South Gate in Cambodia is not one of the Angkor Temples in itself but one of the five main gates into ancient Angkor Thom, and it is the best preserved and most commonly visited by tourists. Its stature and significance make it feature in our list of small temples, given its religious symbolism and close similarites to the Bayon. ...
South Gate in Cambodia is not one of the Angkor Temples in itself but one of the five main gates into ancient Angkor Thom, and it is the best preserved and most commonly visited by tourists. Its stature and significance make it feature in our list of small temples, given its religious symbolism and close similarites to the Bayon. Built under Jayavarman VII as part of the majestic.
Angkor Thom South Gate (late 12th-early 13th centuries)
Angkor Thom is quadrangle of defensive walls totaling 12 kilometers that once protected the Khmer capital of the same name (Angkor Thom means 'Great City'). Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, the walls are divided by two axes running north-south and east-west. A gateway lies at the end of each axis, four in total, facing the four cardinal directions. An additional gate, called the 'Gate of Victory', pierces the east wall just north of the 'Gate of the Dead', the east gate along the central axis. The significance of the additional gate is that it provided access to a terrace of the royal palace. As for the other gates, the two axes intersect at the center of the enclosed area where the Bayon temple sits.
The south gate of Angkor Thom is the best preserved. It is approached from outside via a causeway that extends about fifty meters across a moat. On each side of the causeway are railings fashioned with 54 stone figures engaged in the performance of a famous Hindu story: the myth of the Churning of the Ocean. On the left side of the moat, 54 'devas' (guardian gods) pull the head of the snake 'Shesha' while on the right side 54 'asuras' (demon gods) pull the snake's tail in the opposite direction. In this myth, the body of the snake is wrapped around the central mountain—Mt. Meru—perhaps corresponding here to the Bayon temple at the center of the site. In any case, the myth relates that as the Devas pulled the snake in one direction and the gods pushed in the other, the ocean began to churn and precipitate the elements. By alternating back and forth, the ocean was 'milked', forming the earth and the cosmos anew.
The central tower of the stone gate is capped by three face-towers that face the four directions (the central tower faces both out and in). Below them at the base of the gate are two sets of elephant statues that flank the entrance on both sides.Sitting on each elephant is a figure of the god Indra carrying his usual weapon, the vadra (a lightning bolt). The gate itself is shaped like an upside-down 'U' and is corbelled at the top (instead of arches, the builders of Angkor preferred to use corbelling to span distances). It is still possible to see where wooden doors once fitted to the gate through openings in the stone.
There is some debate as to the functionality of Angkor Thom as a whole. If it was a wall intended for defense, it was rather poorly designed, since there is nowhere along the wall for defenders to take refuge from incoming fire or shoot back from a shielded location. This is surprising since Angkor had been sacked in 1177 by Champa invaders, and one can readily imagine that its new King, Jayavarman VII would have been concerned with defense should the invaders return.
If not intended for defense, the walls may simply have been an additional enclosure around the Bayon temple, more for ceremony than for practical use. As in Southern India, the Angkor rulers built temples surrounded by walls, but usually not with walls as thick and grand as those of Angkor Thom.
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No.211,Phum Wat Bo,Sala Kamroeuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Featuring two outdoor swimming pools, one salt-water pool and one fresh-water pool, Suon Angkor Boutique offers peaceful and comfortableaccommodation with free WiFi access available throughout the property. It operates a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping and provides freeparking on site.
The property offers complimentary one-way airport pick-up service and free transfer service to the city centre by Tuk Tuk (Remork) from 06:00 - 22:00 hrs. The famous Pub Street and Angkor Trade Centre are within 1.2 km from the property. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat Temple is 6.6 km away, while Siem Reap International Airport is within 9 km drive.
Elegantly furnished, each room comes with air conditioning, tiled flooring, a wardrobe, an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The en suite bathroom has bathtub or shower, slippers, bathrobes and free toiletries.
At Suon Angkor Boutique, guests may rent a bicycle/car to explore the area or enjoy a relaxing massage on site. Currency exchange, laundry services and tour arrangements are also available.
Guests can sample a tasty selection of local and Western cuisine at the in-house restaurant. A range of drinks and beverages are offered at the bar.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Krom 6, Phoum Sala Kanseng, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Nestled within private gardens, The Thirdfold Residence offers modern and elegantly-furnished accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 1.5 km to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat is 5 km from The Thirdfold Residence, while Angkor National Museum is 800 m away. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 6.4 km from the property.
Featuring contemporary-style interiors and architecture, every room at this hotel is air conditioned and opens up to views of the garden, swimming pool or city. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. En suite bathrooms include a bathtub, slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the surrounding area. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
Veha Restaurant serves up authentic Khmer cuisine as well as a variety of Western and Indochinese-inspired dishes.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Sok San Road, Steung Thmei, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Golden Temple Boutique offers 19 suites tastefully designed in a handcrafted stonework decor. Just 100 m from Angkor Night Market and 300 m from the vibrant Pub Street, guests can enjoy food at an in-house restaurant or relax at the spa. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
Every suite comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a tea/coffee making facilities. Certain suites offer a seating area and a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the city. All suites feature an en suite bathroom fitted with shower facilities. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
A 24-hour front desk can be approached for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services. Guests can enjoy swimming at the outdoor pool or indulge in massage treatments at Malis Spa. Other facilities include a business centre and a library.
A selection of Cambodian or International dishes can be enjoyed at Damnak AHA Restaurant. Guests can also have drinks at the on-site bar.
Golden Temple Boutique offers free use of bicycles for guests wishing to explore the surrounding area. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 7 km away from the property, while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km away. The hotel offers complimentary round-trip transfer services from/to the airport, a bus station or a ferry dock.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Banteay Chas Village, Slokram Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Strategically located in Siem Reap, Laysung Angkor Boutique offers modern and comfortable accommodations with free WiFi access in its public areas. It features an outdoor pool and provides complimentary airport pickup upon request.
The property is just 0.7 mi from Royal Residence and 0.9 mi from the famous Pub Street. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 3.9 mi away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible within a 5.6 mi drive.
Offering pool views from the balcony, air-conditioned rooms come with tiled flooring, a wardrobe, in-room safe, seating area, a fridge and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathroom includes a bathtub, shower facility, bathrobes and free toiletries.
At Laysung Angkor Boutique, guests may rent a bicycle/car to explore the area and visit nearby attractions. Friendly staff can assist with luggage storage, laundry and massage services. Free parking space is available for guests who drive.
Enjoy alfresco dining at the in-house restaurant, where guests can sample a delectable spread of local dishes. Meals can also be served in the privacy of guests’ rooms.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
#522, Group13 , Vichea, Chin Village , Svay Dangkum , Siem Reap , Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nestled within private gardens, Advaya Residence offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy both Western and Asian cuisines at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 1 km to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat is 7.7 km from Advaya Residence, while Artisans D'Angkor is 1.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8.9 km from the property. The property offers complimentary airport pickups, or bus stop station and drop-off services to Old Market.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a TV with cable channels and a writing desk. Some rooms or suites feature a balcony for dining area which overlooks the pool and the garden. Certain units have views of the pool, gardens or city. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, bathroom amenities and a separate shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange and tour arrangements. Babysitting, ticketing and concierge services are also provided. Guests can enjoy cooking classes available upon request. Complimentary use of bicycles are offered for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
National Road No. 6, Chong Kaosou Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Located 2 km from the city centre of Siem Reap, Smiling Hotel offers accommodations with just a 20-minute drive to Angkor Wat. The hotel features free WiFi and an outdoor pool.
Fitted with a balcony, rooms are equipped with a cable TV, minibar and personal safe. En suite bathroom comes with bathtub and shower facilities.
The hotel offers a business centre, hot tubs, bicycle rentals and meeting rooms. Other facilities include a tour desk and currency exchange. Massage services are available at Smiling Hotel.
The Old French Quarter and Old Market are within a 10-minute drive from Smiling Hotel, while Siem Reap International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. The property offers complimentary one-way airport transfers.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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