Bayon Temple

Bayon Temple: The Great Stone Temple with 37 Faces at the Heart of Angkor Thom

If you arrive inSiem Reapthe city that serves as the gateway to the World Heritage sites of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and many important ancient sites, one of the highlights that I, mr.hotsia, want you not to miss is “Bayon Temple,” a stone temple located in the heart of Angkor Thom, which holds mysteries and a fascinating history like no other.

From my personal experience, mr.hotsia, when I traveled to Siem Reap, after passing the Poipet checkpoint, which is the main route for Thai tourists to Cambodia (read more aboutTraveling from Rong Kluea Poipet to Siem Reap), I chose to stay at Shadow of Angkor Guesthouse, which offers good service and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for planning a visit to Bayon Temple the next day.

The Unique Charm of Bayon Temple

Bayon Temple is not just an ordinary stone temple but an architecture that deeply tells history and religious stories. This temple was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII around the 12th to 13th centuries AD as his state temple after he successfully expelled the Cham army. Bayon Temple thus symbolizes the great victory and faith of the ancient Khmer Empire.

What makes Bayon Temple stand out is the “towers with faces looking in four directions,” known as the “Bayon stone faces.” Originally there were 49 towers, but today only 37 remain. Each tower features sandstone faces with serene and distinctive expressions. As a traveler, I, mr.hotsia, secretly enjoy counting these faces because some towers have 4 faces, some 3, or 2 faces, symbolizing beliefs and power embedded in the architecture.

The Beauty of Bas-Reliefs and Galleries

Walking around Bayon Temple, I, mr.hotsia, must say every step is a true journey back in time because the temple is surrounded by sandstone bas-reliefs depicting daily life, the history of battles between the Khmer and Cham, as well as beautiful apsara dancers on the two-level galleries, both outer and inner. The outer gallery was built first, while the inner gallery is from a later period where the carvings became more religious symbols.

Additionally, the outer gallery area has two “library towers” or libraries, which I find important as places that preserved scriptures and knowledge in ancient times. I believe this is another reason why Bayon Temple is complex and profound in terms of architecture and culture.

Decorative Carvings: Ancient Khmer Martial Arts Depicted on Stone Walls

One story I, mr.hotsia, really like is the bas-relief of Pradal Serey, or the traditional Khmer martial arts, which played an important role in Khmer history. These images appear on the walls around Bayon Temple and reflect the lifestyle and ancient fighting arts that are thousands of years old. The word “Muay,” well known in Thai, actually originates from the Khmer language meaning “one” and is linked to the phrase “Neay Pradal Serey,” meaning the number one fighter, a cultural heritage that Thailand inherited from ancient Khmer.

Travel and Stay in Siem Reap: The Starting Point for Exploring Bayon Temple

For travelers like me, mr.hotsia, visiting Bayon Temple must start from Siem Reap city, which is not far from the Poipet checkpoint (see full travel details atTraveling from Rong Kluea Poipet to Siem Reap). I usually stay atShadow of Angkor Guesthousebecause of its good service and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for resting after a long journey. Sometimes I also choose to stay atReaksmey Chanreas Hotelwhich is affordable and comfortable.

From the accommodation, you can easily hire a tuk-tuk to Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom, or if you want to exercise, I recommend renting a bicycle to explore the atmosphere around Siem Reap city and various ancient sites by yourself, which is also fun.

My Experience Walking Around Bayon Temple with mr.hotsia

I clearly remember when I walked into Bayon Temple; it felt like stepping back into the medieval era of the Khmer Empire. Every step passing through the gates and towers with those faces felt like being watched and told ancient stories through the silent eyes of sandstone. The detailed carvings of apsaras and battle scenes on the walls made me stop and look longer than anyone else.

Moreover, the surrounding area of the temple is quiet with a genuine Cambodian rural atmosphere, offering a relaxing feeling different from the grandeur of Angkor Wat, which is very crowded. I recommend coming early to avoid the heat and large crowds so you can fully absorb the beauty and details of the temple.

Additional Recommendations for Tourists

If you plan to stay in Siem Reap for several days, besides Bayon Temple and Angkor Wat, don’t forget to explore local life such as the morning market, night market, and the nightlife atmosphere atPsar Chaa areawhich is full of restaurants, bars, and traditional Cambodian music for an authentic experience.

For visiting Bayon Temple, I, mr.hotsia, recommend hiring a local guide or renting an audio guide because it helps you understand the meanings and stories behind the carvings and architecture better. Especially if you are interested in history and ancient art, you should spend at least half a day exploring here.

Watch a Video to Experience the Atmosphere of Bayon Temple

For those who want to see close-up views of Bayon Temple, I recommend the video I recorded during my trip to Siem Reap, so you can experience the beauty of the temple and surrounding scenery before your actual visit:

• Stone Carving Sculptures Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia
• Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia

Finally, Bayon Temple is not just a tourist attraction but a living history lesson for us to experience. I, mr.hotsia, hope you will have the chance to visit and gain valuable experiences just like I did.