Small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the towers and carved devatas. Thommanon seems to stand in conjunction with Chau Say Tevoda across the street, but was built decades earlier. Thommanon is currently in much better condition than Chau Say Tevoda, in part because archaeologists heavily restored it in the 1960's. But even before restoration, Thommanon was in better shape due in part to the lack of the stone-enclosed wood beams in Thommanon’s super-structure that were used in Chau Say Tevoda’s construction. Many of Thommanon’s carvings are in excellent condition. The colors of the age stained sandstone against the jungle are very photogenic, particularly in the wet season.
Thommanon is a small, gorgeous representation of Angkor architecture. In the 1960’s, the temple was the focus of a meticulous restoration project. As a result, some extremely fine examples of Khmer artwork, hieroglyphs, and architecture can be viewed at Thommanon.
After studying the temple’s design and stonework, archeologists have concluded that Thommanon was erected shortly before the more famous Angkor Wat temple was built. The beauty and success of Thommanon was almost certainly a major source of inspiration for the architects of Angkor Wat.
Thommanon’s weathered sandstone appears to glow in the light of the setting sun. In the late afternoon, the temple’s main tower gives off hues of salmon, deep red, oxidized copper, and tan. Make sure your camera has a full roll of film or a large memory card, because you’ll want to take plenty of pictures.
You will first enter Thommanon from the east, after which you will pass through a gopura (a Hindu temple gateway). From the gopura you will walk through a mandapa, or outdoor hallway, and into a stunning antechamber. The antechamber opens up to the grand central sanctuary. A massive Angkor-style prasat (tower) sits atop the central sanctuary. Standing beneath this well-preserved prasat, you will feel humbled and awe-stricken by the efforts of the ancients.
Scholars studying the carvings of the devatas in Thommanon have concluded that Thommanon was built around the time when work on Angkor Wat was begun.However, there is some disagreement as to the precise date it was built. Some believe that the distinctive carvings of females, known as devatas indicate that they were built during the reign of Jayavarman VI (1080–1113 AD), some time at the end of the 11th century. However, there is greater agreement, especially given the scholarly studies that it was built by Suryavarman II around the time of Angkor Wat and Beng Mealea from 1,113–1,150 AD
The Vaishnavite cult was adopted in Cambodia by Jayavarman II and his son Jayavarman III. Under these two rulers, the shaivite cult was subsumed with the Vaishnavite cult in the temples such as the Thommaman, Beng, Melea, Chausey, Tevoda, Bantay Samre, and Angkor Vat.
Thommanon is located directly opposite the Chau Say Tevoda and just 500 metres east of the Victory Gate on the way to Ta Keo. In the 1960s, the temple underwent a full restoration, funded by the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO). French archaeologists restored it and added concrete ceilings.
Thommanon is a single-towered temple with an east-facing central sanctuary, crowned by a prasat, or tower. Access from the east is via a gopura, followed by a mandapa, or antechamber, before arriving at the central sanctuary. The temple's carvings are very well preserved and the aged sandstone provides a distinct contrast to the surrounding jungle. The architectural style of its tower is also akin to the Angkor Wat temple and the Chau Say Tevoda in its vicinity.[6] The temple is much better preserved than the nearby Chau Say Tevoda, which is undergoing restoration, though both temples are similar in design. The reason for better preservation of Thommanon is attributed to the fact that its superstructure does not have stone-enclosed wood beams. Thus, adoption of sandstone as the medium for carvings in this temple has made it more advanced in its architectural design vis-à-vis other temples in its vicinity, which were mostly wood-based. All doorways include carved pediments.
The compound walls around the temple have all disappeared, leaving only the entry gates on the east and the west; the central tower is all that remains of the main temple. It is inferred that both Thommanon and Chau Say Thavoda were interlinked to the central tower under one large compound with large gates. The independent building separated from the main temple was the library.
Left: Female Devatas in a corner panel depiction with two different types of Skirts. Right: More depictions of female Devatas.
Images of Devatas, the female divine carved figurines, are seen in profusion here, as in other Khmer temples. They are the centre of attraction in Thommanon. The devatas depict flower crowns, sampots (Cambodian skirts), necklaces, armbands, belts and ankle bands.[4] The mudras displayed are complex. The devatas grip the flower very distinctively, holding the ring and middle fingers against the thumb, while the index and small finger are extended. One Angkor researcher calls this position the "devata mudra", and notes it is also prominent at Angkor Wat.[4] The sampots of the devatas though are divided into two distinct types of sampot, one type is the ancient pleated style, seen in the Bakheng period at Lolei and Phnom Bok (900 AD), and the other is a patterned fabric style with folds and "tail" seen at Angkor Wat.
Getting There: Coming from Angkor Thom, Thommanon is located opposite Chau Say Tevoda. From Ta Keo, Thommanon is located 500 meters east of the Victory Gate to Ta Keo.
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Wat Damnak Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Golden Temple Retreat offers 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 or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The vibrant Pub Street and Old Market is 850 m away. Angkor Wat is 8.2 km from Golden Temple Retreat. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, is 10 km from the property. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange and tour arrangements. Car rentals are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
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 9.5 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 Dangkum Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.Nestled within private gardens, Model Angkor Resort offers spacious contemporary-style rooms and suites away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features two outdoor swimming pools and spa facilities. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Model Angkor Resort is 1.4 km from the vibrant Pub Street and 6.1 km from Angkor Wat. The nearest airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 6 km away. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
Located in a quiet and peaceful environment, the resort’s air-conditioned rooms and suites offer a terrace with garden views, sofa and outdoor dining area. Private bathroom comes with a spa bath, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, concierge and ticketing services.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.1 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Wat Domnak Area, Salakamroeuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Just 5 minutes' walk from Siem Reap Central, Old Market and Pub Street, this affordable guest house offers free pick-up services and free WiFi. It also offers bicycle rentals.
Simply furnished, the large rooms come with high ceilings and windows which can be opened. Equipped with either a fan or air conditioning, all private rooms have a cable TV with over 80 channels and hot-water showers in the private bathroom.
Tropical Breeze Guest house is a 15-minute drive from famous Angkor Wat and Siem Reap International Airport. The property offers pickup services from the airport, bus stations and ferry ports.
Computers with free internet access are available in the lobby. Baggage storage and safe deposit are offered at the 24-hour front desk. Guests can unwind with a game of table tennis, billiards and the outdoor pool.
A variety of Cambodian and Western dishes are served at the on-site restaurant. The breakfast menu has over 56 items, including drinks. Refreshing drinks are also available at the pool bar.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Angkor High School Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap centre, Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat houses 3 swimming pools, 2 yoga studios, a fitness centre and a restaurant. It provides free WiFi throughout the property, and is a 7-minute TukTuk drive from Old Market and Pub Street.
Navutu Dreams Resort is 15-minute drive from Tonle Sap Lake and a 20-minute drive from the Angkor Wat, a World Heritage site. The resort provides free pick-up from Siem Reap International Airport as well as free shuttle service to the city centre.
Tastefully decorated, elegant rooms feature modern interiors with air conditioning. Spacious rooms are fitted with a private patio and garden that offers views of the pool or manicured gardens. Each well-appointed unit is equipped with a comfortable living area, flat-screen cable TV and large bathroom with 2 showers or a separate shower and bathtub.
The resort offers a lounge, spa and wellness centre. It houses a private room for acupuncture and other healing practices as well as a well-equipped gym. Free bicycle rentals are also available at the property.
Guests of Navutu can participate in a session of morning or afternoon, detox or de-stress yoga class. They can choose to have one of the resort's Spa sessions, enroll in a cooking class or embark on a personal journey to discover mystical Angkor or to explore bustling Siem Reap.
Niam Niam restaurant offers Cambodian dishes as well as Italian and other international cuisine. The resort has a special Wellness Menu for advocates for healthy living. At the gardens, private celebrations may be arranged with the assistance of the resort team.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 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, Krous Village, Svaydangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Villa Indochine D'angkor is a beautiful property located in Siem Reap. This peaceful getaway welcomes guests with an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and free WiFi access throughout the property. The resort offers free 2-way shuttle services from Siem Reap International Airport or the nearest Bus Station.
The accommodation is only 5 km away from Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport. The famous Angkor Wat is located 4.8 km away while the lively Pub Street is 2.4 km from the hotel. Angkor National Museum is 1.9 km away.
Rooms at Villa Indochine D'angkor feature classic Cambodian-style décor. Each room is fitted with a private balcony, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. You will find an electric kettle with tea/coffee making facilities in all rooms. The traditional Khmer-style bathrooms include hot-water showers, slippers, toothbrushes and premium toiletries. Some bathrooms offer a bathtub.
A 24-hour front desk staff will be happy to assist you with luggage storage and free parking facilities. A cup of tea can be enjoyed while relaxing by the outdoor terrace.
Both local and international meals can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant. In-room dining options are possible as well.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 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!
Phnear Chey Village, Svay dangkum commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Featuring free WiFi, The Natural Homestay- Siem Reap is situated in Siem Reap, 2.4 km from Pub Street.
Some units have a seating area where you can relax. Certain units feature views of the garden or city. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower.
The homestay also offers bike hire. Angkor Wat is 8 km from The Natural Homestay- Siem Reap, while The Happy Ranch Horse Farm is 1.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 7 km from The Natural Homestay- Siem Reap.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.2 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!
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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