Exploring the Wonders of the Small Circuit

Siem Reap is a city that is famous for its ancient temples, especially the ones in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The park covers a vast area of over 400 square kilometers, and contains hundreds of temples and monuments from different periods of Cambodian history. One of the most popular ways to explore the park is by following the Small Tour Circuit, which covers some of the most iconic and impressive temples in the park. In this blog post, I will introduce you to the temples that are included in the Small Tour Circuit, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Angkor Wat

The first and most famous temple in the Small Tour Circuit is Angkor Wat, the largest and most magnificent religious structure in the world. Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of the universe. Later, it was converted into a Buddhist temple, and remains an active place of worship to this day. Angkor Wat is famous for its stunning architecture, which combines elements of Khmer, Indian, and Chinese styles. It consists of a three-tiered pyramid, surrounded by a moat and a wall, and crowned by five lotus-like towers. The temple is also famous for its intricate bas-reliefs, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, history, and culture.

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is early in the morning, when you can witness the sunrise over the temple and avoid the crowds. You will need at least two hours to explore the temple, and don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, as it can get very hot and sunny. You will also need to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the sacred site.

Angkor Thom

The next stop in the Small Tour Circuit is Angkor Thom, the last and largest capital city of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Thom was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, who was a devout Buddhist. He wanted to create a city that reflected his vision of the cosmic order, and incorporated elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism. Angkor Thom covers an area of about 9 square kilometers, and is enclosed by a wall and a moat. There are five gates to enter the city, each adorned with a giant face of the king, representing the four cardinal directions and the center of the universe.

Angkor Thom contains several temples and monuments, each with its own unique features and significance. Some of the highlights are:

• Bayon Temple: The most famous temple in Angkor Thom, Bayon is known for its 54 towers, each decorated with four faces of the king, smiling serenely in all directions. The faces are believed to represent the king himself, the bodhisattva of compassion, or the four sublime states of mind: love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Bayon also has some of the most detailed and expressive bas-reliefs in the park, depicting scenes from everyday life, battles, and religious ceremonies.

• Baphuon Temple: A temple dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, Baphuon is one of the oldest and largest temples in the park. It was built in the 11th century, and originally had a tower that rose 50 meters above the ground. However, the temple suffered from structural problems and collapsed in the 15th century. It was restored in the 20th century, after a painstaking process that involved dismantling and reassembling over 300,000 stone blocks. Baphuon also has a reclining Buddha statue on its west side, which was added in the 16th century, when the temple was converted into a Buddhist shrine.

• Terrace of the Elephants: A long platform that was used by the king and his court to watch ceremonies, parades, and games. The terrace is decorated with carvings of elephants, lions, garudas, and other mythical creatures. The terrace also has a staircase that leads to the Phimeanakas Temple, a pyramid-shaped temple that was the royal palace of the king.

• Terrace of the Leper King: A smaller platform that is located north of the Terrace of the Elephants. The terrace is named after a statue of a king that was found on the site, which was believed to have leprosy due to its weathered appearance. The statue is actually a representation of Yama, the Hindu god of death, who was also the guardian of the north gate of the city. The terrace is also adorned with carvings of apsaras, nagas, and other figures from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

You will need at least three hours to explore Angkor Thom, and you can enter the city from any of the five gates. The most popular gate is the south gate, which is closest to Angkor Wat and has a bridge lined with statues of gods and demons. You can also visit the north gate, which is less crowded and has a more peaceful atmosphere.

Ta Prohm

The last temple in the Small Tour Circuit is Ta Prohm, the temple that is famous for its appearance in the movie Tomb Raider. Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university. It was dedicated to his mother, and housed over 12,000 people, including monks, students, and workers. Ta Prohm was also a center of art and culture, and had hundreds of statues, inscriptions, and steles. However, after the fall of the Khmer Empire, the temple was abandoned and left to the mercy of nature. Over the centuries, the temple was engulfed by the jungle, and huge trees grew over and through the walls, creating a surreal and mysterious scene.

Ta Prohm is one of the most popular and photogenic temples in the park, and attracts many visitors who want to see the contrast between the ancient ruins and the natural beauty. The best time to visit Ta Prohm is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. You will need at least an hour to explore the temple, and you will need a guide or a map to navigate the complex layout. You will also need to be careful of the uneven ground, the low ceilings, and the falling debris, as the temple is still in a state of decay and restoration.

Bakheng Mountain

Bakheng mountain, also known as Phnom Bakheng, is a temple mountain in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. It was built by King Yasovarman I at the end of the 9th century, when he moved the capital of his empire from Roluos to Angkor. Bakheng mountain was the state temple and the center of a large city called Yashodharapura. The temple consists of seven levels, symbolizing the sacred Mount Meru and the seven Hindu heavens. There were originally 108 towers on the ground and upper levels of the temple, representing the lunar phases. The temple also served as a tomb for King Yasovarman I12.

The best time to visit Bakheng mountain is during the late afternoon, especially during sunset.

There are other smaller temple in this circuit such as:

• Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda: These are two small temples that are located opposite each other, near the east gate of Angkor Thom. They were built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, and are similar in style and layout. They have elegant carvings of apsaras, devatas, and scenes from Hindu mythology. They are best visited in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are low.

• Ta Keo: This is a massive temple-mountain that was built in the late 10th century by King Jayavarman V. It was the first temple to be constructed entirely of sandstone, and was intended to be the state temple of the king. However, it was never completed, and remains unfinished to this day. Some believe that it was abandoned due to a lightning strike, which was considered a bad omen. The temple has five towers, arranged in a quincunx pattern, and has a steep staircase leading to the upper terrace. The temple is impressive for its size and symmetry, but lacks the elaborate decorations of other temples. It is best visited in the afternoon, when the sun illuminates the sandstone.

• Banteay Kdei: This is a large Buddhist temple that was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It was used as a religious and educational center, and was also a residence for the king and his family. The temple has a simple and elegant design, with four concentric enclosures and a central tower. The temple has many carvings of Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other deities, as well as scenes from Buddhist legends. The temple is also known for its hall of dancing girls, where you can see many carvings of apsaras in various poses. The best time to visit Banteay Kdei is in the morning, when the temple is quiet and peaceful.

Conclusion

The temple at Small Tour Circuit is a great way to experience the best of the Angkor Archaeological Park in a short time. You will get to see the most famous and impressive temples in the park, and learn about the history, culture, and religion of the Khmer civilization. You will also get to enjoy the stunning scenery, the rich wildlife, and the friendly locals. The temple at Small Tour Circuit is a must-see for anyone who visits Siem Reap, and will leave you with unforgettable memories and photos.