BAPOUN Temple

Baphuon temple is west of the road to the Dei Chhnang Gate and near the Bayon temple. The temple was built in the 11th century, around 1060, by King Udayadatiyavarman II (AD 1050-1066), dedicating to Brahmanism.

The highlight of the temple is a bas-reliefs, which differ fro most others as they are vignettes carve in small stone square set one above the other on the temple walls, similar to tiling. Unfortunately few of these are visible because of the poor states of the temple.

Baphuon is a single temple-mountain sanctuaries situated on a high bas symbolizing Mount Meru. A rectangular sandstone wall measuring 425 by 125 meter encloses the temple. A special feature is the 200 meters long elevated eastern approach supported by three rows of short. Round columns forming a bridge to the main temple. Originally, a central tower shrine with four porches crowned the peak, but it collapsed long ago. The first, second and third levels are surrounded by concentric sandstone galleries.

Siem Reap Province, Angkor Wat

Siem Reap​ (ក្រុងសៀមរាប), home to the world famous Angkor temples (ប្រាសាទអង្គរ), was little more than a provincial backwater until a few years ago, and despite massive investment, the old town retains much of its charm.

Siem Reap is the most common destination for tourists–many visit nowhere else. Unsurprisingly, there is a wealth of hotels, bars, restaurants, and guest houses ranging from budget to five-star. The town is spread out, with hotels lined up along the main roads like the set of a western film. Getting around is easy using the plethora of motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks, most of whom have at least passable English. There are several other attractions apart from the Angkor temples, although, outside of the old town, the modern Siem Reap is an unappealing concrete jungle of suburbs.