Bayon Temple

Overview

The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple at the exact centre of Angkor Thom, built in the late 12th or early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII. It is famous for its 216 massive serene stone faces carved on 54 Gothic-style towers, believed to represent either Avalokiteshvara or Jayavarman VII himself.

Highlights

• Stone Faces: The enigmatic smiling faces, each nearly 4 metres tall, create a powerful sense of presence on the upper terrace.
• Bas-Reliefs: The outer gallery depicts vivid scenes of everyday Khmer life — markets, cockfights, fishing, and naval battles against the Cham.
• Atmospheric Corridors: The narrow, dimly lit passages between towers produce dramatic light effects in the early morning.

History

The Bayon was originally a Mahayana Buddhist temple, later modified with Hindu elements and then returned to Theravada Buddhist use. Its exact construction dates are debated, but most scholars place it between 1190 and 1210 CE. The temple was discovered by the French in the 1860s when it was almost entirely overgrown.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit at opening time (07:30) or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds on the upper terraces.
• Tip 2: Bring a headlamp or phone light for the inner corridors.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.