Leave for tour of Angkor Thom (comprising of the Bayon Temple, Terrace of Leper King and the Elephant Terrace). Optional sunrise. The city of Angkor Thom, founded by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, was one of the largest of all Khmer cities and remained the capital until the 17th century. We enter the city through the monumental south gate, its tower feature four faces pointing in each of cardinal directions with the elephants holding up the main gate, preceded by a no less impressive Avenue of Gods and asuras lining the bridge across the structure moat. The Bayon or state temple of Jayavarman VII is one of the most enigmatic and power religious constructions in the world. It is a unique mass of “faces tower” which create a stone-mountain of ascending peaks. There were originally 49 towers of which 37 are still standing today. Most are carved with four faces on each cardinal point. The central tower has many more.

The Elephant Terrace is at the heart of Angkor Thom and looks out overage Royal spare. It marks the entrance to the Royal Palace and was the focal point for Royal receptions. The Carving of the elephants along its Walls gives it its modern name. Terrace of Leper King, This massive terrace is named after the 15th century sculpture that was discovered on top of it. It probably dates back to the reign of Jayavarman VII and has been restored in a manner, which allows visitors to explore the earliest to most recent additions by actually entering the internal layers of the structure.

Build between the 9th and 14th centuries, the City of Angkor is one of the grandest monuments ever constructed. The entire complex covers approximately 164sq miles with over 200 temples. Among the 30 temples that are accessible today, the most famous is Angkor Wat, the largest religions building in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. Conceived by Suryavarman II early 12th century, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. Unlike most other Khmer temples, it faces West, the most likely reason is because the temple was dedicated to Vishnu, who is sometimes associated with the West.

Phnom Bakheng, late 9th century was the state temple of the first capital of Angkor. Begin the ascent from the east side at the foot of the hill close to the road. The view from the top is magnificent, particularly of Angkor Wat to the South East and is the most popular spot for tourist at sunset. The three prominent hills of the area, Phnom Bakheng, Phnom Krom and Phnom Bok were all crowned with temples at the same period.