Photo Essay : Angkor Archaeological Park

Angkor Archaeological Park is located near Siem Reap in Cambodia. The Angkor Archaeological Park stretches over 400 kilometers. Angkor served as the capital for more than six centuries for the Khmer Empire. More than two millions tourists visit this magnificent site every year. In 1992, UNESCO declared Angkor Archaeological Park a World Heritage Site.

The important sites of Angkor Archaeological Park includes :

• Angkor Wat – The biggest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat is a great example to show the genius of Khmer architecture. It is a symbol of Cambodia. This temple’s moat and the outer wall stretchs 3.6 kilometers around the main temple. Within the walls are long pathways that lead to the main temple. Along the walls of the temples are relief’s that depict tales from Hindu mythology.
• Angkor Thom – One of the last capital of the Khmer empire Angkor Thom stretches over more than 10 square kilometers. The main attraction in Angkor Thom is Bayon temple which contains 54 huge towers on which the faces of Avalokiteshvara are carved on four sides. It was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
• There are lot other places of interest that are scattered around Angkor Thom. They include Ta Prohm (well known because the movie Tomb Raider was shot here), Phnom Bakheng (a mountain which provides spectacular view of Angkot Wat temple), Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Thom

Around Angkor Thom