About
Angkor Thom is a walled city in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, set within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Krong Siem Reap. It is also known as Angkor Tom. Its address is given as Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap 17000, and the site can be reached by phone at +855 63 765 577.
The city was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and it forms part of the wider Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site, with building dating from the late 12th century. For a visitor, it offers a chance to walk through a large historic capital rather than a single isolated monument, and to understand how the city was laid out.
What to see
- The Bayon temple, the best-known structure in the city, celebrated for its many carved stone faces.
- The wider grounds of the ancient city, which are spread across a large area of the park.
- The surrounding Angkor Archaeological Park, which holds many other temples and ruins.
Planning your visit
Because Angkor Thom sits inside a large archaeological park, it suits visitors who are happy to spend time outdoors and cover some distance on foot or by vehicle. The Bayon's stone faces are the feature most visitors come to see, so it is a good place to start. Allow time to wander beyond it, since the site is extensive and the surrounding park adds to the experience.
Siem Reap, the town that serves the park, provides the accommodation, dining and transport links most visitors use while exploring the Angkor sites. Its own range of services makes it a practical base for a stay of several days.