Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom
Rising at the dead centre of Angkor Thom, Bayon is the one temple in Cambodia that stops you mid-step and makes you feel genuinely watched. Its 37 surviving towers are each carved with four serene, slightly smiling stone faces — an image so otherworldly it has become the defining portrait of the Khmer world.
The Faces Up Close
Built in the late 12th or early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is the centrepiece of Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Unlike the geometric grandeur of Angkor Wat next door, Bayon feels labyrinthine and intimate — a maze of galleries, connected passages, and ceremonial courtyards all stacked on top of each other.
The massive stone faces are widely believed to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, though many scholars think they also carry the features of the king himself. Stand at the upper terrace at dawn, when mist still clings to the stone, and the effect is genuinely eerie and beautiful in equal measure.
Beyond the Towers
Bayon's two levels of bas-relief galleries are among the most detailed in all of Angkor, depicting naval battles on the Tonle Sap Lake, market scenes, and processions of soldiers — a rare, vivid window into everyday Khmer life that most visitors rush past on their way to the towers.
Arrive before 7 am to have the upper terrace almost to yourself. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide is strongly recommended: the symbolism of the reliefs and the cosmic geometry of the layout are nearly impossible to decode alone, and a good guide transforms the experience from impressive to unforgettable.
Getting There & Practicalities
Bayon sits inside the walled city of Angkor Thom, about 10–15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat and roughly 7 km from downtown Siem Reap. It is included in the standard Angkor Archaeological Park pass, which covers all temples in the park.
Dress modestly — shoulders and knees must be covered — and avoid touching the bas-relief carvings to help preserve them. Wear comfortable shoes; the stone steps are steep and uneven, especially on the upper level.
Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom on video
More of Bayon
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Bayon →
