At the center of the last city of Angkor and a perhaps a microcosm of the kingdom with representations of all the major divinties-Buddhist of the south and east, and Hindu to the north the west 200 large faces adorn the 54 towers signifying the omnipresence of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the kingdom's principal divinity. There are indications that the temple was built in the stages with much architectural indecision. Best early in the morning or, if you get the chance, by the full moon. Don't miss the base reliefs.

ANGKOR THOM, SOUTH GATE

BASE RELIEF ON PILLAR, BAYON, APSARA DANCING ON LOTUS