Jayavarman II’s legacy was carried forward by his son, Jayavarman III (r. 835–877), and subsequently by Indravarman I (r. 877–889), who became Angkor’s first great builder. Indravarman constructed the Indratataka baray (reservoir) at Roluos and commissioned the magnificent temples of Preah Ko and Bakong, both of which surpassed any previous religious structures in mainland Southeast Asia. His son, Yasovarman I (r. 889–900), then established Angkor’s first state temple on Phnom Bakheng hill and completed the immense East Baray reservoir, which stretched over 7 kilometers in length and nearly 2 kilometers in width.

Angkor’s ambitions expanded further under the powerful rule of Rajendravarman I (r. 944–968), who launched military campaigns against the Chams in central and southern Vietnam’s Champa region and annexed neighboring states. His successor, Jayavarman V (r. 968–1001), extended Angkor’s reach into modern northeast Thailand. Suryavarman I (r. 1011–1050) continued this territorial expansion, reaching Louvo (now Lopburi) in Thailand. His reign is also remembered for architectural achievements like the temple of Preah Vihear and the immense West Baray reservoir. Udayadityavarman II (r. 1050–1066) succeeded him, contributing the vast Baphuon temple to Angkor’s impressive collection.

A brief period of strife followed Udayadityavarman’s death as rival factions vied for control of Angkor. Stability was restored with the accession of Suryavarman II (r. 1113–1150), who oversaw a golden age for the empire. His reign brought the construction of the monumental Angkor Wat and extended Angkor’s influence from Champa to the Gulf of Thailand, solidifying the kingdom’s place as a dominant power in the region.