Prasat Bayon, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple in Siem Reap

Prasat Bayon
Prasat Bayon

Bayon Temple is the iconic “smiling faces” temple at the heart of Angkor Thom, the walled royal city built by King Jayavarman VII. Unlike Angkor Wat's open symmetry, Bayon feels dense and immersive-stone passages, stacked terraces, and towers that seem to watch you from every angle as you move through the site.

It’s also one of the most rewarding temples in Angkor for travellers who like detail. The faces are the headline, but the real depth comes from the bas-reliefs: scenes of daily life and warfare carved with a narrative energy you don’t always get elsewhere. Bayon is compact enough to fit into a normal Angkor loop, yet distinctive enough that it often becomes the temple people remember most vividly.

History and Significance of the Bayon Temple

Bayon was built in the late 12th to early 13th century as the state temple of Jayavarman VII, the ruler most associated with Angkor's great Buddhist building programme. Placed at the geometric centre of Angkor Thom, it functioned as a spiritual and political statement: a temple-mountain that anchored the capital and projected the king's authority across the empire.

The temple’s identity is famously layered. While strongly associated with Buddhism, Bayon absorbed changes under later rulers, including periods of Hindu restoration and additional modifications that altered its imagery and circulation. That long afterlife is part of why it feels complex on the ground-less like a single “finished” design and more like a living monument that was continually reinterpreted.

The face towers sit at the centre of Bayon’s significance and its scholarly debate. They are often linked to Avalokiteshvara (Lokeshvara), the bodhisattva of compassion, and also to the idea of the king as a divine ruler whose presence is everywhere. Standing beneath them, you feel the point immediately: this was architecture designed to communicate power, protection, and cosmic order, not just to impress.

Things to See and Do in the Bayon Temple

The face towers are best approached slowly and repeatedly. Bayon’s magic is how the expressions appear and disappear as you turn corners: one moment you’re in shade, the next you look up and find a calm smile framed by blue sky. If you have limited time, prioritise the upper terrace for the strongest face-to-face encounters, then work outward.

Do not skip the bas-reliefs. The outer galleries include lively scenes of battles, processions, market life, boats, and everyday routines, and they are some of the most human, legible carvings in the Angkor complex. If you want the most satisfying experience, pick a stretch of wall and actually “read” it-follow the action from panel to panel rather than treating it as background texture.

Bayon also rewards an unhurried circuit. The temple can feel like a stone maze, so it helps to accept a little wandering: take the stairways as they appear, pause at each terrace to look back over the towers, and keep scanning above you. If certain areas are temporarily restricted for conservation, treat that as a cue to spend more time on the reliefs and the shifting viewpoints rather than trying to force a single “must-see” route.

How to Get to the Bayon Temple

Most visitors base themselves in Siem Reap, with Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) as the primary gateway for flights into the region. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) can also work if you are building a wider Cambodia itinerary and connecting onward by road or domestic flight. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com.

There is no practical passenger train service to Siem Reap for most travellers, so buses, private transfers, and flights are the normal options for reaching the city. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once in Siem Reap, Bayon is inside Angkor Thom and is typically reached by tuk-tuk, hired driver, guided tour, bicycle, or a combination that fits your temple plan for the day.

If you are travelling by car, the simplest approach is to hire a driver for a half-day or full-day Angkor route so you can sequence Bayon with nearby temples without backtracking.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Bayon Temple

  • Entrance fee: Included with the Angkor Pass (1-day: US$37; 3-day: US$62; 7-day: US$72).
  • Opening hours: Daily: 07:30–17:30.
  • Official website: https://apsaraauthority.gov.kh/2021/08/05/bayon/
  • Best time to visit: Go early for cooler air and softer light on the stone faces, or later in the afternoon when the crowds thin and the temple feels more atmospheric.
  • How long to spend: Allow 60-120 minutes if you want faces plus bas-reliefs; shorter visits tend to miss the carvings that make Bayon feel uniquely “alive.”
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven stone underfoot, narrow passages, and steep steps to upper levels; pace yourself and avoid rushing on worn stairways.
  • Facilities: Bring water and sun protection, and plan breaks around your wider Angkor route rather than expecting amenities at the temple itself.

Where to Stay Close to the Bayon Temple

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Siem Reap so you can walk to restaurants and markets in the evening and still reach Angkor early; if your main priority is early starts and minimising transit time, stay on the quieter Angkor-side of town closer to the road leading to the park.

For a classic “heritage hotel” feel close to both town and the Angkor approach road, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is a strong choice for travellers who want comfort and a sense of occasion. If you prefer a modern luxury base in the heart of town for easy dining and nightlife, Park Hyatt Siem Reap is exceptionally convenient for a walkable, city-centre stay. For a stylish boutique option in a quieter pocket of central Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor is well suited to travellers who want design-forward comfort without feeling removed from the action.

Is the Bayon Temple Worth Visiting?

Yes. If you visit only one temple beyond Angkor Wat, Bayon is a top contender because it offers something you cannot replicate elsewhere: those serene faces at close range, combined with unusually readable bas-reliefs that pull you into Angkor's world in a very direct way.

Honest pivot: if you are sensitive to tight spaces, steep steps, or sensory overload from crowds and guided groups moving through narrow corridors, Bayon can feel intense at peak hours. In that case, visit very early or late, keep your route simple, and consider spending more of your “deep looking” time at quieter temples where space and flow are easier.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (13,819)

Bayon Temple in Krong Siem Reap is an atmospheric Angkor Thom temple famed for its many large, smiling stone faces and intricate carvings; visitors describe a mystical, peaceful site with unique towers and quiet pathways that reward taking time to listen and soak in the surroundings, though be aware there are sometimes aggressive wild monkeys that may take food.

Afshin Forghani
2 weeks ago
"A temple alive with untold stories, carved into its walls over centuries. If you pause and listen closely, the past still breathes here, whisperingsoftly through the air...."
Sokleng Srou
3 weeks ago
"Amazing temple ❤️nBayon Temple is unforgettable with its serene stone faces and intricate carvings. The atmosphere is mystical and captivating,offering a close look at Khmer history. Its unique towers and peaceful pathways make it a must-visit in Angkor Thom...."
Chutemapich Chheak
a month ago
"Love the temples and the scenery. When you come to Cambodia, don’t miss out on the chance to see the amazing temples. Do be aware of wild Monkeysthat are around there as they can sometimes be aggressive and will steal your food if you’re not careful...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Bayon can work extremely well with kids if you turn it into a visual game rather than a history lesson: count faces, spot the biggest smile, and look for animals and boats in the carvings. Keeping the visit shorter and more interactive usually beats trying to cover every gallery.

The main family challenge is the terrain. Hold hands on stairways, avoid rushing in crowded corridors, and plan a calm break immediately after-Bayon is stimulating, and children often do best when you follow it with a snack stop and a quieter temple or shaded rest.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Bayon is at its best when you time it for atmosphere. Early morning feels almost meditative, while late afternoon can be beautifully moody as light slants across the towers and the faces appear through shadow.

Make it part of a balanced Angkor day: pair Bayon with one “big open” temple and one quieter, nature-wrapped site so the experience feels varied rather than nonstop intensity. The contrast makes Bayon’s close-up, intimate feel even more memorable.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers get strong value here because one Angkor Pass unlocks Bayon plus the rest of the core circuit, and the experience is substantial even without paid add-ons. The most cost-effective plan is a shared tuk-tuk day or bicycle route that strings Bayon together with nearby highlights inside Angkor Thom.

To avoid expensive last-minute decisions, decide your transport and temple sequence the night before. Bayon is central, but the park is large, and a little planning prevents paying more for convenience when you are tired and hot.

History Buffs

Bayon is essential for history-focused travellers because it sits at the intersection of religion, kingship, and empire-building. The faces and the temple’s shifting religious emphasis tell you as much about political ideology as they do about art and architecture.

The bas-reliefs are where the site becomes truly rich. Give yourself time to study the “daily life” panels, not just the battles-these carvings are one of the best windows into the texture of Angkorian society you’ll find on a standard temple route.

FAQs for Visiting the Bayon Temple

Getting There

Bayon sits in the exact centre of Angkor Thom, the walled city north of Angkor Wat, and it’s usually reached via the main gates of Angkor Thom. Most visitors see it as part of an Angkor Thom loop rather than a standalone trip.
The simplest approach is by tuk-tuk or hired driver following the main Angkor roads into Angkor Thom, then continuing to the central temple area. If you are cycling, plan a relaxed pace because distances add up quickly in the heat.

Tickets & Entry

No, Bayon is covered by the standard Angkor Pass used for the main Angkor Archaeological Park temples. The key is to have your pass ready for checkpoints rather than expecting to buy entry at the temple.
For normal sightseeing, advance booking is not usually required because entry is governed by the Angkor Pass system. You may, however, want to pre-arrange transport or a guide in peak season so your day runs smoothly.

Visiting Experience

Plan for about an hour if you want a quick upper-terrace faces circuit plus a short bas-relief stretch. If you can spare 90 minutes, the visit becomes much more satisfying because you can slow down and actually read the carvings.
Yes, because Bayon offers a completely different mood: compact, face-to-face, and visually dense rather than open and symmetrical. It’s one of the best “contrast temples” to balance an Angkor itinerary.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s commonly included on both small and grand circuit routes because it’s central and highly recognisable. If you are planning independently, it still fits easily into a half-day Angkor Thom sequence.
A clean mini-route is to enter Angkor Thom, visit Bayon, then continue to either Baphuon or the Terrace of the Elephants depending on your energy. This gives you faces, reliefs, and big open spaces without too much backtracking.

Photography

Yes, especially for close-ups of faces framed by sky and for corridor shots where light and shadow create strong texture. It’s one of the most photogenic temples in Angkor because every turn offers a new composition.
Early morning gives softer light and fewer people, which helps with clean frames in tight spaces. Late afternoon can be more dramatic, but you’ll want patience because popular spots attract clusters of photographers.

Accessibility & Facilities

The lower areas can be manageable, but the upper terraces involve steep steps and uneven stone, and the narrow passages can be challenging in crowds. If mobility is a concern, focus on the bas-reliefs and the most accessible viewpoints rather than trying to climb everything.
Yes, but it’s easier to plan breaks as part of your driver or tuk-tuk loop rather than expecting comfortable resting spots inside the temple complex. A short shaded pause between temples often makes the whole day feel far easier.

Nearby Attractions to the Bayon Temple

  • Baphuon: A monumental temple-mountain nearby with steep climbs and wide views over Angkor Thom.
  • Terrace of the Elephants: A long ceremonial terrace with striking carvings, ideal for a quick, high-impact stop.
  • Terrace of the Leper King: A compact terrace famous for intricate, layered stonework and strong mythic atmosphere.
  • Ta Prohm: The jungle-wrapped temple where tree roots and stone collide in the most dramatic way.
  • Angkor Wat: The essential anchor of the whole complex, best paired with Bayon for a perfect “contrast day” in Angkor.

The Prasat Bayon appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 07:30-17:30.

Price:

Included with the Angkor Pass (1-day: US$37; 3-day: US$62; 7-day: US$72).

Address: Bayon Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 9 km
Official Website

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