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The most popular Khmer temples ruins are located within the main area of Angkor Archaeological Park north of Siem Reap town. However, there are still Angkorian-era ruins scattered across all of Cambodia as well as parts of Thailand, Laos & Vietnam. Some temples outside the main Park area such as Roluos Group, Banteay Srei & Phnom Krom are comparatively close to Siem Reap & easily incorporated into most itineraries. Other more remote sites such as Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, Banteay Chhmar and Preah Vihear. The journey to these remote temples can be as exciting and interesting as the temple ruins themselves - traveling through picturesque rice paddy countryside, secluded villages and tropical jungle to reach the various sites. An expedition to a remote temple is also a great way to see a bit of "real Cambodia" away from more touristy areas.

Please find some of the main highlight ruins as below:

Angkor Wat is located about 7 kilometers north of the Siem Reap province. The temple was built in early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II (AD 1113-1150) and is unrivaled in its beauty and state preservation. It is an expression of Khmer art at its apex, the chief adviser and minister of the King, dedicating to Vishnu.

   

The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. The main current conservatory body, the JSA, has described the temple as "the most striking expression of the baroque style" of Khmer architecture, as contrasted with the classical style of Angkor Wat.

 

 

Angkor Thom Late 12th century early 13th century, religion Buddhism, reign Jayavarman. Angkor Thom is 3km walled and mooted royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire.

   

Ta Phrom: Mid 12th early 13th century, religion Mahayana Buddhism, reign Jayavarman VII. This small island temple was located in middle of the last reservoir (Baray) to be construction by Khmer king in the Angkor area.

   

Banteay Srei:
The enchanting temple of Banteay Srei is nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size and excellence of decoration. This emple was built by king Rejendravarman and Jayavarman V in second half of the 10th century, and dedicated to Hinduism. 

   

Phnom Bakheng:
Date late 9th-early 10th century (about 907), religion dedicated to Hinduism, reign Yasovarman I, visit late afternoon and sunset for the views from the summit.

   

Neak Pean represents Anavatapta some historians believe that, a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all illness. Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes, as it is one of the many hospitals that Jayavarman VII built. It is based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four connected pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. The ancients believed that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing disease. In the middle of the four healing ponds is the central water source. There is a statue of Bahala (Bodisavatta Guan Yin transformed into a horse), as a symbol of drowning prevention.

 

 

Elephant Terrace: is situated in the heart of the Angkor Thom facing the vast area called the Royal ground, is about the 350 meters long and 3 meters high with stone floor and stairs. It is the place for the king to view military parades, military exercises and celebrations, as well as the Royal guest receptions.

   

Leper king Terrace: was built late 12th century for Buddhist by King Jayavarman VII, located in the same area of Elephant terrace, is believed to be part of Angkor Thom palace. It is assumed that the terrace's wall had collapsed and was newly repaired with the length of 25 meters and a height of 6 meters.

 

 

Srah Srong: was established late 12th - early 13th century, dedicated to Mahayana Buddhist under ruling king Jayavarman VII.Srah Srong is a picturesque Baray opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdie, originally constructed by the same architect the built Pre Rup. It was remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. Srah Srong offers a pleasant, nuch less touristed, sunrise alternative to Angkor Wat.

 

 

Preah Khan: is huge, highly explicable monastic complex full of carving, passages, and wonderful photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For short period it was also residence of king Jayavrnam VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom.

 

 

Beng Mealea is a temple in the Angkor Wat style located 40 km east of the main group of temples at Angkor, Cambodia, and 77 km from Siem Reap by road. It is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. For years it was difficult to reach, but a road recently built to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea and more visitors are coming to the site.

 

 

Koh Ker The  site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter tall temple mountain raising high above the plain and the surrounding forest. Great views await the visitor at the end of an adventurous climb. Garuda, carved into the stone blocks, still guard the very top, although they are partially covered now.

 

 

The Preah Vihear Temple  is a Khmer temple situated atop a 525-metre (1,720 ft) cliff in the Dângręk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia and near the border of the Kantharalak district (amphoe) in the Sisaket province of eastern Thailand. In 1962, following a significant dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over ownership of the temple, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague awarded the ownership to Cambodia.

 

 

 Banteay Chhmar: The remote location of Banteay Chhmar is puzzling; it is difficult to imagine why Jayavarman VII would have built this temple so far from his own royal center at Angkor and in a relatively infertile area. Brick temples from earlier centuries have been inventoried to the immediate north, suggesting that the region was once not so isolated and unpopulated as it is today.

   

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Last modified: 06/15/09

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