By NELIA G. NERI
No visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia, is complete without taking a look at the walled royal city called Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) which sits in the midst of a jungle. The last capital of the Ankorian empire constructed in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom (all of three square kilometers) has five gates, one each for the four cardinal points plus the victory gate leading to the premises of the Royal Palace.
Going through its famed South Gate is an experience in itself. The gate is so narrow that we couldn’t help but hold our breaths as our driver maneuvered the bus to make its entry. There must have been only half a foot clearance on each side. Whew!
