Bayon: The Temple of a Thousand Faces

WHO

Built by King Jayavarman VII.

WHAT

The state temple of Angkor Thom city.

WHEN

Late 12th Century (Buddhist).

WHY

Famous for its 216 smiling stone faces.

At the exact center of the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom lies one of the most mysterious buildings in the world: Bayon. While Angkor Wat inspires awe with its perfection, Bayon draws you in with its chaos and emotion. It is the only temple that looks back at you.

The Mystery of the Faces

The "Smile of Angkor"

Bayon's 54 towers are adorned with 216 giant faces gazing in every direction. Scholars debate their identity: do they represent Lokesvara (the Buddha of Compassion), or are they portraits of King Jayavarman VII himself? Perhaps they are both—a God-King watching over his empire.

📸 Lighting Tip: Because the noses cast long shadows, avoid visiting at high noon. The faces look best during the "Golden Hour" (8:00 AM or 4:30 PM).

Stories in Stone

A Snapshot of Daily Life

While Angkor Wat depicts mythical battles, the walls of Bayon are a history book of real life in the 12th century. Look closely at the outer galleries and you will see remarkably intimate scenes: women cooking BBQ fish, men betting on cockfights, market vendors selling wares, and even a woman giving birth!

Tips for Your Visit

• Location: Bayon is in the exact center of Angkor Thom (1.5km from the South Gate).
• The "Nose" Photo: Ask your guide to show you the specific spot on the upper terrace where you can stand "nose-to-nose" with a stone face for the classic profile photo.
• Monkeys: Be careful! The area around Bayon is full of macaques. Keep food and water bottles hidden inside your bag.