Bakong is the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor near modern Siem Reap in Cambodia. Bakong is located at Roluos south of Preah Ko. Enter and leave the temple at the east. A modern Buddhist temple is situated to the right of the east entrance to Bakong. It was build in late ninth ...
The most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Angkorian capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850m at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick. Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. Picturesque moat and vegetation surround Bakong.
Bakong (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបាគង) is the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor near modern Siem Reap in Cambodia. In the final decades of the 9th century AD, it served as the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the ancient city of Hariharalaya, located in an area that today is called Roluos.
The structure of Bakong took shape of stepped pyramid, popularly identified as temple mountain of early Khmer temple architecture. The striking similarity of the Bakong and Borobudur temple in Java, going into architectural details such as the gateways and stairs to the upper terraces, suggests strongly that Borobudur was served as the prototype of Bakong. There must have been exchanges of travelers, if not mission, between Khmer kingdom and the Sailendras in Java. Transmitting to Cambodia not only ideas, but also technical and architectural details of Borobudur, including arched gateways in corbelling method.
In 802 AD, the first king of Angkor Jayavarman II declared the sovereignty of Cambodia. After ups and downs, he established his capital at Hariharalaya. Few decades later, his successors constructed Bakong in stages as the first temple mountain of sandstone at Angkor. The inscription on its stele (classified K.826) says that in 881 King Indravarman I dedicated the temple to the god Shiva and consecrated its central religious image, a lingam whose name Sri Indresvara was a combination of the king's own and the suffix "-esvara" which stood for Shiva ("Iśvara"). According to George Coedès, the devarāja cult consisted in the idea of divine kingship as a legitimacy of royal power, but later authors stated that it doesn't necessarily involve the cult of physical persona of the ruler himself.
Bakong enjoyed its status as the state temple of Angkor for only a few years, but later additions from the 12th or 13th centuries testify that it was not abandoned. Toward the end of the 9th century, Indravarman's son and successor Yasovarman I moved the capital from Hariharalaya to the area north of Siem Reap now known as Angkor, where he founded the new city of Yaśodharapura around a new temple mountain called Bakheng.
The site of Bakong measures 900 metres by 700 metres, and consists of three concentric enclosures separated by two moats, the main axis going from east to west. The outer enclosure has neither a wall nor gopuram and its boundary is the outer moat, today only partially visible. The current access road from NH6 leads at the edge of the second enclosure. The inner moat delimits a 400 by 300 metres area, with remains of a laterite wall and four cruciform gopuram, and it is crossed by a wide earthen causeway, flanked by seven-headed nāgas, such as a draft of nāga bridge . Between the two moats there are the remains of 22 satellite temples of brick. The innermost enclosure, bounded by a laterite wall, measures 160 metres by 120 metres and contains the central temple pyramid and eight brick temple towers, two on each side. A number of other smaller buildings are also located within the enclosure. Just outside the eastern gopura there is a modern buddhist temple.
The pyramid itself has five levels and its base is 65 by 67 metres. It was reconstructed by Maurice Glaize at the end of the 1930s according to methods of anastylosis. On the top there is a single tower that is much later in provenance, and the architectural style of which is not that of the 9th century foundations of Hariharalaya, but that of the 12th-century temple city Angkor Wat.
Though the pyramid at one time must have been covered with bas relief carvings in stucco, today only fragments remain. A dramatic scene-fragment involving what appear to be asuras in battle gives a sense of the likely high quality of the carvings. Large stone statues of elephants are positioned as guardians at the corners of the three lower levels of the pyramid. Statues of lions guard the stairways.
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#557 Wat Bo Road, Groupe 12, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
The beautiful Maison 557 offers a relaxing retreat in Siem Reap. Nestled within a tropical garden, it also features 2 outdoor swimming pools and offers spa services. Wi-Fi is also available for free throughout the property.
The rooms in Maison 557 are tastefully decorated, featuring local art works, freshly laundered beddings and private terraces. They are bright and airy and come equipped with spacious, modern bathroom facilities. Free toiletries are provided for guests’ convenience.
A fresh fruit basket is provided on arrival. Guests are served with a delicious breakfast of fresh breads, muesli, yogurt and fruits daily. A selection of Asian foods can also be prepared for breakfast, upon request.
Centrally located, the bed and breakfast is just steps away from the popular Old Market and Pub Street. Angkor National museum and Royal Residence are a 10-minute walk away, while the spectacular Angkor Wat Temple is about 6 km away. An airport pick up service is available. Siem Reap International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
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 9.7 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!
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!
Road 67 Banteay Srei Temple Road to Banteay Srei Temple, Siem Reap City ,Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Set in Siem Reap, 18 km from Angkor Wat, Bong Thom Forest Lodge features an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The property is located 25 km from King's Road Angkor and 26 km from Pub Street. Guests can sample Cambodian and Asian dishes at the on-site restaurant.
At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a terrace with a garden view. The private bathroom is fitted with a bath and free toiletries. At Bong Thom Forest Lodge, each room is equipped with a seating area.
The accommodation offers a children's playground. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at Bong Thom Forest Lodge.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide guidance on what to do in the area.
Cambodia Landmine Museum is 3.5 km from the hotel. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 36 km from the property.
We speak your language!
Sok San Road, Stueng Thmey Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Nestled within tropical hanging gardens, Ring Boutique Hotel offers accommodations away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool fitted with multicolored lights and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The vibrant Pub Street is 801 m from Ring Boutique Hotel, while Angkor Wat is 4.3 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 5 mi from Ring Boutique Hotel. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Featuring wall murals, each room includes a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms feature a tea/coffee maker. For your comfort, you will find slippers, toothbrushes and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing services and car rentals.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.2 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
#25 Street, Archa Sva Road, Wat Bo Village Salakamroeuk Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
Mohai Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Siem Reap, within a 3-minute walk from Old Market and Pub Street. Guests have access to the property's two rooftop salt-water pools and can enjoy meals at the in-house café. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Rooms feature French colonial architecture with traditional wooden flooring. Modern amenities include 32-inch flat-screen cable/satellite TVs and a safe. Hairdryers and bathrobes are provided for added comfort.
Angkor Safari Boutique Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Angkor Wat and a 20-minute drive from Angkor Thom. Shuttle services from the airport or bus station are available at extra charge.
Guests can lounge by one of the pools or have a picnic in the landscaped gardens. Other facilities include a tour desk and laundry services.
Angkor Safari Restaurant serves a selection of Khmer and international dishes. Refreshing cocktails are also available.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Steung Thmey, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Bayon Shadow Villa provides a free pickup from Siem Reap International Airport, a 15-minute drive away. The villa offers free WiFi throughout the building. Guests can request for a pickup from any local bus station.
Bayon Shadow Villa is located in the heart of Siem Reap, a 5-minute walk from Old Market and Pub Street. Angkor Wat temple is a 15-minute drive away.
Cambodian-style rooms feature colorful local fabrics. Both air conditioning and a fan are provided in all villas.
Massage services can be arranged by staff of the guest house. Bicycle rental and ticketing services are available. Laundry and currency exchange services are also offered at the property.
Guests can enjoy Western meals or traditional Cambodian cuisine in the restaurant.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.2 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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