left, top to bottom. A fight between Vali and Sugriva, the monkey king; Rama shoots Vali with an arrow who lies in the arms of his wife (three pointed headdress); monkeys mourn his death D- Center, above the door: Murder of a demon; Krsna extinguishes a fire west. E- Left: Siva sits with his wife Paravati on Mount Kailasa F- Center, above the door: Krisna uproots trees with a stone he is tied to. G- Right: Ravana, disguised as a chameleon, presents himself at the palace of Indra. NORTH H- Left: The Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

I - Center, above the door: Rama kills Marica, who, disguised as a golden stag, helped in the abduction of Sita. J- Right: Krisna lifts Mount Govardhana to shelter their shepherds and their herds from the storm ignited by the anger of Indra. SOUTH (HISTORICAL) GALLERY - ARMY OF KING SORYAVAMAN II This gallery depicts a splendid triumphal procession from a battle between the Khmers and their enemies. The relief's show methods used in warfare, mainly hand-to-hand combat, as they no machinery and no knowledge of firearms. The naturalistic depiction of trees and animals in the background of this panel is unusual. The central figure of this gallery is King Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat, who appears twice. An inscription on the panel identifies him by his posthumous name, suggesting it may have been done after his death. The rectangular holes randomly cut n this gallery may have contained precious objects of the temple. On the upper tier the king (seated with traces of gilt on his body) holds an audience on a mountain. Below of the place walk down a mountain in the forest.

The army gathers for inspection and the commander mounted on elephants join their troops who are marching towards the enemy. The commander's rank is identified by a small inscription near the figure. King Suryavarman II stands on an elephant (conical headdress, sword with the blade across his shoulder) and servants around him hold 15 ceremonial umbrellas. Visnu stands on a Garuda on a Garuda on a flagpole in front of the king's elephant. The lively and loud procession of the Sacred Fire (carried in an ark) follows with standard bearers, musicians and jesters. Brahmans chant to the accompaniment of cymbals. The royal sacrifice in a palanquin. Towards the end of the panel: The military procession resumes with a troop of Thai soldiers (pleated skirts with floral pattern; belts with long pendants; plaited hair; headdresses with plumes; short moustaches) led by their commander who is mounted on an elephant. The Thai troops were probably either mercenaries of a contingent from the province of Louvo (today called Lopburi) conscripted to the Khmer army.

A number of the Khmer warriors wear helmets with horns of animal heads (deer, horse, bird) and some of their shields are embellished with monsters for the same purpose. JUDGMENT BY YAMA; HEAVEN AND HELL Three tiers recount the judgment of mankind by Yama and two tiers depict Heaven and Hell. Inscriptions have identified 37 heavens where one sees leisurely pursuits in palaces and 32 hells with scenes of punishment and suffering. Draperies and Apsaras separate the two and a row of Garudas borders the tier in the bottom. The roof was destroyed by lightning in 1947 and subsequently the ceiling of this gallery was restored by the French. Traces of gilt can be on riders on horses at the beginning of the panel. The lower section of the panel was badly damaged and liter filled with cement. Lower tier: Yama, the Supreme Judge (multiple arms, wields a staff and rides a buffalo), points out to his scribes the upper road representing heaven and the lower one of hell. Departed spirits a wait judgment.

Assistants to Yama shove the wicked through a trap door to the lower regions where torturers deliver punishments such as sawing a body in half for those who overeat. Lawbreakers have their bones broken. Some of the punished wear iron shackles or have nails pierced through their heads. Upper tier: A celestial palace is supported by a frieze of Garudas with Apsaras in the skies. EAST GALLERY - CHURNING OF THE OCEAN OF MILK This is the most famous panel of bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat and derives from the Indian epic Bagavata-Pourana. The Ocean of Milk is churned by gods and demons to generate Amrta, the elixir of life. the purpose of the churning is to recover lost treasures such as the sourer of immortality, Laksmi the goddess of good fortune, the milk white elephant of Indra, and the nymph of loveliness. The retrieval of these objects symbolizes prosperity. It takes place during the second ascent of Visnu, when he is incarnated as a tortoise. The scene is decided into three tiers. The lower tier comprises various aquatic animals, real and mythical, and is bordered by a serpent.

The middle tier has, on one side, a row of 92 demons (round bulging eyes, crested helmets) and, on the other side, a row of 88 gods (almond-shaped eyes, conical headdresses). They work together by holding and churning the serpent. Hanuman, the monkey god, assists. Visnu, in his reincarnation as a tortoise, offers the back of his shell as a base for the mountain Mandara, and as a pivot for the churning. He sits on the bottom of the Ocean. A huge cord in the form of the body of the serpent Vasuki acts as a stirring instrument to churn the sea. To begin the motion the gods and demons twist the serpent's body; the demons hold the head and the gods hold the tail of the serpent. Then by pulling it rhythmically back and for th they cause the pivot to rotate and churn the water. The gods and demons are directed by three persons (identified by their larger size). Indra is on top of Visnu. On the extreme right Hanuman, ally of the gods, tickles the serpent. Upper tier: During the churning various female spirits emerge.

Visnu appears in this scene again in yet another reincarnation-as a human being-to preside over the "churning "which, according to legend, lasted more than 1,000 years. Numerous other beings are depicted such as the three-headed elephant mount of Indra, Apsaras and Laksmmi, the goddess of beauty. They churning provoke the serpent to vomit the mortal venom, which covers the waves. Afraid the venom may destroy the gods and demons, Brahma intervenes and requests Siva to devour and drink the venom, which will leave an indelible trace on Siva's throat. He complies and, as a result, he Amtrak pours forth. The demon rush to capture all the liquid. Visnu hurries to the rescue and assumes yet another reincarnation in the form of Maya, a bewitching beauty, and is able to restore much of the coveted liquid. Churning of the Ocean of Milk Bas Relief INSCRIPTION Just past the middle of the East Gallery there is an interesting inscription of the early eighteenth century when Angkor Wat was a Buddhist monastery. It tells of a provincial governor who built a small tomb where he deposited the bones of his wife and children.

The structure is in poor condition but recognizable in its original location, directly in front of the inscription in the gallery. VICTORY OF VISNU OVER THE DEMONS The bas-reliefs in this section of the Wast Gallery and the south part of the North Gallery were probably completed at a later date, perhaps the fifteenth or sixteenth century. The stiffness of the figures and the cursory workmanship reveal this change. An army of demons marches towards the center of the panel. Center: Visnu (four arms) sits on the shoulders of a Garuda. A scene of carnage follows. Visnu slaughters the enemies on both sides and disperses the bodies. The leaders of the demons (mounted on animals or riding or riding in chariots drawn by monsters) are surrounded by marching soldiers. Another group of warriors (bows and arrows) with their chiefs (in chariest of mounted on huge peacocks) follows. NORTH GALLERY VICTORY OF KRISNA OVER BANA THE DEMON KING At the beginning of the panel Visnu in his incarnation as Krsna (framed by two heroes) sits on the shoulders of a Gruda.

Agni, the god of Fire (multiple arms), sits on a rhinoceros behind him. This scene appears several times. A wall surrounding the city is on fire and prevents the advance of Krsna (mounted of a Garuda) and his army of gods. This Krsna scene also appears several times in the panel. The Garuda extinguishes the fire with water from the sacred river Ganges. The demon Bana (multiple arms, mounted on a rhinoceros) approaches from the opposite direction. Extreme right: Krsna (1,000 heads, hands across his chest) kneels in front of Siva who sits enthroned on Mount Kailasa with his wife Parvati and their son ganesa (head of an elephant) as they demand that Siva spare the life of Bana. BATTLE BETWEEN THE GODS AND THE DEMONS A procession of 21 gods of the Brahmanic pantheon march in procession carrying classic attributes and riding traditional mounts. One-god battles against a demon while warriors on both sides battle in the background.

A series of adversaries follow, the Kubera, God of riches (with bow and arrow), Appears on the shoulders of a Yaksa; followed by Skanda, Goe of war (multiple heads and arms), mounded on a peacock; Indra stands on his mount the elephant; Visnu (four arms) sits on his mount, a Guard; a demon (tiered heads) shaking swords; Yama, God of Death and. Justice (sword and shield), stands in a chariot pulled by horses; and Varian, God of the Water, stands on a five-headed serpent harnessed like a beast of burden. CORNER PAVILION (NORTHWEST) Enter the pavilion and walk counter-clockwise. Several of the scenes are in good condition. NORTH A- Right: The women's quarters of a palace. B- Center, above the door: An attempt to abduct site in the forest. C- Left, badly damaged: A scene from the Ramayana.

Above: Tiers of monkeys and a pyre WEST D- Right: rama in his chariot (drawn by geese) returns victorious to Ayodhya E- Center, above the door: Rama and Laksmana surrounded by monkeys. F- Left: A conversation between Sita and Hanuman in the forest; Hanuman gives Rama’s ring to Sota. SOUTH G- Right Visni (seated, four arms) surrounded by Apsaras. H- Center, above the door: Rama and Laksmana battle a monster (headless, face on stomach) I- Left: Rama wins an archery competition; Rama and Sita sitting together. EAST J- Right: Visnu (four arms) on a Garuda; Krsna (mounted on a Garuda) bring back Mount Maniparvata which he took from a demon he killed; his army carries the remains of the demon. K- Center, above the door: Discussions on an alliance. Left: Rama and his brother Laksmana. Right: Suryva, the monkey king L- Left: Visnu reclines on the serpent Anent.

Below: A group of nine gods with their mounts (1) Surya in a chariot pulled by horses (2) Kubera standing on the shoulders of a Yaksa (3) Brahma riding a goose (4) Skanda on a peacock (5) An unidentified god on a horse (6) Indra on a three-headed elephant (7) Yama riding a buffalo (8)Siva on a bull Gateway To Angkor Wat - Siem Reap Cambodia - Gateway To Angkor Wat Contact Gateway To Angkor Wat Siem Reap, which literally means the “Defeat of Siam”, is the most prosperous region of contemporary Cambodia. Its close proximity to the Angkor Wat temple complex has turned the city into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. More than one million travelers visit Siem Reap every year to explore over a thousand years of Khmer heritage built near Tonle Sap Lake, the foundation of the economic power of the ancient Cambodian empire. The heart of Siem Reap’s tourist district is known as Old Market, or Psah Chas. This part of town is home to a large concentration of restaurants and shops geared towards an ever-increasing number of American, British and European tourists.

The influx of tourism has transformed a quiet little city into a bustling downtown area with an eclectic array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that rivals any college town along with a night market that keep going well past midnight. This site is inspired by our trip to Cambodia in December of 2008 and particularly by Ara, our Siem Reap Guide. She spent a couple days as our local guide and arranged for our tuk-tuk, for a licensed temple guide and showed us around her city. Ara has now started her own Siem Reap Travel Agency . If you are planning to visit Siem Reap, let Ara make all the arrangements for you . Angkor Wat and the Temple Region The primary attraction for visitors to Siem Reap is the Angkor Wat and the Angkor Temple Region, which blankets more than 300km of northwestern Cambodia. The Angkor Temple Complex has been designated a UN Heritage Site and consists of hundreds of structures from the 9th to the 14th century that tell the story of the rise and fall of the Khmer empire.

This vast collection of historical structures are decorated with intricately carved, priceless Khmer artwork and that provide an archaeological and a pictorial history of an empire that ruled much of southeast Asia for five centuries. Structure range from partially renovated temples, pagoda and imperial residences to recently discovered ruins which are virtual untouched for the last 500 years. No photo can do justice to the Khmer temples of the Angkor complex. Lists of adjectives can’t either: Stunning, humbling, awe inspiring, spiritual or magical, all of these words are inadequate to describe the succession of unforgettable experiences awaiting you, so plan to take up residence for at least a week in one of the best holiday destinations cities in Asia. A global wave of tourism focused on the exploration of the Angkor Temples has been the driving force behind Siem Reap’s recent growth. The Cambodian people have responded to this influx in tourism by creating an academic program and licensed tour guides to teach travelers about the Angkor temples history, architecture, and culture. You can spend a week reading a guidebook for recommended places to visit and study the maps to get around with a local driver, but the best way to capture the essence of the temple region is to hire an expert.

Even if you don’t hire an approved guide for touring the temples, a local guide will make your temple journey more informative and authentic. Flying In The Angkor International Airport (REP/VDSR) is less than 15 minutes from Siem Reap’s town center. Most flights arriving at Angkor International Airport are Vietnam Airlines, which offers services from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Bangkok, Thailand or Ho Chi Minh City. Transportation into the city by car or tuk tuk is easy to find and will cost you US$4-7. Be aware that you will have to pay a $20 visa fee upon entering the country and another $25 exit fee when you leave. If you are coming from the United States, there is no need to change currency when you arrive; almost all business in Cambodia is conducted in U.S Dollars, including ATMs. Other Ways to get to Siem Reap Natives to the region mostly travel by bicycle, motorcycle, tuk-tuk and occasionally by bus and rarely go on trips further than their native villages.

The streets of Siem Reap have their fair share of cars, but mostly they are taxis, VIP, police and commercial vehicles and you will rarely see anything resembling the traffic that is so familiar in cities across the world. Tourist generally arrive by air or come for a few days via cruse ship. Some especially masochistic tourists, and those who book group packages, arrive by bus from Laos, Vietnam or Thailand. It takes an entire day to get from the border of Vietnam to Siem Reap, so only the traveler who has nowhere to go in a hurry should consider taking the bus. If you started in the capital Phnom Penh, the road is paved and smooth and there are several regularly scheduled daily buses in both directions, taking only 5 or 6 hours. It is about the same distance from much less touristed Battambanq and Sihanoukville, which is Cambodia’s destination for beach vacations. Getting Around Siem Reap’s city center is best explored on foot or on “tuk tuk” (a rickshaw with the front-end of a motorcycle).

Tuk tuks, although not luxurious, are easy to find and inexpensive, not to mention these quirky vehicles have views in all directions and will add a little adventure to your daily commutes. Most of the city’s large hotels are located outside the central part of the city, along Airport Road, (technically) walking distance from the town center and the dining / entertainment districts. On the other hand, the price of a tuk tuk ride to the market is about 1 USD per person and you will do plenty of walking while exploring the Angkor complex, so you might want to save your feet. Unlike many popular tourist destinations around the world, Siem Reap reports very low crime rates, even at night. So feel free to take a moonlit stroll down Pub Street or along the Siem Reap River. Lodging Travelers exploring Cambodia’s temple region make Siem Reap their home base. Accommodations throughout the city expose tourists to a charming junction of traditional Khmer and the New Cambodia.

Whether you want to select one of the youth hostels and guesthouses, a little privacy with a room in a pleasant thatch-roofed getaway for a couple of nights, a private residence, a reasonably price western style hotel with air conditioning or royal treatment in a luxurious five star resort with beautiful facilities, this list of Siem Reap Hotels has properties that can satisfy the budgets of backpackers and luxury travelers alike. Dining Siem Reap Restaurants are the gemstones of Cambodia’s dining culture. Showcasing the culinary traditions of the Khmer people mixed with hundreds of years of French colonialism, the city’s restaurant and bar scene offers gourmet food and a lively atmosphere with a very European feel and deals that can’t be beat. Enjoy local dishes served in a wooden bodega, or experience the flavor explosion of Khmer-Asian-Western fusion cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your reservations at Meric, Hotel de la Paix’s award-winning restaurant and enjoy the world’s best dried snake salad… it’s fantastic.

Other Things To Do Siem Reap welcomes approximately one million tourists per year from the U.S., England, Europe, China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, just to list a few.Beyond the draw of Angkor, Cambodia is one of the poorest…and cheapest destinations in Asia and boasts tropical rain forests and unspoiled jungle that draws its share of ecotourism. While some families visit, the majority of the American and British tourist we saw were adults in their twenties and thirties. The official language was until recently still French and you can get buy almost anywhere in town with English, but when you walk down the center of the old town, you can hear a barrage of languages the offers instant confirmation that visitors come from all over the world to experience the historical treasures of Cambodia. This wave of vacationers has led to the growth of a vibrant shopping, nightlife and entertainment scene. Whether you’re looking for a theater or a dance club, you’ll find lots on like minded people and lots of cheap beer in this trekker’s Mecca. The Angkor National Museum, home to a breathtaking gallery of 1000 Buddhas, is one of Asia’s premier attractions.

This modern facility is devoted to the preservation of Khmer traditions and the history of Angkor Wat. Visitors learn about Cambodia’s temple heritage through a series of video screens and cutting edge displays. A variety of shopping centers, spas, cafés, parks, and other activities can be found throughout the the old market area. Don’t expect duty free mall stuffed with high-end boutique shops or even basic necessities. The local merchants offer a variety of hand made item, local silk goods, world famous Cambodian puppets and an assortment of disturbingly similar goods that could be found at a flee market anywhere in the world. My favorite Siem Reap temples include Ta Prohm , Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom , but they are all amazing. The sunrise reflecting on the lake is magical, or so we are told. We arrived at 5:45 am just in time for the rain to let loose. Lots of people also rave about poolside bar and Palm garden cafe at Aspara Siem Reaps , but we stayed at the Sokha Angkor Hotel , which has an amazing salt water pool and a very friendly staff. We found it the perfect place to unwind after a day of trekking through temples.

Put Siem Reap Cambodia on your do list for vacations and remember that the recommended dates are from October to March when the weather is most comfortable, the temperature is moderate and the sun shines most of the day. April through August is the rainy season and offers a relentless mix of high temperatures and high humidity– a combination to be missed. Its these little details that make the difference! Be Sociable, Share!

Question: In what country is Angkor Wat located?
Answer: Cambodia