Bayon Temple
បាយ័ន
Bayon is the state temple of King Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181–c.1220), built as the spiritual heart of Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. It stands at the exact geographic centre of the 9 sq km walled city of Angkor Thom. The most striking feature of Bayon is its 54 massive stone towers, each bearing between one and four enormous faces (216 faces total) carved with serene, enigmatic smiles, gazing in all cardinal directions. The faces are believed to represent either Avalokiteshvara (the bodhisattva of compassion) or to combine the features of King Jayavarman VII himself with the divine — an expression of the Devaraja (god-king) concept at the heart of Khmer religious ideology. Jayavarman VII was the most prolific builder in Khmer history and a devout Mahayana Buddhist, and Bayon was built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple — a departure from the Hindu traditions of most earlier Angkor temples. The temple has a unique architectural plan: a cruciform base with concentric galleries on two levels, opening to the central circular sanctuary tower. The galleries contain remarkable bas-relief panels stretching approximately 1.2 km total, depicting scenes of daily Khmer life, military campaigns (including the 1177 naval battle against the Cham), religious processions, and mythological narratives. These bas-reliefs are particularly valued by historians as documentary evidence of medieval Khmer society. After Jayavarman VII's death the temple underwent modification to reflect the return to Hinduism under his successors. Bayon sits within the Angkor complex, 1.5 km north of Angkor Wat.
✨ Historical Significance
Why Bayon Temple Matters
Ranked #62 among the world's top 100
Part of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID 668, inscribed 1992). The most distinctively recognizable Mahayana Buddhist monument of the Khmer Empire. The 216 stone faces are one of the iconic images of Southeast Asian civilisation. The 1.2 km of bas-reliefs are invaluable historical records of 12th-century Khmer life.
Built
Late 12th–early 13th century
Location
Cambodia
Annual Visitors
2 million
UNESCO
✓ ID: 668
Coordinates
13.4414°, 103.8593°
📅 Plan Your Visit to Bayon Temple
Best Season
Dry Season (Nov–Apr)
Recommended months: November to March
Temperature
Average: 26–32°C (79–90°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–2 hours
Entry Fee
$5–$15 USD (international visitors may pay more)
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
Getting There
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Reach Siem Reap by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Siem Reap center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
📍 Location of Bayon Temple
Siem Reap, Cambodia · 13.4414°N, 103.8593°E
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Bayon Temple
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Cambodian Riel / US Dollar. Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Khmer. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — follow all preservation rules and stay on designated paths.
Best time to visit: November to March. Visa on arrival or e-visa available.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Bayon Temple
Everything you need to know before visiting Bayon Temple.
1Where is Bayon Temple located?
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Bayon Temple is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. GPS coordinates: 13.4414°N, 103.8593°E. It is ranked #62 in our Top 100 World Pagodas list.
2When was Bayon Temple built?
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Bayon Temple was built in Late 12th–early 13th century. Part of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID 668, inscribed 1992). The most distinctively recognizable Mahayana Buddhist monument of the Khmer Empire. The 216 stone faces are one of the iconic images of Southeast Asian civilisation. The 1.2 km of bas-reliefs are invaluable historical records of 12th-century Khmer life.
3What is the best time to visit Bayon Temple?
▼
The best time to visit Bayon Temple in Cambodia is during November to March. This is the Dry Season (Nov–Apr) when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Bayon Temple?
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Entry fees for Bayon Temple are approximately $5–$15 USD (international visitors may pay more). Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Bayon Temple?
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Plan to spend 1–2 hours at Bayon Temple. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6Is Bayon Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
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Yes, Bayon Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID: 668). It has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and is protected under international heritage conservation agreements.
7What should I wear when visiting Bayon Temple?
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Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Some temples require long pants/skirts.
8How many people visit Bayon Temple each year?
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Bayon Temple receives approximately 2 million visitors per year, making it one of the popular pagodas in Cambodia.
9How do I get to Bayon Temple?
▼
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Reach Siem Reap by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Siem Reap center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
10Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
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Visa on arrival or e-visa available. The local currency is Cambodian Riel / US Dollar. Cambodia is in the UTC+7 timezone.
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🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Angkor Wat (Buddhist Period) (pagodas #5)
- •Preah Vihear in Preah Vihear
- •Local museums and cultural centers in Siem Reap
- •Traditional markets and local cuisine near Siem Reap