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.125, Sala Komroeuk Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, Udaya Residence offers accommodations in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throuhgout the property.
It is 1.2 mi to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat temple complex is 5.6 mi from Udaya Residence while Artisans Angkor is 1.4 mi away. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8.1 mi from the property. The property offers complimentary pickup services from the airport, bus station or boat pier.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. Some units include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. An private bathroom features slippers and toothbrushes.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, currency exchange, ticketing and concierge services. Bicycles can be rented for guests wish to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, guests can indulge in in-house massage treatments. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular 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!
Svay Dongkom Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Nestled within private gardens, Visoth Angkor Residence offers accommodations away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoors swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar.
It is 0.9 mi to the vibrant Pub Street. Angkor Wat is 3.7 mi from Visoth Angkor Residence, while Angkor Night Market is 701 m from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 4.3 mi away. The property offers airport transfer services at an additional charge.
Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services. Car hire is also available.
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!
Betong Street, Phum Vihear Chen, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Offering an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, barbecue and children's playground, Indra Porak Residence Boutique is located in the Siem Reap Province Region, 1 km from Pub Street. The hotel has a hot tub and water sports facilities, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Angkor Wat is 8 km from Indra Porak Residence Boutique, while Artisans D'Angkor is 900 m from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8 km away. The property offers a complimentary one-way airport pick up from the airport from 07:00 - 22:00 hrs.
A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player, as well as an iPod docking station and a CD player are available. Some rooms have a seating area for your convenience. Views of the mountains, pool or garden are featured in certain rooms. The rooms come with a private bathroom with a hot tub and bath, with bath robes provided. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. A TV with cable channels is provided.
Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for golfing. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including horse riding, cycling and fishing.
We speak your language!
Old Market Area, Bos Por Street, Phum Vihear Chen, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Located in the Cambodian town of Siem Reap, KingFisher Angkor Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is a short 200 m stroll from Artisans D’Angkor and 500 m walk from the famous Pub Street. Shuttle services from Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport, which is 8 km away, is available to the hotel. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Each air-conditioned room at this hotel comes with simple decorations with traditional Cambodian touches. They each come with a flat-screen cable TV, minibar, kettle and tea/coffee making facilities. Private bathrooms come with a shower or bathtub and provide complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and towels. A fresh fruit platter is offered on the arrival day.
Guests can make use of the laundry service and 24-hour front desk service access. Guests enjoy complimentary use of bicycles to explore the surrounding area.
Breakfast is served daily at the hotel's restaurant.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Street 20, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Set in a quiet neighbourhood in Wat Bo Village, Gold Smith Residence offers residential-style accommodation with complimentary WiFi in all areas. Only a 5-minute Tuk Tuk ride brings guests to the heart of downtown Siem Reap.
Designed in courtyard setting with a stunning swimming pool in the centre of the hotel, all rooms and suites feature an en suite bathroom with separate rain shower and a bathtub. Other modern amenities include an in-room safe, coffee machine, minibar and a 42-inch TV.
Guests can sample a wide range of cuisines including Khmer, Pan-Asian, Western and healthy dishes at the on-site restaurant, Gold Leaf All Dining. Equipped with all glass windows, the restaurant venue is located next to the swimming pool and guests can admire view of the tropical garden.
Guests can make use of the business centre or rent a car to explore the area. Staff speak English and Khmer at the reception.
King's Road Angkor is 1.1 km from the hotel. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from Gold Smith Residence.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Solo travellers particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a one-person stay.
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!
No.888, Located within Empress Angkor Hotel, National Road 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Empress Residence Resort and Spa offers 5-star accommodations in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor pool, steam and sauna room as well as a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property.
Featuring wooden flooring and furnishings, all the air-conditioned rooms come with a private balcony. A flat-screen TV, minibar and personal safe are included. The en suite bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub and hot water showers.
Empress Residence is a 10-minute drive from the busy Pub Street, Old Market and Central Market. Angkor National Museum and Royal Palace are also a 10-minute drive away. It is 7 km from the famous Angkor Wat and 12 km from Tonle Sap Lake. The property offers complimentary airport transfers and shuttle services.
Day trips and car rentals can be arranged at the tour desk. The hotel also provides a souvenir shop, a fitness centre and meeting rooms. Babysitting services and a business centre are also available.
Kroya Restaurant serves Khmer, Western and Chinese dishes.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.
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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