Angkor Wat Sunset Tour

Next, venture to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the grand entrance to the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, this impressive gate is adorned with giant stone faces and flanked by a stunning array of statues depicting gods and demons. As you walk across the causeway, you’ll be struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of this monumental gateway, offering a dramatic prelude to the wonders that lie within Angkor Thom.

Inside Angkor Thom, discover the enigmatic Bayon Temple, nestled in the heart of the city. Built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, Bayon is renowned for its 54 gothic towers adorned with 216 smiling stone faces, believed to be a combination of the king himself and the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. These serene visages, radiating tranquility and divine grace, offer a glimpse into the spiritual life and royal grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Then, explore the historical significance of the Elephant Terrace, a majestic 300-meter-long platform decorated with intricate carvings of elephants and garudas. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, this grandstand was used for public ceremonies and royal audiences, offering a glimpse into the pomp and splendor of ancient Khmer court life. As you walk along this terrace, imagine the grand processions and festivities that once took place in this remarkable setting.

Continue your adventure to the mystical Ta Prohm, famously known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” after featuring in the Lara Croft movie. Constructed in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university, Ta Prohm is distinguished by its overgrown trees and giant roots enveloping the temple ruins, symbolizing the enduring power of nature over man-made structures. The temple’s hauntingly beautiful, jungle-clad ruins provide a unique and photogenic landscape that evokes a sense of mystery and wonder.

Embark on our Angkor Wat Sunset Adventure and delve into the fascinating history of Angkor’s most iconic temples, seamlessly linked with rich historical narratives that will captivate your imagination.

Begin your journey at the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu. This temple is not only the largest religious monument in the world but also a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, featuring intricate bas-reliefs and towering spires that reflect the zenith of Khmer artistry. As you explore its vast corridors and sacred grounds, you will be transported back to a time when Angkor was the center of the Khmer Empire.

Conclude your tour with a climb up Bakheng Mountain, where the Bakheng Temple awaits. Constructed in the late 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman I, this mountain temple is one of Angkor’s earliest temple-mountains, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. From this vantage point, you will witness the breathtaking sunset over the Angkor Archaeological Park, with panoramic views that encompass the sprawling temple complex bathed in the golden hues of twilight.