Built around the turn of the 13th century by Khmer emperor Jayavarman VII, Bayon Temple looms peaceful and crumbling over its surrounding grounds. The Mahayana Buddhist temple features 216 large, serenely smiling faces carved into its towers, which many believe represent Jayavarman himself. Within the temple, various galleries bear stone relief scenes of religious pilgrimages, battles, and everyday street life. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the uneven ground of the maze-like temple complex. Using our international travel planner, Siem Reap attractions like Bayon Temple can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Bayon Temple reviews
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No word to describe the feeling when we arrive in front of this temple with a spectacular architecture of 54 tours and 216 faces. Went there in Jan 2021 with no tourists, alone in this temple made... more »
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Bayon temple is a pretty unique and interesting temple which is well worth your time! This temple is a very well restored temple considering its age. You don't really realize the number of faces it..... more »
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The temple was erected in the center of Angkor Thom, in the form of a high, stone, three-level structure similar in shape to a pyramid. Has numerous towers. The temple is made of blocks matched to each other without mortar. It is modeled on Hindu architecture. The whole establishment has a very rich relief sculptural decoration, including figural. Large sculptures of human faces were placed on the towers. It has not yet been explained who these slightly smiling faces were supposed to portray.
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Just to imagine what this place must have been like in its glorious days was an amazing feeling. All that is left is rumbles. But excellent efforts are being done by China and India ( in other temples) to restore what may be possible. Definitely worth visiting.
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