'Angkor' literally means 'Capital City' or 'Holy City'. 'Khmer' refers to the dominant ethnic group in modern and ancient Cambodia. In its modern usage, the term 'Angkor' has come to refer to the capital city of the Khmer Empire that existed in the area of Cambodia between the 9th and 12th centuries AD, as well as to the empire itself.
The temple ruins in the area of Siem Reap, Cambodia are the remnants of the capital cities of the Angkorian era Khmer Empire, and represent the pinnacle of the ancient Khmer architecture, art and civilization. The Age of Angkor was a time when the capital area contained more than a million people, when Khmer kings constructed vast waterworks and grand temples, and when Angkor's military, economic and cultural dominance held sway over the area of modern Cambodia, and much of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
The following guide lists and describes the temple ruins in the area of Siem Reap, Cambodia that are most often accessible and interesting to the casual visitor. Though the list is more than sufficient for the average tourist, it is not by any means a comprehensive list of Khmer or even Angkorian ruins.
| SIEM REAP TEMPLES |
Temple Name : Kleangs (North and South)
Date of Construction : Late 10th - Early 11th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Jayavarman V
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Kleang
Rectangular sandstone buildings set opposite the Terrace of Elephants, behind the Prasat Suor Prat. 'Kleang' means 'storeroom' but it is unlikely that this was the function of the structures. A royal oath of allegiance is carved into the doorway of one Kleang indicating that they may have served as reception areas or even housing for visiting noblemen and ambassadors. The North Kleang was built in wood under Rajendravarman II and then rebuilt in stone by Jayavarman V, probably before the construction of the South Kleang. The Kleangs are unremarkable upon close inspection but picturesque from a distance, standing among the Prasat Suor Prat. Best photographed in the afternoon.
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Temple Name : Krol Ko
Date of Construction : Late 12th
Religious Affiliation : Buddhist
Patron or King : Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bayon
A small temple with a single central tower surrounded by two laterite walls. Some carvings are on the ground. Relatively untouristed, offering a peaceful respite.
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Temple Name : Lolei
Date of Construction : Late 9th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Preah Ko/Bakheng
Roluos Group: An island-temple consisting of four brick towers on a double laterite platform. Located in the center of the first large-scale baray constructed by a Khmer king. The last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition, there are some good lintel carvings, which display the distinctively detailed Pre Ko style. An active pagoda has been built amongst the ruins. Of the Roluos group ruins, allocate the least time for this temple. See 'Roluos Group'. |
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Temple Name : Neak Pean
Date of Construction : Late 12th
Religious Affiliation : Buddhism
Patron or King : Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bayon
When constructed, this small island temple was located in the middle of the last reservoir (baray) to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The small central temple sits in the center of a cross or lotus pattern made up of eight pools. At time of construction, the temple was called Rajasri but took its modern appellation, Neak Pean, which means 'coiled serpents', from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human headwater spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.
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Temple Name : Phimeanakas
Date of Construction : Late 10th - Early 11th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Jayavarman V
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Kleang
The king's temple or royal temple. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom, providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom.
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Temple Name : Phnom Bakheng
Date of Construction : Late 9th - Early 10th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bakheng
The construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. It served as Yasovarman I's state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill of most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. Often overcrowded at sunset. Elephant rides up the hill are available.
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Temple Name : Phnom Krom
Date of Construction : Late 9th - Early 10th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bakheng
Three towers, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma respectively. The ruins are in relatively poor condition, and sit next to an active pagoda on top of a hill. Wonderful view of the Tonle Sap Lake and the surrounding countryside. It is a very nice 15km countryside drive from Siem Reap, and an exposed, 20-30 minute walk to the top. A visit to Phnom Krom is sometimes combined with a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake.
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Temple Name : Phnom Kulen
Date of Construction : 9th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Jayavarman II
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Kulen
This is where the 500-year long Age of Angkor began. Phnom Kulen is the mountain on which Jayavarman II initiated a royal 'god of the king' linga cult in 802AD, declaring a unified and independent Cambodia under a single ruler. Soon after, he moved his capital from Kulen to Roluos where it was to remain for almost a century before moving to the Angkor area. Several sites including hundreds of linga stands in the Siem Reap River. Waterfalls and active pagoda. It's a bit over 50 km each way from Siem Reap so set aside at least a half day for the trip there and back. Regular admission ticket is not required. There is a separate entrance fee of $20 for Phnom Kulen.
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Temple Name : Prasat Bei
Date of Construction : 10th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bakheng
A set of three small brick towers between Baksei Chamkrong and the moat of Angkor Thom near the South Gate. Construction was never completed. Prasat Bei literally means 'towers three.' Best lighting in the morning
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Temple Name : Prasat Kravan
Date of Construction : Early 10th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Harshavarman I
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bakheng
Reconstructed, unique brick towers containing large wall sculptures of Vishnu and Lakshmi in the brick. Originally constructed by a nobleman rather than a king. Reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA". Photographically better in the morning with the light on the front of the towers.
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Temple Name : Prasat Prei
Date of Construction : Late 12th - Early 13th
Religious Affiliation : Buddhist
Patron or King : Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Jayavarman VII
Small, untouristed pair of laterite towers near Neak Pean. Some apsara and lintel carvings. A quiet, peaceful location. |
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Temple Name : Prasat Suor Prat
Date of Construction : Early 13th?
Religious Affiliation :
Patron or King : Indravarman II
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Post-Bayon
Twelve nearly identical towers that stand opposite and parallel the Terrace of the Elephants. Perhaps begun under Jayavarman VII, but they do not display the classic Bayon style characteristic of Jayavarman VII's monuments. Picturesque from a distance but uninteresting upon close inspection. Some towers are undergoing renovation. Best photographed in the late afternoon. The original function of the towers is a matter of debate but in the 12th century classic, "Customs of Cambodia", Chinese emissary to Angkor, Zhou Daguan, gives a romantic but dubious first hand account of their function. Zhou Daguan wrote that the towers were used to settle legal disputes and matters of criminal justice. The belligerent parties were kept in the towers for a few days. The one to emerge in ill health was declared the loser, or guilty by divine decree.
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Temple Name : Prasat Top (East)
Date of Construction : Late 13th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Jayavarman VIII
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bayon
Architecturally unimpressive but historically important small tower located in Angkor Thom. Also known as 'Monument 487' and 'Mangalartha' because it was built in honor of a monk of the same name. The final Brahmanic temple built in the Angkor area. Constructed in the historically hazy period of Hindu resurgence after the death of Jayavarman VII.
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Temple Name : Prasat Top (West)
Date of Construction : 9th-17th
Religious Affiliation : Theravada Buddhist
Patron or King :
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Post-Bayon
Small, ruined towers standing in an quiet section of Angkor Thom. Inscriptions indicate that the site was used as early as the 9th century, but the present structure is post Angkorian. The materials from an earlier structure were reused for the new structures. The few carvings that still exist are Buddhist.
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Temple Name : Pre Rup
Date of Construction : Late 10th
Religious Affiliation : Hindu
Patron or King : Rajendravarman II
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Pre Rup
Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor after a period of political upheaval when the capital had been moved to Koh Ker.
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Temple Name : Preah Khan
Date of Construction : Late 12th
Religious Affiliation : Buddhist
Patron or King : Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archaeological Style: Bayon
Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. 'Preah Khan' means 'sacred sword.' In harmony with Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Features of note: Like most of Jayavarman VII's monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple. It is one of the only examples of round columns and may be from a later period.
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