Pretty much like the South Gate but less impressive or intact decorations in front. And it being North-facing there is more moss. The moat is also pretty overgrown.
I still love it for its style and faces.
This is the view when entering Angkor Thom.
Many temples in Angkor started out dedicated to Hindu gods, but were later converted to Buddhism. Instead of destroying evidence of the former religion like in so many other countries, in Angkor you often find bas reliefs carvings showing different gods. Can be confusing but I concentrated on admiring the architecture and craftsmanship.
Some monkey business going on here too.
Fairly hidden temple ruin off the main road behind Terrace of the Leper King. Nature is taking over.
This small temple is actually still in use today. There were also some local residences nearby which was nice to see. The walled city of Angkor Thom was a major city at one point and I would have expected more evidence of normal housing, not just temples.
Wait what? Yes, there was another King called Leper King besides the one of Jerusalem.
The statue was called the “Leper King” because discolouration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy. However, there is also the Cambodian legend of the Angkorian king Yasovarman who had leprosy. In Cambodia he is known as Dharmaraja.
Quite a long terrace. Have a look at the map below.
Many towers and small temples spread out across from the Terrace of the Elephants and of the Leper King. Some parts date 10th century, others from the 12th.
Come with me on a quick cycle past Bayon to Prasat Suor Prat (3.4 minutes). Volume up for authentic noise like birds, traffic, bicycle bell, huffing and puffing… For a 4D experience inhale deeply during watching. Can you smell the exhaust?
I couldn’t get enough of these beautiful carvings. They went all around the temple, some between 10-20 meters at least. I went back another day just to focus on them in detail.
Most of the carvings show battles, but also daily life, and animals. All of them tell a story. Zoom in for more details (yes, there is a crocodile eating a poor bloke that fell or was pushed off a boat into the river).
Bayon is the central temple within Angkor Thom (the walled city). It was erected under the reign of Jayavarman VII, towards the end of the 12th century.
The smiling face depicted on many of its towers is often called “enigmatic”. They sure make an impression. Only 37 towers are still standing among the 49 or 54.
Its exceptional bas-reliefs depict the daily life of the Khmers at the time of Angkor’s grandeur and mythological scenes. I will post those separately.
If you want yo know more about the history and symbolism of this temple please see: https://apsaraauthority.gov.kh/2021/08/05/bayon/
