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Established as far back as the 12th century Angkor Thom is the Khmer Empire’s last and true Great City as denoted by its name. Attracting hundreds of visitors each year this breathtaking archeological wonder has also been prominently featured in Hollywood films such as Tomb Raider staring Angelina Jolie while also earning a place in literary works by Peter Bourne, James Rollins and others for its mystical and captivating aura and appearance. Constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII this expansive enclave spread out over 9 km2 was also sadly the last stronghold of the Khmer Empire with Jayavarman's state temple serving as its epicenter. A number of towering monuments from the era as well as periods preceding the Jayavarman rule are also found here in the form of grand ruins. As the capital city of Jayavarman VII's kingdom Angkor Thom is believed to have been inhabited by 80,000 to150,000 citizens during its heyday. Mistakenly believed to have been a Roman construction by famed emperor Trajan the site was described to be “as fantastic as the Atlantis of Plato" when ancient visitors chanced upon the venue after it was abandoned as the state capital in 1609. Built in keeping with the Bayon school of architecture the large scale monuments at the locale were mostly constructed from laterite and giant figures carrying serpents are visible at the entrances to the city in typical Bayon style. Ideally located along the right hand shores of the Siem Reap River and stretching onwards for a quarter of a mile, Angkor Thom is guarded by a moat and walls 3km long and 8m high which encircle the entire circumference of the site. Gates placed at each cardinal point lead to the Bayon in the heart of the city. The famed Victory Gate is found 500m from the eastern gate while the Victory Way runs along the eastern road and leads to the Royal Palace and Victory Square to the north of the centre. A boardwalk spanning the length of the moat is also found in front of each tower and is flanked by sculptures of Devas and Asuras clasping nagas in their hands in a defensive posture. Travellers on the lookout for a luxury Angkor hotel should look to none other than Alila Sothea Siem Reap. Offering guests the crème de la crème of contemporary facilities and amenities this stylish rest is undoubtedly one of the most resplendent Siem Reap hotels in Cambodia.
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