Constructed in 12-13 CE, Bayon Temple is found within Angkor Archaeological Park and at the centre of Angkor Thom, the capital of King Jayavarman.
When to visit
It takes 2 hours to explore the enclosures, passages, and steep stairwells. Forego the massive crowds and visit in the late afternoon. The light affects the location drastically so the temple is built in a way to omit direct sunlight during sunrise or sunset.
Getting there
The Bayon Temple is located at the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, situated 1.5km from both the North and South gates. Unlike other temples in the region, it is not surrounded by walls or a moat, and can be approached from all directions with convenient road access. Visitors can easily reach the temple by taxi or tuk-tuk and explore its awe-inspiring architecture and rich cultural heritage. If you’re hoping to make more than one visit to Bayon Temple, you may want to consider booking accommodation at one of the best hotels in Siem Reap the likes of FCC Angkor by Avani, which offer easy access to the temple.
Architecture
Bayon Temple is not as impressive as Angkor at first sight, but its beauty lies within. The original design included 49 to 54 towers. However, only 37 are left standing.
History
King Jayavarman VII started this project towards the end of his life. The temple briefly reverted to a Hindu site in the 13th century but returned to Theravada Buddhist status under the kings that followed.
