DocentPro
MOBILE APPBLOGFAQsGet App

Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more

Bayon Temple 1
Bayon Temple 2
Bayon Temple 3
Bayon Temple 4
Bayon Temple 5

Bayon Temple

attraction

Attraction

star

4.8 (10192 reviews)

Angkor Thom temple from 12th century famed for 200 large smiling faces carved into stone walls.

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

+855 63 765 577

Did You Know?
173
Smiling Faces

Bayon Temple is famous for its 173 gigantic faces carved into the towers, each with a mysterious smile. The identity of these faces remains a subject of debate, with some believing they represent the Four Faces of Brahma, while others suggest they depict the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara.

12th or 13th Century
Construction Period

Bayon Temple was built during the late 12th or early 13th century, making it one of the later major temples in Angkor. It was constructed by King Jayavarman VII, who also oversaw the building of other impressive temples like Preah Khan, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei.

Small Circuit
Tour Route

Bayon Temple is a key part of the Small Circuit, a popular tour route that takes visitors through the most important temples in the central area of Angkor. This circuit also includes other iconic temples like Angkor Wat and Srei.

Exhibition Hut
Understanding the Temple

Near the southeast corner of Bayon Temple, you'll find an exhibition hut that provides insights into the temple's history, architecture, and symbolism. It features displays on the bas-reliefs, the tools used by ancient Khmer builders, and even a miniature lion commemorating restoration works.

Featured in
One-Day Guide To Essential Angkor Temples
@destinationcambodge
One-Day Guide To Essential Angkor Temples
Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple, Phnom Bakheng
Cambodia Highlights: Temples, Cities, Islands, and Farms
@siemreapertravel
Cambodia Highlights: Temples, Cities, Islands, and Farms
Royal Palace, Independence Monument, Angkor Wat
Temples of Angkor: A Cambodian Journey
@eggeats
Temples of Angkor: A Cambodian Journey
Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia
Cambodia's Temples, Beaches, and Cafes Guide
@wild.bar.siemreap
Cambodia's Temples, Beaches, and Cafes Guide
Angkor Wat, Koh Rong Sanloem, Wild
Vietnam and Cambodia Cultural Heritage Journey
@Vietnam Tours from South Africa
Vietnam and Cambodia Cultural Heritage Journey
One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Temple Of Literature
Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia
@giannamtravels
Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple
Cambodia's Top Attractions Recognized By Travelers
@southeastasia.explores
Cambodia's Top Attractions Recognized By Travelers
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple
Temples of Cambodia's Land of Smiles
@Facebook
Temples of Cambodia's Land of Smiles
South Gate Angkor
Seven Cambodian Temples for Immersive Travel
@siemreapertravel
Seven Cambodian Temples for Immersive Travel
Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple, Prasat Preah Khan
Cambodia's Temples and Coastal Escapes
@bestofcambodiacom
Cambodia's Temples and Coastal Escapes
Angkor Wat, Pre Rup temple, Koh Rong
Temples With Giant Faces in Cambodia
@itsvikasbeyond
Temples With Giant Faces in Cambodia
Angkor Wat
Four Ancient Temples of Siem Reap
@passportprowander
Four Ancient Temples of Siem Reap
Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Temple, Prasat Ta Keo