Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, the ancient city of mystery in the heart of Siem Reap

When it comes to ancient cities full of charm and fascinating historical stories within the Angkor World Heritage site, “Angkor Thom” is one of the destinations mr.hotsia never misses when visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Angkor Thom is located only about 2 kilometers from Angkor Wat. It is conveniently accessible with the same entrance ticket as Angkor Wat, whether for a single day, 3 days, or a weekly pass. This ticket allows us to fully experience many temples in the area. mr.hotsia chose the 3-day ticket to capture all the details thoroughly.

The atmosphere at Angkor Thom and its amazing stone carvings

Upon entering Angkor Thom, what caught my eye and kept me watching for a long time were the ancient stone carvings that remain beautiful and well-preserved even after more than a thousand years. These carvings are not just art but also astonishingly tell the stories of the lives of people in ancient times.

I especially liked the lively carvings of the Loy Krathong festival, the cockfighting scenes showing past entertainment, as well as images of playing chess and drinking rice wine that clearly reflect the culture of this region. There are also stories of battles between the Cham people and the Khmer Empire depicted through detailed carvings of warships and battle formations, which made me feel like I was truly stepping back into history.

The difference in ancient greeting gestures at Angkor Thom

One thing mr.hotsia noticed and was very impressed by was the greeting gestures shown in the ancient carvings. Men in that era did not raise their hands in the wai gesture as we know it today but used their right hand to cover their left elbow while the left hand touched the right arm, expressing respect in their own way. Meanwhile, women in the carvings wore the wai gesture familiar to us for over a thousand years. These small details made me feel that visiting here is not just about seeing ancient sites but deeply understanding the lifestyle and culture of ancient people.

Travel and accommodation recommendations by mr.hotsia in Siem Reap

For travelers planning to visit Angkor Thom and Siem Reap, I recommend starting your journey through the Poipet border, which is the main and most convenient route from Thailand. You can read detailed travel information in the article.Traveling from Rong Kluea Poipet to Siem Reapwhich I have previously written about

For accommodation, mr.hotsia recommendsShadow Angkor Guest Houselocated along a major canal near Siem Reap market. It has a pleasant atmosphere, cleanliness, and professional service. There is a restaurant and affordable bicycle rental service. This accommodation is suitable for those who want to relax peacefully but still easily access the city's vibrancy. Or if you are looking for a budget hotel with good standards, I recommendReaksmey Chanreas Hotelwhich is near the bus station and convenient for traveling around the city.

A full trip to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat

When visiting Siem Reap, do not miss stopping byAngkor Watwhich is not far from Angkor Thom. It is one of the seven wonders of the world located very close to Thailand, just a two-hour drive. I usually rent a bicycle for about 60 baht per day to freely cycle around Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, gaining a different perspective than riding a tuk-tuk.

If you want to experience nightlife in Siem Reap, I recommend going to thePub Streetwhich is an entertainment area with many bars, restaurants, and pubs to choose from. For a truly local atmosphere, you can hire a tuk-tuk to Beer Gardens Street, which offers a fun and safe environment at a reasonable price.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s impressions of Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is not just an ordinary tourist spot but for me, mr.hotsia, it is a journey into living history. I saw carvings that tell stories of people in the past, experienced the beauty of well-preserved art, and learned about cultural differences still reflected through the greeting gestures in those carvings.

If you are planning a trip to Siem Reap, don’t forget to visit Angkor Thom because it will truly enrich your travel experience.

For more information about travel and accommodation in Siem Reap, you can read further details atTraveling from Rong Kluea Poipet to Siem ReapandRecommended hotels in Siem Reap: Shadow Angkor Guest HouseThank you

Mr.hotsia
December 2011