Images of Angkor Thom
by Michael Buckley

The five gates of Angkor Thom citadel were designed to allow passage of a caparisoned elephant. Today, mini-buses can negotiate them.

Entering the Bayon

A view through an archway, looking beyond the outer wall bas-reliefs toward the central towers of the Bayon

Enigmatic Head

Enigmatic stone head, thought to be that of Lokesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, at the Bayon, with local junior guide.

Bayon Tower

On the top terrace of the Bayon you come face-to-face with myriad giant heads topped with lotus crowns. The brownish stone is splotched with moss, lichen, and green fern growth.

War Elephant

This frieze shows Khmers battling historical enemies, the Chams--with elephants used as 'tanks.' Another bas-relief shows a naval battle on Lake Tonle Sap.

Bayon Bas-Reliefs

The outer galleries of the Bayon offer a rare glimpse of life in Angkorian times--with scenes from daily life written in stone.

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Photographs by Michael Buckley.