Covering over fifty Khmer
temples in Thailand and Laos, plus the border temples in Cambodia
A Guide to Khmer Temples in
Thailand and Laos
Written and photographed by
Michael Freeman
I knew essentially nothing
about Khmer temples before I started reading this pocket-sized
guide, and now I feel I could plan a wonderful visit using no other
reference. It's that complete.
Freeman has been
specializing in Southeast Asia for more than ten years, and he has
written two previous books about art, temples and architecture in
Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Chapters cover the history
of the Khmer empire, its religious symbolism, temple architecture,
building techniques, and the significance of the different styles of
ornate carved stone lintels above the doorways.
There are 280 color
photographs, 35 temple plans and 12 town maps, plus details of
hotels, restaurants and travel information. There are also estimates
of how much time visitors may wish to spend at the various sites.
For example, Preah Vihear is lauded with two to three hours, while
Ban Bu and Kuti Reussi only rate ten minutes each.
Ta Muen Thom, an important
and substantial temple, is one of Thailand's "most evocative and
atmospheric," located in a dense forest. Sadly, it was abused for
several years in the 1980s when it was a Khmer Rough stronghold. The
only access is by car, but they may be hired in the nearby town of
Buriam. (Seven hotels, three restaurants and two car rental agencies
are listed in Buriam's section of the guide.) There is no admission
charge, and visitors should be careful to avoid the nearby forest,
which may still contain land mines! An important feature of Ta Muen
Thom is the shrine, containing a natural rock lingam on a pedestal
carved out of the bedrock. Six pages, with ten color pictures and a
set of detailed directions including a map, are devoted to this
temple.
Eleven itineraries are
suggested, ranging from two to six days, with most focusing on the
northeast. The best time to book your tour is during the winter dry
season, November to February, but if you don't want to miss the
annual Rocket Festival in Yasothon, you'll have to go during the
second weekend of May.
Review by Robert Scheer.
A Guide to Khmer Temples in Thailand and Laos
Written and photographed by Michael Freeman
Weatherhill, 1996, 315 pp, paperback
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