[2025 Siem Reap Attraction] Travel Guide for Bayon Temple (Updated May)

I had 1 Day Angkor Wat ticket from their website in advanced. We rented a 2 seated electric bike from outside because going from temples to temples are a long walk/bike We were there on the week day, there were almost no hustle and the complex are really well managed. There are a lot of temples inside the complex. The popular temple like Ta Prohm Temple or Bayon Temple are impressive ... there are also peaceful ones like Neak Poan Temple located in the middle of the lake. Their nature has such an amazing vibe 🙏❤️ started around 11 AM - We finished at the sunset

Among all the temples in Angkor Wat, Bayon turned out to be one of the most unique. This isn’t just an ancient site — it’s a place where the stones seem to be watching you. 🔥 What Makes Bayon Special? 1. 216 stone faces. Giant smiling faces of Buddha (or King Jayavarman VII — historians still debate this) look in all directions. No matter where you stand, they seem to follow you. 2. Unique architecture. Unlike traditional temples, Bayon is a maze of corridors, stairways, and towers where you can easily get lost. 3. A mysterious atmosphere. It’s not just beautiful — it feels like the temple holds ancient secrets. 🏛 What Impressed Me the Most? 📍 The watching faces. Their size and sheer number are mesmerizing, and their slight smiles give the temple an almost mystical energy. 📍 Intricate bas-reliefs. These carvings depict battles, daily life, and traditions of the Khmer people. 📍 A journey through time. Standing in Bayon, it’s easy to imagine life in the 12th century among the ancient Khmer civilization. 🎟 Tips for Visiting 💰 Included in the Angkor Wat pass (starting from $37). ⏳ Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon, when the light makes the faces even more dramatic. 📸 Don’t forget your camera! The stone faces are among the most photogenic sights in the world. Bayon isn’t just a temple—it’s a mystery carved in stone. One of those places that stay in your memory forever. #Bayon #AngkorWat #Cambodia #SiemReap #DigitalNomad #TravelAndHistory

"The Khmer smile transcends millennia, the stones hold the secrets of the gods" Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is an epic world cultural heritage site. Siem Reap has hundreds of temples, big and small. These 8 are my must-sees👇 ——🔸🔸8 Must-See Temples🔸🔸—— ❶ Angkor Wat ✨The world's largest religious complex, with stunning reflections in the lotus pond at sunrise. ✔️The central tower's stairs are steep (hands and feet are required for a truly devout experience). 📸 Capture silhouettes from the West Gate / South Library's carved windows. ❷ Bayon 🌞216 "Khmer smile" Buddha faces on the walls, most striking when dappled with light and shadow. ✔️Find the "Mona Lisa smile" on the third level, southeast corner. 🚶‍♀️Recommended to take portraits before 9am to avoid tour groups. ❸ Ta Prohm 🌳Filming location for "Tomb Raider"! Giant tree roots engulf the stone walls. ✔️Wear a bright long dress! The contrast of ruins and greenery is divine. ⚠️Be careful of slippery roots, and bring mosquito repellent. ❹ Banteay Srei 💗Pink sandstone temple! Carvings finer than hair. ✔️The morning sun turns the walls a honey color. ❺ Beng Mealea 🗿A completely collapsed secret realm, requiring climbing over broken walls and ruins. ✔️Do not go into the woods outside the designated visiting areas! There may be landmines. 📖 Hiring a guide is recommended. ❻ Preah Khan 🪔Extra-long corridors + Greek-style stone columns, the light and shadow tunnels are amazing. ✔️There is a "strangler fig" at the east gate exit, perfect for silhouette shots. 🌇The light beam piercing the stone gate at 4pm is a must-see! ❼ Pre Rup 🌅Pyramid-shaped red brick building, transforms into the surface of Mars at sunset. ✔️Bring a wide-angle lens! 360° panoramic shots from the top platform. 🍹If you can't go to Phnom Bakheng for sunset, come here. ❽ Neak Pean 💧Ruins of an ancient hospital, with a magical water walkway. ✔️The reflecting pool can only be seen during the rainy season. 🦋Many villagers sell palm sugar juice along the way. ——📝【Tips】—— 🎫A 3-day pass ($62) is the most cost-effective. 👗Sleeveless tops, short skirts, and shorts are prohibited! 🚗For more comfort, it is recommended to hire a tuk-tuk or air-conditioned car.

Hey ladies! Embark on a multi-country tour of Vietnam and other destinations, experiencing diverse cultures in just one week! This super practical guide will help you set off with ease, so don't miss out~ -------- Vietnam Journey: Step back in time 🏯 and immerse yourself in thousands of years of cultural heritage. From north to south, the country offers breathtaking scenery 🌴, coastal beaches, ancient ruins, and unique local customs waiting to be explored!🌟 -------- 🛫Itinerary DAY 1: Shanghai → Hanoi. Upon arrival, a private car will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. DAY 2: Ha Long Bay → Fighting Cocks Islet → Thien Cung Cave. Explore the wonders of nature. DAY 3: Visit Ba Dinh Square → One Pillar Pagoda → Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Stroll along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. DAY 4: Visit Bayon Temple → Terrace of the Elephants → Prasat Suor Prat (Twelve Towers) → Phnom Bakheng. Immerse yourself in the charm of history. DAY 5: Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free time in Siem Reap before heading to Ho Chi Minh City and checking in to your hotel. DAY 6: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral → Central Post Office → People's Committee Building → Tan Dinh Church. Stroll along Pham Ngu Lao Street and enjoy a night cruise on the Saigon River. DAY 7: Ho Chi Minh City → Shanghai. End your journey and return home.🏠 -------- Pre-trip Essentials: 🧳Travel light and smart for your multi-country adventure! 📞SIM Card + Adapter: Stay connected and keep your devices charged. 🪪Passport + Visa: Ensure smooth entry with your passport and driver's license. 👕Clothing: Pack light clothing suitable for Vietnam's warm February weather, along with sun protection and rain gear. 🔋Charger + Power Bank: Stay powered up throughout your trip. 💊Common Medications: Pack mosquito repellent, pain relievers, and fever reducers for a healthy trip. -------- 🎉Experience the diverse cultures! We hope you have a wonderful time in Vietnam and other countries, creating unforgettable memories!

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck Experience the charm of Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the world 🌍 and stroll through Siem Reap, full of chill atmosphere, cute cafes and local culture 🎨 🛫 How to get to Siem Reap 1️⃣ Direct flight: • Direct flight from Bangkok (DMK/BKK) to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) ✈️ It takes only about 1 hour! • From the airport, take a taxi or Tuk Tuk 🚖 into the city, it takes about 20 minutes. 2️⃣ Alternatives: • Take a bus 🚌 from Bangkok to Siem Reap (takes about 8-9 hours) Suitable for adventurous and budget-minded people. 🌟 Day 1: Visit Angkor Wat & Siem Reap 🛬 Morning: • Arrive at Siem Reap Airport Check in to your accommodation in the city (recommended area near Pub Street or Old Market, easy to travel) 🏨 • Have morning coffee at a cute cafe such as Sister Srey Café ☕ 🛕 Afternoon: • Visit Angkor Wat 🛕 Take time to walk around the grandeur of the ancient temple full of artistic details • Continue to Bayon Temple 😊 with its unique 4-way smiling faces • Stop by Ta Prohm Temple 🌳 the filming location of Tomb Raider, with amazing tree roots clinging to the castle 🍽️ Evening: • Back to the city, have dinner at Pub Street 🍻 a collection of restaurants, bars and cafes • Walk around the Night Market 🛍️ Buy local souvenirs 🌅 Day 2: Watch the sunrise & local market 🌞 Morning: • Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat 🌄 It's a must-see experience! (Recommend bringing a camera 📸) • Come back to the hotel for breakfast or stop by Blue Pumpkin Café 🍳 🛍️ Late morning: • Take a walk at the Old Market (Psar Chaa) 🛒 Siem Reap's old market, full of souvenirs and local products. • If you have time, stop by Artisans Angkor 🎨 to see traditional Cambodian handicrafts. 🛫 Afternoon: • Return to Siem Reap Airport to fly back to Bangkok ✈️ with unforgettable memories. 💡 Tips for a Siem Reap trip: ✅ Prepare: Bring a hat 🧢, sunscreen 🌞 and drinking water because the weather is quite hot. ✅ Entrance tickets: Buy an Angkor Pass (1-day type) at the ticket office before entering the tourist attraction. ✅ Travel: Rent a tuk-tuk with a driver 🚖 for convenience in visiting each point. ✨ Just 2 days and 1 night is enough to experience the charm of Angkor Wat and the super chill atmosphere of Siem Reap! 🌄🎨🛕 #TravelPlan

Check out this 6-day Cambodia itinerary! Visit Angkor Wat and experience the Khmer smile. This super useful guide is a must-have for your Cambodia trip! -------- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Angkor Wat Visit the mysterious Angkor Wat and experience the history of a thousand years. Day 2: Angkor Thom -> Bayon Temple -> Prasat Suor Prat -> Ta Prohm Explore Angkor Thom, visit Bayon Temple and Prasat Suor Prat, and finally enjoy the tranquility of Ta Prohm. Day 3: Banteay Samre -> Banteay Srei -> Bakong -> Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm -> Pub Street -> Angkor Night Market After visiting the temples, experience Siem Reap's nightlife and visit Angkor Night Market. Day 4: Beng Mealea -> Tonle Sap Explore the beauty of Beng Mealea's ruins, then head to Tonle Sap to enjoy the natural scenery. Day 5: Srah Srang -> Pre Rup -> East Mebon -> Ta Som -> Preah Khan -> Phnom Bakheng Visit the temples and experience Cambodia's religious culture. Day 6: Return to your departure city End your wonderful trip and return home with great memories! 🛫 -------- Travel tips: 1. 💵 Cambodia's currency is the riel, but the US dollar is also accepted. The exchange rate is about 1 USD = 4,000 riel, which is easy to calculate. 2. 🛍️ Local specialties such as silk and wood carvings are affordable. Compare prices before buying. 3. 📒 Apply for a visa in advance to ensure a smooth trip and avoid unnecessary trouble. 4. 📸 When taking photos at attractions, avoid crowds and choose the right angle for the best shots! 5. 👗 The local temperature is high, so wear light and breathable clothes and use sunscreen for comfort. -------- Visit Cambodia and experience a different exotic style. Bring this guide to make your trip more exciting and unforgettable!

6-Day Cambodia Tour: Discover the ancient charm of Angkor Wat and experience life on the water at Tonle Sap Lake. Come with me to explore this mysterious country! . Cambodia is located on the Indochina Peninsula and was known as the Kingdom of Funan in ancient times. It is home to the magnificent Angkor Wat 🏰 and the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake 🌊. The country is full of mystery and is known as a treasure of Southeast Asia. . 🎉 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport in Cambodia and enjoy a 24-hour pick-up service with a private Chinese-speaking guide. Then, take a private car to the hotel to rest. 🛫✨ Day 2: Angkor Thom - Bayon Temple - Terrace of the Elephants - Ta Prohm Temple. Immerse yourself in the ancient cultural sites. 🏯🗿 Visit the ancient sites and feel the vicissitudes and charm of thousands of years of history. Day 3: Royal Bath - Pre Rup Temple - East Mebon Temple - Ta Som Temple - Preah Khan Temple - Phnom Bakheng Temple. Visit many temples in one day and appreciate the splendor of religious art. 🛁🕍 Travel through history and experience the mystery and solemnity of religious culture. Day 4: Banteay Srei - Banteay Samre Temple - Roluos Group - Angkor Night Market - Pub Street in Siem Reap. Visit exquisite ancient temples during the day and enjoy the local nightlife at night. 👑🌃 Experience the unique charm and vitality of Cambodia, where ancient and modern cultures blend. Day 5: Beng Mealea - Tonle Sap Lake. Explore the wonderful combination of nature and culture. 🏞️🚣‍♂️ Admire the magnificence of nature and experience the local lifestyle. Day 6: End your amazing journey and take a 24-hour private car to Siem Reap Airport. Return home with fond memories. 🛬🏠 Reluctantly say goodbye to the ancient Angkor and cherish this unforgettable journey. . Travel Tips: - Cambodian currency exchange rate 💸: 1 Cambodian Riel ≈ 0.0018 RMB. Calculate in advance! - Must-try food 🍜: Khmer noodles, chicken porridge, and delicious pepper crab. Don't miss out! - November weather 🌞: The average daytime temperature is 31°C, and the average nighttime temperature is 23°C. Cotton and linen clothes are more comfortable. - Souvenir prices 🎁: Fridge magnets are $1 each, and hand-painted paintings are $5. Get these affordable souvenirs now! . Come to Cambodia and start your exotic journey! Don't hesitate. There is more to discover. Plan your trip now!

Planning a 5-day trip to Cambodia? Don't worry, this guide will help you explore Cambodia with ease! Check it out! . Located on the Indochina Peninsula, Cambodia was known as Funan in ancient times. With a long history, Cambodia is home to the magnificent Angkor Wat and the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, showcasing its unique regional charm. It is known as the "Land of Smiles" in the hearts of tourists. . 🌟 Itinerary: D1: Royal Palace of Cambodia—Independence Monument—Wat Ounalom On the first day, take a deep dive into Phnom Penh, explore the history of the Royal Palace, feel the solemnity of the Independence Monument, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Wat Ounalom. D2: Tonle Sap Lake—Wat Preah Ang Chek—Royal Park On the second day, enjoy the natural scenery of Tonle Sap Lake, visit the cultural charm of Wat Preah Ang Chek, and finally stroll through Royal Park to enjoy a leisurely time. D3: Bayon Temple—Prasat Suor Prat—Angkor Wat On the third day, explore the mystery of Bayon Temple, admire the exquisite Prasat Suor Prat, and finally discover the thousand-year-old charm of the world heritage site Angkor Wat. D4: Wat Phnom—Central Market On the fourth day, climb Wat Phnom to overlook the beautiful cityscape, then visit the bustling Central Market to experience the local lifestyle. D5: Phnom Penh—Shenzhen End your wonderful trip to Cambodia and return to Shenzhen from Phnom Penh, bringing home a wealth of memories and experiences! 🛫 . Must-visit attractions: ✨ Angkor Wat: One of the four ancient wonders of the East! The architectural layout here is super symmetrical, allowing you to feel the charm of ancient civilization. 🏰 Royal Palace of Cambodia: A magnificent palace full of Khmer traditional architectural style and religious colors, as if stepping into a historical painting. 🛍️ Central Market: Known as the "Museum of Living Art" in Phnom Penh, the market offers a dazzling array of goods, including handicrafts and local snacks. 🌅 Bayon Temple: Want to enjoy a beautiful sunrise? This is the place to be! Bayon Temple is a great place to watch the sunrise, allowing you to feel tranquility and magnificence. . Tips: 🕒 Time difference: Cambodia is 1 hour behind Beijing time. Adjust your schedule and enjoy your trip! 💵 Currency exchange rate: The exchange rate of Cambodian riel to Chinese yuan is about 10,000:17. Knowing this in advance will make your trip easier. 🛍️ Souvenir prices: Fridge magnets cost $1, and small hand-painted paintings cost $5. Don't miss out on these exquisite and affordable souvenirs! . 🎉 Come to Cambodia to experience exotic customs and enjoy a wonderful time! Your travel story starts here~ 🌴 Don't wait, let's go!

Six days in Cambodia, with a different experience every day! This super detailed itinerary will help you make the most of every moment. Save it now! -------- 🛣️ Itinerary: Explore Cambodia and experience the ancient Angkor! DAY 1: Arrive at Phnom Penh Airport and be warmly greeted by the driver 🛬️. Start your Cambodia trip in Phnom Penh and get ready for an adventure! DAY 2: Independence Monument – Norodom Sihanouk Memorial – Royal Palace – Wat Phnom. Visit many iconic attractions in Phnom Penh in one day and experience the history and culture of Cambodia. DAY 3: Angkor Thom – Bayon Temple – Terrace of the Elephants – Ta Prohm. Explore the ancient temples around Angkor Wat and experience the beauty of Cambodian religious art. DAY 4: Banteay Samre – Banteay Srei – Bakong – Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm – Pub Street – Angkor Night Market. Visit beautiful temples during the day and experience Siem Reap's nightlife at night. Visit the night market and try local snacks. DAY 5: Free time in Siem Reap in the morning – Return to Phnom Penh in the afternoon. Enjoy a half-day of free time in Siem Reap. You can choose to cycle, shop, or try local food 🍜. DAY 6: End of the Phnom Penh trip 🎉. End your unforgettable Cambodia trip with lots of memories. -------- 🧳 Travel preparation: 📞 Prepare a SIM card for easy internet access and communication. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter so you can charge your devices. 🪪 Bring your documents, including your visa and passport. 👕 In November, Cambodia is warm, so you can wear shorts and a T-shirt. 🧴 Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent to stay healthy. 🎒 Bring a small bag to carry all your essentials. -------- If you like Cambodia, don't miss this itinerary! Save it and give it a like! ✨🌴

#familytrips2024 The iconic temple of Angkor civilization and one of the main attractions when visiting Siam Reap. The Bayon Temple is the heart of Angkor Thom (citadel). It’s breathtaking and gorgeous, every detail is properly carved on stones. One of the most majestic temples. Beautifully carved. 4 faces buddha everywhere, so beautiful. One which is considered flat, no need to hike to explore the temple. Narrow passages after you enter the temple, somehow feels like a labyrinth.

#fallingseason Getting there - Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Attractions - A historical Buddhist temple with a richly decorated Khmer temple. Great architectural features of 12th century. Nowadays it is one of the popular tourist attractions and preserved by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open hours- 7:30 to 5:30 pm #historicculture #greatarchitecture

Bayon Temple is located in Siem Reap. The weather is cool and breezy when we visited the place. The tranquil stone faces of Bayon are some of the most recognizable images from the Angkor Archeological Park, and missing the opportunity to see them in person would be an absolute crime. In fact, Bayon is considered one of the “big three” sites that every visitor to Angkor should see – the other two being Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. #FilipinoInSiemReap #CoupleGoals #Asian #UrbranTrip #MyTripStory

📣 Bayon Temple 🛕 This temple is an important temple located in the heart of Angkor Thom. It was built around the end of the 12th or early 13th century. It is a temple during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is considered one of the greatest religious sites in Cambodia. 🌳 The specialty of this temple is that the towers are shaped like smiling faces facing the four directions, with 49 towers. Currently, only 37 towers remain. The general shape will have 4 faces, 4 directions, but some towers may have 3 or 2 directions. 💫 It is considered another beautiful and important temple in the Angkor Wat group in Siem Reap that you must not miss visiting. ⏰ Every day from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/KMFWH6BXJzg4epvC6?g_st=ic #EatOutGoRoundLuyKinFinTiew #WinterTravel

Bayon Temple located in Angkor Thom - The 37 towers with Khmer smiles alone create a mysterious atmosphere. The relief depicting the battle between the Champa army and the Khmer army is also wonderful. #Siem Reap Travel

#celebratewithtrip. this temple is my second favourite temple among all the temples in Siem Reap! it is absolutely beautiful, the carvings and the stories, you can find the explanation aside when you walk through the walls. it is truly to fascinating, and I recommend that you take your time to visit. the temple was built in the 8th century, it is smaller than Angkor wat, and less restored than Angkor wat. yet, the carvings in the wall are very daunting and incredibly picturesque. the location of this temple is very centre, we came here right after our visit in Angkor wat! really different style, but it was worth it #fallingforfall

Getting There - We took the overnight bus for 12 hours from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap after an amazing week on the islands. it was very cold and nit too comfortable but soldi for the 18€ we payed. from the bus station it takes around 20 minutes to get to the angkor wat complex. The Bayon temple is the temple that is surrounded by streets, so it is the temple where you have to walk the least to. From the parking spot you need to walk 50 meters to reach the temple Attractions - This temple holds many interesting relics inside the walls Hotels - no Food & Restaurants - there are a few shops around #tripblazers #fallingforfall Shopping -

This is Siem Reap, Cambodia. If you want to see authentic Khmer architecture or art, you have to come to this place. Most importantly, don't forget to bring sunglasses and an umbrella. The sun is as strong as in Thailand.

such an amzing place ever

📍 Bayon Temple A human-faced stone temple in the heart of Angkor Thom. It's amazing. The inside is really beautiful. The grandeur and magnificence have been around since then until now. I'm still amazed at how they built it back then. When you enter the stone temple, it feels magical, like someone is staring at you all the time. The interior of the temple looks mysterious. It's even more so when the sky is overcast and rainy. The atmosphere is just right. No matter how many photos you take, it's not as good as seeing it with your own eyes. 🚘 The journey is not far from Angkor Wat. You can drive a motorcycle or rent a tuk-tuk (some people can speak Thai). The motorcycle rental fee is $12 per day, about 420 baht. If you rent a tuk-tuk, you have to negotiate the price yourself. ✈️ For traveling to Cambodia - Passport (valid for more than 6 months) - Thais do not need a visa. You can stay for 14 days. - Certificate of Vaccination ***Prepare only these documents and you can enter. So easy*** #TravelAbroad #TravelCambodia #TravelAngkorWat #AngkorWat #AngkorThom #TaPromTemple #BayonTemple #SiemReap #Cambodia #TravelRecordOfSk #angkor #angkorwat #temple #taprohm #bayon #angkorthom #cambodia #siemreap #packabag #airlineReview #waitingfordepartureday #staycation #missnature

The Bayon Temple is one of the more famous, popular and beautiful of the structures in the Angkor Wat Archeological Park. It is in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which was the symbolic center of the Khmer empire. #urbanexplorer #temple #unescoworldheritage

Bahon temple is most beautiful temple in Angkor Wat Complex. It has many high face temples. All temples head faces have different faces and looks very peaceful and serene. Its near to Angkor Wat Temple and a not to miss temple in Angkor Wat. It’s always easy to visit Angkor wat by Bike or Auto to see thousands of temple in Angkor wat complex. The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple related to Buddhism at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of the King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom. #angkor #bayongate #bayontemple #facetemple #religiousculture #temple #hindu #cambodia #culturalattractions

The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer Buddhist temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom. Following Jayavarman's death, it was modified and augmented by subsequent Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious preferences. The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. These faces have been associated with the Hindu God Brahma because of the four faces looking in different directions but archaeologists also associate it with Buddha. The temple has two sets of bas-reliefs, which present a combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. The main conservatory body, the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (the JSA) has described the temple as "the most striking expression of the baroque style" of Khmer architecture, as contrasted with the classical style of Angkor Wat. #unforgettableexperiences #travelinspiration

Beautiful Siem Reap #siemreap #bayongate

Bringing the “hongi” to Cambodia.

Wandering through the enigmatic ruins of Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom was like stepping into a forgotten world. As I entered through the ancient gates, the towering stone faces greeted me with serene, knowing smiles—each one unique, yet strangely unified. The sky was overcast, casting a soft, diffused light over the intricately carved bas-reliefs, which depicted vivid scenes of daily life, battle, and mythology. Walking among the crumbling corridors, I could feel the presence of history echoing in the quiet stillness. What struck me most was the contrast between grandeur and decay—how roots crept over stone, and time had weathered even the most majestic carvings, yet the spirit of the Khmer Empire remained alive in every corner. Climbing to the upper terraces, I stood eye-to-eye with the mysterious faces, feeling both humbled and awed by their silent gaze. The view from the top, with jungle stretching to the horizon, gave a glimpse of what this ancient city once oversaw. Bayon wasn’t just a temple—it was a living gallery, a spiritual puzzle, and a timeless witness to Cambodia’s glorious past. Leaving its moss-covered stones behind, I carried with me a deep reverence for the artistry, mystery, and endurance carved into its walls. #BayonTemple #AngkorThom #CambodiaTravel #unescoheritage #travelfreak

Another exploration within the magnificent Angkor complex led me to the enigmatic Bayon, a structure that immediately captivates with its unique architectural style. Interestingly, the name "Bayon" is believed to be a shortened, more colloquial version of its original Pali/Sanskrit designation, which alluded to something akin to the celestial palace of the Hindu god Indra. Constructed in the late 12th century, around the same period as the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon offers a distinct visual and spiritual experience, setting it apart from its more geometrically symmetrical neighbor. Navigating Bayon involves understanding its layout, and a local tip I picked up suggests entering via the east entrance and exiting through the west. This flow seemed to offer a natural progression through the temple's various sections and allowed for a satisfying culmination of the visit. What truly makes Bayon unforgettable are the countless beautiful carvings that adorn its walls and towers. Unlike the more religiously focused bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat, Bayon's carvings offer a fascinating tapestry of Khmer life during that era. Historical events, scenes of everyday life, and intricate mythological depictions are all etched in stone, providing a rich visual narrative of the kingdom. Notably, many of these carvings vividly highlight the historical Khmer-Cham conflict, offering a glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the time. Personally, one carving that particularly resonated with me was the surprisingly intimate depiction of a woman giving birth, a poignant reminder of the universal human experiences captured within these ancient stones. Beyond its artistic and historical significance, Bayon also holds a more recent connection to international cooperation in heritage preservation. I was interested to discover a plaque commemorating the significant role played by the Japanese government in the temple's conservation efforts. This collaborative endeavor underscores the global recognition of Bayon's cultural value and the importance of international partnerships in safeguarding these incredible historical sites for future generations. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Bayon, not just as an ancient wonder, but as a symbol of shared human heritage.

The beauty of this temple is the multiple smiling faces of Brahma. Bayon temple served as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII and stands as the only Buddhist temple constructed by the Angkor (or Khmer) Empire. Love the beautiful clean roads that lead to the temples all around the complex. Beware of notorious monkeys, we were safe and only a few decided to entertain tourists. The surrounding area of the temple is so beautiful, especially this one stand alone tree. Loved this temple.

#GetDiscountNotDependingOnLuck Angkor Thom is an ancient capital city that was the most prosperous in the ancient Khmer Empire. There are many small and large castles. The special and strange thing about this place is that the top of the castle tower is in the shape of a human face with different characteristics that look mysterious. The distinctive feature is the smiling face on every side. It is the face of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. There are 216 faces in 54 towers. The face is facing in all 4 directions to watch over the happiness of the villagers, making them live peacefully. They call this smile "Bayon smile". Bayon Temple is a landmark of Angkor Thom that captivates everyone's eyes. Walk and see ancient Khmer art up close. The more you look, the more you will be enchanted. The more you stay, the more you will love it. The atmosphere is good. Take fun photos. The architecture is magnificent beyond description.

1. Angkor Wat, waking up to the mystical morning sun The sunrise we saw after leaving before dawn was truly breathtaking. The silhouette floating in the silence gave us a sense of timeless power in the morning. 2. Feeling like Laputa in the gigantic ruins of Angkor Thom The Bayon Temple, with its rows of towers carved with faces, has a mysterious structure that looks like it is smiling from any angle. A place where mystery and dignity coexist. 3. Witnessing the collaboration of "nature and humans" at Ta Prohm ruins A huge tree that has grown to engulf the ruins. The sight of the former temple now integrated with the tree roots is speechless. It is also famous as a filming location for the movie "Tomb Raider". A truly realistic "Ghibli world". 4. Living in harmony with nature, the floating villages of Lake Treng Sap As we slowly ride along in a boat, we can see schools and houses floating on the water. It is more like a "place where people live" than a tourist spot. 5. Experience food stalls and chaos at Pub Street in the evening! In stark contrast to the quietness of the day, this street is bustling at night! Neon lights, music, street food... toast to local cuisine while surrounded by the exotic heat! Siem Reap is so deep that one trip is not enough. #AngkorWat #AngkorThom #TaProhm #TrangSap #PubStreet #tripmoments #CambodiaTrip