Seek Out the Scenes of Classic Movies While Discovering Angkor Wat

Transformers: Time Travel in Angkor Thom

History

Angkor Thom (Great City) used to be the capital of the Khmer Empire. As the military and religious center of the empire, it boasted grand structures, some of which remain well preserved. The royal family also had residences within the enclosed city.

Angkor Thom used to be the capital of the Khmer Empire

Several-meter-high walls protected the carefully planned city. Also, moats, probably once home to crocodiles, encircled Angkor Thom from the outside.

Records mention that certain structures of the Great City existed as early as the 10th century. However, Jayavarman VII, one of the most illustrious Khmer emperors, commissioned many of them by the end of the 12th century. Bayon and Preah Khan are some additions from that time.

Transformers Scene Relations

Fans of Transformers, the third part to be precise, are sure to find evocative spots around the South Gate. If you are one of them, look for the spot linked to the Decepticons.

Transformers location

If you need a little help, try to recall the part in which the Decepticons decided that they hibernated long enough. The place you are after is the one where they emerged from the underground to terrorize the world.

Angkor Thom Highlights

That movie scene is not the only reason Angkor Thom is famous.

Devoted to Shiva, Baphuon is a tall structure that originated in the 11th century. Its carvings illustrate the scenes of everyday life.

Baphuon is devoted to Shiva

North of Baphuon, you will find the Phimeanakas - Aerial Palace. A legend states that a king had to sleep with a serpent-spirit disguised as a woman that lived in the Phimeanakas. To avoid premature death, he had to visit the spirit every night.

The Terrace of the Leper King may have served as a royal crematorium. Opinions about what the related statue represents diverge. One popular theory states that it is a representation of a king who suffered from leprosy. The other states that it is the god of death.

The Leper King

Tomb Raider: Explore Mysteries at Bayon

History of Bayon

Of course, a visit to Angkor Thom is not complete without admiring Bayon.

Commissioned by Jayavarman VII, this masterpiece emerged at the turn of the 12th century. Nearby Angkor Wat was built about a century before Bayon.

Visiting Angkor Thom and admiring Bayon

Bayon played a central role during the reign of the great monarch. It used to be the state temple of this Buddhism-oriented emperor. Nevertheless, the grand temple also incorporates the elements of Hinduism, whose influences often overlapped with those of Buddhism in history.

Bayon Movie Scenes

Maybe raiding tombs is not something you would actually consider doing. But, being a tomb raider, especially if you are a fan of Lara Croft, is perfectly acceptable when visiting Bayon. You can find the temple in the center of the Great City, just north of Angkor Wat.

Tomb Raider movie scenes

Various Tomb Raider scenes took place in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Here, the scene to remember is when Lara Croft finds her way near the smiling towers with a Land Rover.

Your Tomb Raider journey doesn't need to end here. For more of Miss Lara's adventures, make sure to visit Ta Prohm. To get there, head a few kilometers to the east from Bayon.

Highlights

Standing in the center of Angkor Thom, Bayon is a personification of the intersection of heaven and earth. Pay attention to the enigmatic smiles of the carved figures that adorn the 1.2-km-long walls. Because of them, Bayon boasts the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia" epithet.

Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia

Within the temple complex, you will find three enclosures and about 50 towers. Mythical beings, such as hybrid Nagas (half-humans, half-snakes) and lions stand guard at certain places.

Elsewhere, you can examine historical scenes, such as the battle between the Khmers and their Cham adversaries. You can also see Hindu deities (Vishnu and Shiva) and other mythological beings, such as Apsaras and Garuda.

Visit Bayon mythical statue

Once you have done exploring Bayon and evoking Tomb Raider scenes, climb the hill between the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Phnom Bakheng is among the best sunset spots in the archaeological park.

In the Mood for Love: Discover Secrets of Angkor Wat

History of the Temple

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO site and the largest religious complex in the world. Emperor Suryavarman II commissioned it during his reign (1113-1150), when the Khmer Empire reached its peak. The emperor, who worshipped Hindu deities, dedicated Angkor Wat to Vishnu.

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO site

However, the fate of the temple was to become a Buddhist place of worship in the centuries that followed. It served that purpose until the 19th century, when it ceased to be an operating temple.

Today, Angkor Wat is one of the top attractions of Southeast Asia and the world.

Scenes from In the Mood for Love

People who watched "In the Mood for Love" can hardly forget the final scenes of the movie. One of them is a monologue of the main protagonist into a stone wall's hole. Other scenes reveal the grandeur of the temple's striking design.

Scenes from In the Mood for Love

After your visit, you may agree that the scenes feel timeless, just like Angkor Wat itself.

Angkor Wat Highlights

One of the four wonders of the Ancient East occupies a square island surrounded by moats. If you pay attention to Angkor Wat's orientation, you will realize that it faces West, unlike other temples.

Naga creatures are believed to be guardians of the underworld. This, combined with the orientation of the temple, suggests that the site might be Suryavarman II's tomb.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat symbolizes Mount Meru, the spiritual, physical, and metaphysical center of Hinduism. The temple's five towers are the mount's five peaks. The encircling moat represents the oceans surrounding Mount Meru.

As you explore, examine statues and bas-reliefs introducing Hindu deities. Among other representations, you will see scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.

Angkor Wat towers

Finally, pay attention to the three levels of the Angkor Wat. Each next is progressively smaller and taller than the previous.

Two Brothers: Sightsee the Ruins of Beng Mealea

Beng Mealea History

The exact time of Beng Mealea's origins remains elusive. However, the architectural style of the "Lotus Pond" suggests that Suryavarman II could have commissioned it.

Beng Mealea

Certain indications suggest that Beng Mealea might have been a prototype for the construction of Angkor Wat. Its floor plan, which is similar to the grand temple's, is a foundation for such a claim.

Two Brothers Scenes

There's no doubt that Indiana Jones will be your first association upon approaching the Lotus Pond, and rightly so. However, it's the Two Brothers movie, whose main protagonists are tigers Kumal and Sangha, that introduces Beng Mealea in several scenes.

Two Brothers scenes

It is the temple overgrown with forest. One of the related scenes even introduces an immense tree whose enormous roots grab the stone walls. Sounds familiar, right?

Highlights of the Lotus Pond

You will find the temple on the route to Koh Ker, about 60 km away from Angkor Wat. The complex features Hindu and Buddhist motifs, representations of Nagas and other curious beings.

The strongest impression, however, comes from jungle vegetation overtaking the walls and piles of fallen stone. Thankfully, you can make your exploration easier by using ramps that the moviemakers forgot to take with them.

How to Have a Smooth Trip at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat and other temples of the archaeological park abound with carvings, bas-reliefs, and other artwork. There is so much to interpret there, so you should consider hiring a professional guide to make the most of your visit.

There are various transport options you can use to get to nearby and remote temples. Bikes, motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and cars are among the most convenient options for different reasons.

Consider hiring a professional guide for your Angkor Wat trip

If you are in the area during the dry season (dusty roads) or head to remote temples, a car is the best solution.

Since the area around the Angkor Wat is forested, bring mosquito repellent. Finally, wear long pants and shirts that cover your shoulders while still allowing airflow. Any clothing that reveals too much is considered inappropriate.

Summary

Much of the artwork in the Angkor Archaeological Park relates to the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Therefore, it helps to have some knowledge of these iconic Hindu epics.

Also, do a bit of research about the Khmer Empire. And, of course, watch the classic movies we have mentioned, if you haven't already.
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