Bayon

What to See at Bayon

The Face Towers

Bayon’s 54 towers are carved with 216 giant faces, four per tower, gazing out toward the cardinal directions. Scholars debate exactly who they represent — most likely a fusion of Jayavarman VII himself with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion — but the effect is the same from any angle: an unmistakable, faintly amused expression that has come to symbolise Cambodia itself.

The Bas-Reliefs

The outer gallery walls carry over 1.2 kilometres of bas-reliefs, but unlike Angkor Wat’s mythological scenes, Bayon’s carvings depict everyday 12th-century life — market scenes, cockfights, childbirth, and a famous naval battle against the Cham — alongside Jayavarman VII’s military campaigns. Allow time to walk the full circuit.

The Central Sanctuary

At the temple’s heart, a circular sanctuary rises above the surrounding towers. The climb up narrow stairways rewards visitors with the closest possible views of the largest faces — arrive without a crowd in front of you for the best photos.

How to Get to Bayon

Bayon sits at the exact centre of Angkor Thom, roughly 1.5km north of Angkor Wat. Most visitors combine the two on the same morning.

• Tuk-tuk: Included on any standard Angkor circuit, typically $15–20 for a half-day covering Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm
• Bicycle: 20 minutes from Angkor Wat’s east entrance, flat and shaded riding
• On foot: Possible from the South Gate of Angkor Thom (1km), but the heat makes this tough by midday

Best Time to Visit

Many visitors arrive at Bayon straight after Angkor Wat’s sunrise, when it can be crowded with tour groups. Mid-morning light rakes across the faces at a dramatic angle, and the crowds thin noticeably by early afternoon. Avoid the lunchtime tour-bus rush if possible.

Practical Information

• Covered by the standard Angkor Pass — no separate ticket needed
• Dress code applies: shoulders and knees covered to enter the central sanctuary
• Uneven, steep stairways inside the towers — sturdy shoes recommended
• A licensed guide ($25–35 for a half day) is especially valuable here to decode the bas-relief storytelling

Nearby Attractions

Bayon is inside Angkor Thom, within easy reach of the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and Baphuon temple — all included on the same Angkor Pass and walkable within the walled city.