Verified practical guide
The 900-hectare fortified capital of Jayavarman VII, entered through monumental gates and centred on Bayon.
- APSARA hours
- 7:30 am–5:30 pm
- Suggested time
- 2–3 hours for the core city
- Route
- Small Circuit
Understand the site
Founded by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, Angkor Thom is a fortified city rather than a single temple. APSARA gives its area as roughly 900 hectares, enclosed by walls, moat and five monumental gates.
Bayon stands at the centre, while Baphuon, the royal enclosure and the Elephant Terrace occupy the northern ceremonial area. Reading these places together makes the scale of the former capital legible.
What not to miss
The South Gate
The best-preserved gate is approached across a causeway lined by devas and asuras holding a naga.
Bayon at the centre
The face-tower temple is the symbolic and geographic pivot of the walled city.
Royal and ceremonial spaces
Continue north for Baphuon, the royal enclosure and the Elephant Terrace.
Visit advice
The official 2–3 hour duration suits the central monuments, not every wall and gate. A bicycle or a longer visit opens a very different scale of exploration.
Angkor is a sacred site
Cover shoulders and knees, respect worshippers and monks, climb only where permitted, do not touch carvings and take all litter away.
Read the official visitor codeFacts and hours checked against APSARA National Authority · checked 25 August 2026.
Keep exploring
One place can be the start of your day.
