Bayon

ប្រាសាទបាយ័ន

The state temple at the center of Angkor Thom. Stone faces look out from the towers in every direction.

Quick facts

Pass Type: Angkor Pass ($37-$72)
Entry Fee USD: Included
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Commissioning King: Jayavarman VII
Century Built: Late 12th Century
Religion & Primary Deity: Buddhist · Lokeshvara
Circuit: Small Circuit
Distance from Siem Reap: 8.5 km
Best Time to Visit: Before 8:00 AM, when the face towers are quiet

Nicknames and famous highlights

Face Temples Monkey Temples Face Temple Temple of Faces Face towersBas-reliefs of daily Khmer lifeNaval battle on the Tonle SapCentral circular sanctuary

History and architecture

Bayon was the Mahayana Buddhist state temple of Jayavarman VII, built at the end of the 12th century inside his new walled capital. The faces are widely read as the king in the form of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, called Lokeshvara in Khmer inscriptions. Two enclosing galleries of bas-relief show everyday Khmer life and the naval war with the Cham. The plan was changed while it was still being built, which is why the upper terraces feel crowded and irregular. It gives its name to the last great style of the Angkor period.

How to get to Bayon

No origin routes are published yet. See every temple in Siem Reap.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to visit Bayon?

Bayon is covered by Angkor Pass ($37-$72) and has no extra per-temple fee in this directory.

What are the opening hours of Bayon?

Bayon is listed as open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Best time to visit: Before 8:00 AM, when the face towers are quiet.

Who built Bayon?

Commissioned under Jayavarman VII, Late 12th Century, Late 12th century, dedicated to Lokeshvara. The religion recorded here is Buddhist.

What is Bayon known for?

Also called Face Temple, Temple of Faces. Known for Face towers, Bas-reliefs of daily Khmer life, Naval battle on the Tonle Sap, Central circular sanctuary. Filed under Face Temples, Monkey Temples

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