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Bayon Temple, Siem Reap

4.8
#2 of 1,680 in Things to do in Cambodia
Ruin Tourist Spot Must See
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 Tours
Angkor Temples Bike Tour from Siem Reap BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $45
64 reviews
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
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Full Day Angkor Wat Tour by Car BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $68
4 reviews
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes
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Angkor Wat Admission Ticket BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $59
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Duration: 1 to 7 days
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Bayon Temple Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 5.0
17,950 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By ElenaHC
    It is one of the most beautiful temples of the Angkor complex. Amazing hieratic heads that it dominate everything
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  • By jlr29
    With its multitude of passages that rise and fall, it is a real pleasure to get "lost". The highlight of the show is, of course, the terraces dominated by the big heads of the Builder King Suyavarman VII. The best is to come from the opening at 07:00 in the morning. Beautiful light and not group.
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  • By Nutan G
    Siem Reap is a hot city so make sure you are properly clad and hydrated before you venture out to see the temples. A good thing about Bayon is that the car can go right in and you don't have to walk s...  more »
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Google
  • By Van Hwynn
    Loved being up close with these extraordinary statues. The color, age, and ruggedness makes you feel history. Can't describe the feeling of walking in between each unique piece and the stories that they tell.
  • By Stephane Aubry
    My favorite temple of all. Very impressive to see those faces on each side of the temple towers. Depending on where you stand and what direction you look at you can align the faces with your nose tip. Late afternoon you can shoot some amazing pictures due to a special sun reflection on the temple. Do not skip the visit of this temple, its the must seen on your list.
  • By Michael Scott Novilla
    On our 2nd full day tour here visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia we visited Angkor Wat (Angkor = City) (Wat = Buddhist Pagoda) then Angkor Thom (Thom = Big. So Angkor Thom is Big City. 3 km x 3 km versus the 1km x 1 km size of Angkor Wat according to our local pro tour guide) Bayon Temple is here inside of Angkor Thom. It's soooo beautiful, with the massive "smiling" stone faces, so ancient and wonderful and impressive to have lasted so long. WOW DEFINITELY A MUST SEE when visiting Cambodia! Enjoy!!
  • By Jan Torfs
    This temple is together with Angkor Watt the most popular attraction in the archaeological site of Angkor. The Bayon is so well-known because of his richly decorations in Khmer architectural style with ,for example, the 200 smiling faces and the more than 50 towers. The position is also unique since it's exactly in the middle of the city with direct access to the 4 main gates.
  • By Patrick Paar
    One of my favorite temples worldwide.. features unique artistic expression
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