Joanna James
Located just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia's massive Angkor Archeological Park deserves its top spot on the intrepid world traveller's bucket list. Constructed between the ninth and 15th centuries by Khmer empire kings, Angkor Wat contains several unmissable highlights. Read on to find out more.
Rising from the thick jungle bushes, the magnificent Angkor Wat is the star attraction of the UNESCO -listed heritage site, Angkor Archeological Park. A true 12th-century engineering marvel, the Angkor Wat is decorated with intricate carvings of lovely dancing nymphs on columns lining hallways, balustrades topped with serpent carvings and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Khmer Empire battles. The complex is relatively easy to navigate and can be reached easily from many a luxury hotel in Siem Reap including the likes of Anantara Angkor Resort.
Featured in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, in 2001, Ta Prohm is now popularly known as the Tomb Raider Temple. This 12th-century Buddhist temple and monastery are beautifully enmeshed in a web of ancient kapok and strangler figs. A signature sight of both Cambodia and the Angkor temple complex, it represents the transience of human endeavours.
A three-tiered mountain temple, Pre Rup is a favourite spot to take in an Angkor sunset. Dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva this particular temple was built in 961 AD. With its warm and earthy brickwork complemented by red laterite stone, Pre Rup translates in to '' turn the body''. Interestingly historians believe this site was used for cremation.
Sitting on the circular stone island on a large square pool, further framed by four consecutive pools, the Neak Pean was constructed in the 12th-century Buddhist temple. The temple main roughly translates into an entwined serpent and is definitely a must-see attraction purely for its stunning aesthetics and beautiful architecture.
An important part of the Angkor Temple complex, the Terrace of Elephants sits within the ancient walls Angkor Thom is renowned for its meticulous stone carvings. This too was built in the 12th century by the Khmer king, Jayavarman VII. This beautiful site takes its name from the depictions of elephants adorning the walls of the terrace.
Meaning ''Citadel of the Women'', Banteay Srei is a delicately carved rose pink temple which is often hailed as a true masterpiece of Angkorian art. Small yet skillfully built historians believe that the name, '' Citadel of Women'' takes its name thank to abundant carvings of nymphs found here. Banteay Srei was first built in 967 AD, long before Angkor Thom or Angkor Wat lies about an hour's drive from the main archaeological complex.
A spiritual and geographical centre of this ancient city complex, Bayon is hailed as the crowning artistic achievement of the famous King Jayavarman VII. Here one can take in approximately 50 towers depicting intricately crafted scenes depicting daily life back in 12th century- Cambodia.
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