The Angkor region is a major archaeological treasure in Southeast Asia. Among its jewels, Angkor Wat stands majestically on an artificial mound, symbolizing the place where gods and monarchs meet. It is famous for its grandiose and harmonious architecture, as well as its numerous bas-reliefs. Angkor Wat is the largest temple of the Angkor monumental complex and the best preserved.
Angkor Thom, the "great city", was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. It is the largest site in the Angkor archaeological park. To enter the city, you pass through one of five large gates, each topped with gigantic faces, while the bridges leading to the gates are lined with statues.
Inside Angkor Thom are several of the most impressive temples of the Angkorian era. The Bayon, the city's central temple, stands on several levels, with immense towers decorated with enigmatic smiles and captivating bas-reliefs depicting scenes of life in the past.
The Elephant Terrace extends in front of the ruins of the Royal Palace, with its high relief elephants adorning the secondary staircases, hence its name. The Leper King's Terrace takes its name from a statue representing the god of the dead, and may have been a royal crematorium.
The Banteay Srei temple, famous for its pink sandstone, offers sculptures of exceptional beauty. Ta Prohm, overgrown with cheese roots, is a mystical place. Preah Khan was a Buddhist monastic complex extending over a vast territory.
Neak Pean, a small Buddhist temple, is surrounded by pools, with snake heads forming the entrance. Finally, the temple of Phimeanakas, in poor condition, was renowned for being the place where the protective goddess joined the king.
This region of Angkor, rich in history and architectural wonders, reveals a valuable part of Southeast Asia's past. Directed by Jacques Vichet.