Bayon Temple

Buddhist temple · Siem Reab

Bayon Temple

Buddhist temple · Siem Reab

5

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Photos

Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null
Bayon Temple by null

Highlights

200+ smiling stone faces adorn 12th-century Khmer temple complex  

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Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Get directions

apsaraauthority.gov.kh
@apsaranationalauthority

Information

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Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Get directions

+855 63 765 577
apsaraauthority.gov.kh
@apsaranationalauthority

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 23, 2025

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@cntraveler

48 Hours in Siem Reap, Cambodia

"Built by Jayavarman VII, Bayon temple is known for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/siem-reap-cambodia-itinerary
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@afar

"Bayon Giant stone faces greet visitors as they enter the Bayon complex. This ancient Khmer center houses over 200 of these serene faces, with theories they were modeled after the bodhisattva (enlightened being) or the Bhuddist king, Jayavarman VII, who built the city center."

12 Must-Do Experiences in Siem Reap
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@travelleisure

31 Filming Locations Around the World You Can Actually Visit

"The real Cambodian structure featured in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." - Hillary Maglin Hillary Maglin Hillary Maglin is an editor at Travel + Leisure who’s been covering travel products since 2018. Her work has also been featured in publications such as People, InStyle, and more. Travel + Lei

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/filming-locations-around-the-world-you-can-actually-visit
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@michelinguide

Where Chefs Go: Siem Reap, Cambodia

"The former Commerce chef and Cambodian-native also recommends visitors go to the Bayon temple of King Jayavarman VII." - Marguerite Imbert

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/chef-travel-siem-reap-cambodia-kristen-kish
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@michelinguide

Where Chefs Go: Siem Reap, Cambodia

"A temple of King Jayavarman VII, with 360-degree stone carvings symbolizing an all-seeing god king." - Marguerite Imbert

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/chef-travel-siem-reap-cambodia-kristen-kish
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Ruff Ryder

Google
They only started deforesting and excavations in 1993, it's way older than Angkor Wat and you can feel it in your bone's as you traverse this massive site. Completely captivating!

Vireak Chandara

Google
Mysterious, majestic, and unforgettable. Bayon Temple is one of Angkor’s most iconic and fascinating sites. Known for its massive stone faces carved into towering spires, it feels like stepping into a lost world. Everywhere you turn, another serene face watches over you, it’s haunting in the most beautiful way. The bas-reliefs are incredibly detailed, showing scenes from ancient Khmer life, mythology, and even battles. It’s less crowded than Angkor Wat but just as awe-inspiring in its own unique way. The energy here is powerful — peaceful yet grand. Bring good walking shoes, a camera, and take your time. It’s not just a temple, it’s a spiritual and architectural wonder. Highly recommended for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to feel the soul of Angkor.

Forrest McPhail

Google
This place is so iconic that it just seems impossible that someone would skip seeing this temple. Having a good tour guide makes it extremely fascinating.

Mary Mathews

Google
Definitely worth going if you’re in the area for Angkor Wat. Much quicker to get around too. The faces are so well preserved!

Tony B

Google
Less famous than Angkor Wat but in out opinion equally magnificent ! Less expansive and missing the iconic reflection in the pool, but more massive, imposing and carved almost on every surface. The maze of life sized statues at the top of the building is simply spectacular !

HiDe86

Google
The Bayon Temple is famous for its towers of smiling faces. Each of the 54 towers, representing the 54 provinces of the Khmer Empire, is carved with four serene faces, making the temple one of the most iconic and mysterious sites within the Angkor complex. In addition, the extensive bas-reliefs carved along the walls are truly breathtaking.

Elena Titkova

Google
I advise to come here from Angkor Wat to see whole picturesque way and beautiful bridge with many faces. Its 54 Gothic towers are decorated with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, and it is adorned with 1.2km of extraordinary bas-reliefs incorporating more than 11,000 figures Though Bayon is now known to have been built by Jayavarman VII, for many years its origins were unknown. Shrouded in dense jungle, it also took researchers some time to realise that it stands in the exact centre of the city of Angkor Thom. There is still much mystery associated with Bayon – such as its exact function and symbolism – and this seems only appropriate for a monument whose signature is an enigmatic smiling face.

Hugo Pedro-Martins

Google
This was the first temple we visited on our visit and it perfectly set the tone for the entire experience. It is absolutely gorgeous and once in a lifetime visit!