Bayon Temple: Destination Guide

Overview

Bayon is the state temple at the center of Angkor Thom, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It's instantly recognizable for its 200-plus massive stone faces, carved into 54 towers, each believed to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara wearing a serene, faintly smiling expression.

Unlike Angkor Wat's single grand approach, Bayon rewards slow, winding exploration, with narrow passages that open onto face towers at every turn, and the outer gallery is covered in detailed bas-reliefs depicting everyday Khmer life and historic battles. It's usually visited alongside the rest of Angkor Thom, including the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.

Best Photo Spots

Close-up of one of Bayon temple's giant carved stone faces (via Unsplash) — Face Tower Close-Up

Bayon's carved face towers glowing in warm morning light (via Unsplash) — Upper Terrace at Sunrise

Bas-relief carving of a Khmer army procession on a temple gallery wall (via Unsplash) — Outer Gallery Bas-Reliefs

Row of Bayon's giant carved face towers rising above the ruins (via Unsplash) — Row of Face Towers

Photography tips: timing, lens picks & less-crowded spotsShow less

Timing

Late morning (~10–11 AM) gives the most even light across all four faces of each tower
Sunset light rakes across the faces at a low angle and brings out the stone texture

Lens & Gear

70–200mm to isolate a single face without getting scaffolding or tourists in frame
24–35mm from the upper terrace to capture multiple towers at once
A polarizing filter helps cut glare on the stone at midday

Less-Crowded Spot

The central sanctuary faces get the most attention. The southeast corner towers see far less foot traffic and offer the same close-up expression shots

More temples covered in the full Photography Guide.

Entry Fee & Hours

Bayon is included in the standard Angkor Archaeological Park pass, so no separate ticket is needed if you already hold a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass.

Pass	Price	Valid
1-Day Pass	$37	1 day
3-Day Pass	$62	10 days
7-Day Pass	$72	1 month
Children under 12	Free	N/A

Temple hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

How to Get There

Bayon sits inside Angkor Thom, about 7 km (15 minutes) north of Siem Reap and just north of Angkor Wat.

Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap: ~$15–20/day
Private car/driver: ~$35–45/day
Bicycle: ~$3–5/day
Usually combined with the rest of Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple