The Bayon: Temple of a Thousand Faces

BUILDER

King Jayavarman VII

LOCATION

Center of Angkor Thom

ERA

Late 12th Century

FAMOUS FOR

216 Giant Stone Faces

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

The Enigmatic Faces

The Towers that Watch You

Bayon's most iconic feature is its forest of towers, each adorned with four giant, serene faces. Originally, there were likely 54 towers representing the provinces of the Khmer Empire, though fewer stand today.

Scholars believe the faces depict Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), but they bear an uncanny resemblance to King Jayavarman VII himself—the famous "smile of Angkor."

Stories in Stone

The Bas-Relief Galleries

Beyond the faces, Bayon's outer walls are a vibrant history book carved in stone. Unlike Angkor Wat's mythological scenes, Bayon shows real life.

Look closely to find scenes of everyday 12th-century life: markets, cockfights, childbirth, and fishing. The most famous carvings depict the epic naval battles between the Khmer and the Cham on the Tonle Sap lake.

Gallery: Inside the Maze

Tips for the Best Photos

• Lighting is Key: Visit in the mid-morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM). At high noon, the sun is directly overhead, creating harsh shadows that make the faces look flat.
• Nose-to-Nose: Ask your guide to show you the specific spot where you can stand "nose-to-nose" with one of the stone faces for a classic photo.
• Get Lost: Bayon is designed as a maze. Don't just stick to the main path; explore the dark, narrow corridors to find hidden shrines and carvings.