Angkor’s Lesser Known, but Stunningly Beautiful Angkor Thom

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Two of the stone faces at Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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When I was growing up, seeing mysterious stone temples on tv with larger than life faces was relatively commonplace. From Indiana Jones to Legends of the Hidden Temple, I thought that most lost, ancient temples were covered in intimidating stone faces.

However, in actuality, there is only one major temple in the world where giant stone faces will stare back: Angkor Thom

Located near Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor Thom is part of the Angkor Historical Complex. While it may have been overshadowed in recent years by the mesmerizing Angkor Wat, you could actually make a case that the stone faces of Angkor Thom are the more well-known image.

It was an April day, nearly two years ago, when I got the chance to see the stone faces of Angkor Thom with my own eyes.

As our tuk tuk puttered up to the entrance to the temple complex, I was speechless. As the first stop in my 4 day adventure at Angkor, I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Looking up, I saw the stoic faces of Angkor starting down at me, almost as if they could penetrate my soul.

 As I explored the temples that made up Angkor Thom, I was captured by the beauty of these ancient structures. The builders may have died hundreds of years ago, but the faces they left are still peering down on us today.
Below are some of my favorite photos from my visit to Angkor Thom. I hope you enjoy them.
One of the entrance to the Angkor Thom temple complex near Siem Reap, Cambodia.
One of the entrances to the Angkor Thom temple complex near Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The majestic Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The majestic Bayon Temple.
Several of the many stone faces on Bayon Temple.
Several of the many stone faces on Bayon Temple.
Some of the many beautiful carvings at Angkor Thom near Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Some of the many beautiful carvings at Angkor Thom.
My wife and I with a stone face at Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom.
My wife and I with a stone face at Bayon Temple.
A carving on Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
A carving on Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Four Buddhist monks pose in front of a temple at Angkor Thom.
Four Buddhist monks pose in front of a temple at Angkor Thom.
Four Buddhist monks climb a temple at Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Four Buddhist monks climb a temple at Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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5 thoughts on “Angkor’s Lesser Known, but Stunningly Beautiful Angkor Thom”

    • Great. Have fun! Siem Reap is amazing. If you’re looking for other things to do, I HIGHLY recommend Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. I wrote about Beng Mealea on the site. Just do a search and you should find it.

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