Angkor

Introduction

Ta Prohm, Angkor

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Close to a million people visit the ruins of Angkor each year and for good reason. Located to the north of Cambodia's Great Lake (Tonle Sap) and south of the Kulen Hills, not far from Siem Reap, this is without much doubt Cambodia's number one attraction and one of the most amazing places in the world. There are over 1000 temples in Angkor, ranging from little more than piles of rubble to the amazing Angkor Wat, the undisputed star of the show.

Brief History

Once a mighty force in South East Asia, the Khmer Empire dates back to the year 802, when it was established by Jayavarman II. The city of Angkor stood at the centre of this mighty Hindu empire and grew to become the largest known pre-industrial settlement, spanning a massive 3,000 sq km (roughly equivalent to Los Angeles).

Angkor Wat, the main temple in the Angkor region, was built during the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II. It was built as a personal mausoleum and was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.

Following Suryavarman's death in the mid 12th century, the empire entered a period of strife. Ultimately this led to weakness, which was exploited by the neighbouring Cham people. The capital, Yasodharapura, was sacked and the reigning king killed. A prince, who later became King Jayavarman VII, took control of the empire and defeated the Cham. His reign was considered the greatest and during his time he had the walled city of Angkor Thom constructed. King Jayavarman also transitioned the Khmer empire from Hinduism to Buddhism, which has remained as the principle religion of Cambodia.

sweet little girl at Angkor Wat

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After a long period of decline, Angkor's powerful position eventually came to an end in the 15th century when Thai invaders, pushed out of China by the Mongols, sacked the city. The Khmer Empire then moved its capital to present day Phnom Penh.

Angkor was gradually taken over by the rainforest until 1860, when the French explorer Henri Mouhot came across it and alerted the world to its existence. Sadly many Westerners came and looted many of the relics from the temples for museums or private collections. A long restoration process was started in 1907 and saw large areas of forest cleared, foundations repaired and drains installed to protect the city from water damage. This process was stopped in 1970 when the Cambodian civil war made aid workers flee the country. During the civil war there was intense fighting even in the temples.

After the end of the civil war restoration work was started again. The first step was to remove the land mines that had been left among the temples. Today the process of restoration continues even with up to a million visitors a year coming to the see the ancient city of Angkor.

Famous Temples

• Angkor Wat is the largest temple in Angkor.
• Ta Prohm is the famous temple were the jungle has not been cleared.
• Temple of Bayon

Opening Hours

Sunrise to Sunset everyday of the week, every day of the year.

Cost

Temple of Bayon

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Yoy need to buy a ticket in order to enter the temple-ruins area. Tickets are sold at the entrances to the area and it is possible to buy 1-day ticket for $20, 3-day ticket for $40 and 1-week tickets. The 3-day ticket is the best deal, simply because there is so much too see and it would be a shame just to spend a single day here. Although if someone is willing to spend sun rise to sun set at the temples, wear good shoes and move fast it is possible to do Angkor justice in one long day.

Getting There

From Siem Reap it it possible to rent a bicycle, a moto/tuk-tuk (motorcycle-taxi) with driver or a car with driver. The motos are quite nice because they offer shade in the sunny season and shelter in the rainy season. You should pay 10-15 US$ for an entire day starting between 7 and 9 in the morning.

By Car

It is possible to rent an air conditioned car for the day in Siem Reap. This is more expensive then renting a moto/tuk-tuk although can be more comfortable during the hot dry season. Talk with your hotel about arranging a car for the day.

By Bus

The only buses in Angkor are tour buses and those are few and far between. It is best to rent a car or a moto/tuk-tuk.

Eat

There are a few restaurants in Angkor but they tend to be over priced. Ask your driver about finding slightly cheaper food. There are plenty of vendors selling snacks near the major temples.

Drink

There will be countless kids trying to sell water and other beverages. Remember that there will be a convenience charge that is negotiable.

Sleep

Sleeping in the park is not an option. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses in nearby Siem Reap.