Bayon Temple

Bayon showing a temple or place of worship
Bayon which includes a ruin
Bayon showing a ruin
Bayon Temple
Bayon featuring building ruins


Visit the “Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia” in Angkor Archaeological Park’s exquisite temple.

Have your camera ready for the ancient spectacle that is Bayon Temple. Built in the 12th century, it was the last stone temple built during the Khmer Empire. The grand architecture and stunning details symbolise the end of an era in a brilliant fashion.

Although Bayon is one of Angkor Wat’s grandest temples, it is usually less busy than other attractions, so you can stroll around with ease.

Spend time with the “Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia”, a towering carved face wearing an enigmatic smile. This is one of Bayon’s main attractions. Another highlight is the “200 Faces of Lokesvara”, located on the upper terrace of the temple. Carved onto each side of the dozens of towers, the faces are a striking sight.

Bayon’s carvings vary throughout the sweeping architecture. Explore the intricately crafted mythological events that are etched into the inner gallery and get a taste of the Khmer Empire’s past through the historical carvings in the outer gallery.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and ample sunscreen. Since many parts of Bayon do not have ceilings, most exploring is done outdoors, and the sun is powerful year-round. Arrive in style aboard an elephant, which you can rent near the entrance of the park. After hours of exploring, take advantage of the food and drink stands that are located outside the temple.

Bayon is located in the centre of Angkor Wat, symbolising its position as the walled city’s intersection of heaven and earth. The drive from the park’s entrance to Siem Reap takes less than 20 minutes. Rent bicycles and make the journey at your own speed, or rent a private car or tuk-tuk to reach Bayon. Most tour guides offer reasonable rates and will give you an insider’s perspective on the ancient temple. One, three or seven-day admission passes are available at the entrance of Angkor Wat armed with this, you can explore Bayon and beyond!

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Amazing faces!

Popular places to visit


Top Bayon Temple Hotel Deals

Authentic Cambodian Angkor Cottage

Authentic Cambodian Angkor Cottage

2.5 out of 5
Charle De Gaulle Road, Mundol 3 Village, Slo Kram, Siem Reap, Siem Reap
Authentic Cambodian Angkor Cottage
Green Empire Resort

Green Empire Resort

3.5 out of 5
Korean Road, Siem Reap, Siem Reap
Green Empire Resort
Palm Village Resort & Spa

Palm Village Resort & Spa

3.5 out of 5
Phum Trapaing Ses, Khum Kok Chork, Siem Reap
Palm Village Resort & Spa
Templation Hotel

Templation Hotel

5 out of 5
Rok Rak Street, Mondul 3, Sangkat Slor Kram, Siem Reap
Templation Hotel
Shintana Saya La Maison

Shintana Saya La Maison

4.5 out of 5
Street 30, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province
Shintana Saya La Maison
Shintana Saya Residence

Shintana Saya Residence

4 out of 5
Street 30, Phum Veal, Sangkat Kouk Chak, Siem Reap
Shintana Saya Residence
Pavillon Indochine

Pavillon Indochine

3.5 out of 5
Jean Commaile Rd, near Angkor Wat, near Killing Field Museum, Siem Reap, Siem Reap
Pavillon Indochine
Nita By Vo Luxury Hotel

Nita By Vo Luxury Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Sivutha Boulevard, Road to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Siem Reap
Nita By Vo Luxury Hotel
Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel

Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
560 Group One, Kok Chok Commune, Siem Reap
Shining Angkor Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bayon Temple

At Bayon Temple, visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets, making it a perfect spot for photography. Engaging in temple tours is a must, allowing you to explore the intricate carvings and history. Consider booking a guided tour for a more in-depth experience, or even a meditation retreat to unwind. With many temples in the area, you’ll have ample opportunities to immerse yourself in Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is T Galleria by DFS, only 8.0km from Bayon Temple, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. You can also visit the Palm Container Night Market and Angkor Shopping Center, both 8.0km away, for a lively local shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at Angkor Golf Resort, set amidst lush greenery just 9.7km from Bayon Temple, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a family-friendly adventure, enjoy the fun at Angkor Wat Putt, an exciting mini-golf course located 12.9km away, ideal for all ages.

Adventure

Explore Water Park Khnar Siem Reap, situated 11.3km from Bayon Temple, for a thrilling day of water slides and family fun. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and indulge in exciting activities, perfect for an adventurous outing with loved ones amidst the vibrant surroundings.

Nightlife

In Siem Reap, the Apsara Theatre offers a captivating blend of culture and romance, just 9.7km from Bayon Temple. For adventure seekers, the Angkor Eye ferris wheel, located 8.0km away, provides thrilling views. The Smile Angkor Grand Theater, 6.4km from the temple, showcases enchanting performances perfect for families.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bayon Temple

While visiting Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage through its stunning temples and historic sites. Explore the nearby attractions, including the renowned Angkor Tourist sites and the Golden Temple, within this captivating temple complex. These experiences cater to those seeking a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s archaeological treasures and vibrant history.

  • Angkor Wat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat is a magnificent temple renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate bas-reliefs. Just 3.2km from Bayon Temple, it embodies the pinnacle of Khmer architecture and offers a serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
  • Angkor Archaeological Park: Located a mere 1.3km from Bayon Temple, this expansive park is home to numerous ancient temples and structures. The park is a treasure trove of history, inviting visitors to stroll through lush landscapes while immersing themselves in the stories of a bygone era.
  • Angkor Thom: As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom is situated right next to Bayon Temple. This pilgrimage site features impressive gates and the iconic Bayon Temple itself, adorned with smiling stone faces, making it a must-visit for its historical significance and architectural wonders.

Best time to go to Bayon Temple

The best time to visit Bayon Temple is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.0°F (26.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February82.8°F (28.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March86.0°F (30.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June83.5°F (28.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
July81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September81.1°F (27.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December78.3°F (25.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bayon Temple

To save money on your visit to Bayon Temple, consider travelling during the off-peak months of May to June and September for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Take advantage of Expedia's packages by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Lastly, utilise public transport or explore on foot to minimise travel costs while enjoying the local scenery.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bayon Temple are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bayon Temple is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bayon Temple is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bayon Temple is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can maximise your savings by combining your hotel reservation for Bayon Temple with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.