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Style and Dedication:
One of the earlier temples, Banteay Samre was originally a Hindu sanctuary and followed the same architectural style as Angkor Wat, albeit obviously on a smaller scale
Builder:
Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early to mid 12th century (although this is essentially a guesstimate, no actual indication of a date was found)
Description:
Somewhat isolated, and in not too good a state the site is still very much worth a visit, if only for the chance to experience the magnificent Angkor Wat style without the hustle and bustle of Angkor Wat itself.
Going through the gopuras in the outer wall, one gets into an enclosed courtyard, which in turn leads to another, second courtyard, and a second enclosure. Oh, and add some fairly steep steps to the mix, too! The inner courtyard features 3 structures, two smaller libraries and a central Hundu sanctuary (and, yes, more steps!). Sculptures are the traditional Hindu lions, lingams and yonis.
Updated Apr 22, 2011
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Style and Dedication:
Ta Prohm was built as a Mahayana Buddhism temple and university and as such is another one of the 'flat temples', with 5 retaining walls encircling a central sanctuary. Some of the structures have collapsed due to erosion/vegetation, but the layout is still fairly clear.
Builder:
Jayavarman VII, in late 12th/early 13th century
Description:
Instantly recognisable (even if you have not seen 'Tomb Raider'!) , the temple has been left largely unrestored, with the walk up following a path through the jungle, and trees/plants covering the ruins themselves. This does mean you need to be a little bit more careful as you wander around, but the atmosphere it creates is unique in the by now touristy Angkor complex (to see another one like this, you'd probably need to go to the remote temple of Beng Mealea way outside of Angkor/Siem Reap).
Despite fabulous images, galleries, sculptures, halls, galleries, etc. - the tree roots are the most photographed feature, with queues often forming at the 'Tomb Raider' filming spot
Updated Apr 22, 2011
Style and Dedication:
The temple is a Mahayana Buddhism sanctuary, but with smaller shrines to Hindu deities around the main sanctuary as well (for a total of over 400 gods and goddesses). Rectangular galleries, courtyards and corridors around the main sanctuary make this a pleasant place to wander around.
Builder:
Jayavarman VII, in late 12th century
Description:
The temple is another one of those on the ground level - and thus also providing a welcome respite from climbing over the Mt. Meru-style ones! The temple has not been restored to the same degree as Angkor Wat/Bayon have been, and there is still some pretty picturesque vegetation on the ruins. Although needs to be said this is nowhere near to the same extent as you'd see in Ta Prohm.
Among the most interesting features are over 70 garudas (which I believe you can also 'adopt' = i.e., pay for preservation, although the bill might come a tad high at over USD20k!).
Updated Apr 22, 2011
Style and Dedication:
One of the temples that was built as a Mahayana Buddhism temple/monastery straight away, the building is in the Bayon style with Angkor Wat influences (or vice versa, but personally I saw more of Bayon in it)
Builder:
Jayavarman VII, in late 12th-early 13th century
Description:
As a Buddhist monastery, it was built on ground level as opposed to representation of Mt. Meru which are probably more common for Angkor area temples. The walled enclosure (built from reclaimed stone) contained a sanctuary, several galleries, as well as decorated courtyards and passageways between these.
Updated Mar 27, 2011
Style and Dedication:
As with many temples in Angkor area, the main deity here is the Hindu god Shiva, but it also honours the parents of the king. Style is similar to that of Pre Rup, and it is also a Mount Meru rappresentation.
Builder:
King Rajendravarman, in the 10th century
Description:
Built primarily in sandstone and brick, the temple has two enclosing walls and three tiers, these tiers decorated with sculptures, in particular the elephants on the lower tiers, as well as Hindu gods Indra and Shiva.
The top tier features 5 towers, one central and one in each corner of the platform.
Updated Jan 10, 2010
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Style & Dedication:
Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale, and featured all the same elements that have later come to characterise te temple mountain style (i.e., moats surrounding the pyramid).
Builder:
Started by Indravarman I, Bakong was the work of a number of kings, with the top section and tower added much later in the 12th century.
Description:
Part of what is now known as the Roluos Group, Bakong sits at the center of the first Angkorian capital, HariharalayaSome of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape.
The Roluos Group as a whole is much less touristy than the main circuit of temples and provides a nice diversion if you would like to have a fairly large temple mostly to yourself (or maybe I was just lucky?)
Written Dec 4, 2009
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Builder:
Kavindrarimathana, who was a minister during the reign of Rajendravarman II. It did not survive in its original shape though, having been modified by one of the most prolific builders - Jayavarman VII.
Description:
Not a temple this time around, but a reservoir of water with landings and some beautiful statues of nagas, garudas and a couple of guardian lions.
Interesting Facts:
- An excellent sunset/sunrise place as you can always count on some nice reflections in the water. However, it can get crowded on the main landing stage opposite the Banteay Kdei temple
Written Dec 3, 2009
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Style and Dedication:
Temple-mountain, representation of Mount Meru, which was surrounded by a moat representing an ocean. The principal deity of the temple is Shiva.
Builder:
Rajendravarman, around year 960 AD
Description:
As with Ta Keo, there are five towers on the on the top level of the pyramid temple, one at the centre of the platform and one in each of the corners. However, there are more decorations starting from gopuras and going through to the intricate carvings on the towers of the top platform.
Interesting Facts:
- Pre Rup is a popular place for sunsets and sunrises, but watch those steps in the dark!
- The name of the temple means 'turning the body' which reflects the belief that, when built, it used to be a funerary temple
Written Dec 3, 2009
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Style and Dedication:
Temple-mountain in Khleang style, representation of Mount Meru, which was surrounded by a moat representing an ocean. The principal deity of the temple is Shiva.
Builder:
Jayavarman V, around year 1000 CE
Description:
The temple, possibly the first to be built entirely of sandstone by Khmers, remains unfinished without much in the way of carvings. The temple itself has five towers on the on the top one out of the 5 levels of the pyramid.
A Word of Warning:
The stairs at Ta Keo a very steep, in fact I have found them much steeper than those at other temples - especially when it comes to climding up to the 5th terrace. And, unlike some of the more famous ones, Ta Keo has no wood stairs or railings to help you. I have still made it to the top though :)
Written Dec 3, 2009
Walking through the the compound of Banteay Kdei, we followed the dirt path that led us towards the east gate. Looking pass the gate was a elongated structure known as Sra Srang - an artificial lake that would have been a lovely place to relax during the era of Jayavarman VII.
Written Oct 13, 2007
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