While you can enter the site from the north, south, east, or west, the traditional entrance and best starting point, is from the eastern side. Entering from the east you pass over the large stone terrace which leads you into what is a labyrinth of a site. This is the Temple of Faces, consists of 54 towers (216 faces). 11,000 carved figures on the outer gallery of the Bayon Temple. The main temple mountain of the Bayon Temple is surrounded by two galleries holding an extraordinary collection of bas-relief scenes of legendary and historical events. On a length of about 1.2 km, on the outer wall of the outer gallery there are more than 11,000 carved figures. The famous carvings on the outer wall of the first level show vivid scenes of everyday life in 12th-century Cambodia. Though it has three levels, but only the first level had access, other levels were off-limits. Even at this level, there is a lot of climbing up and down and there were stones lying all over the place so it was needless exhausting to navigate. Personally, I did not like Bayon Temple as much as I liked the others. It could be because since the upper levels were closed, we could not get closer to the faces and it's difficult to make out their features from a distance since they are all in various stages of detoriation. Honestly, the top level is really the main if not the only reason to see this structure. But if you are in Siem Reap, this is pretty much the second most important temple after Angkor Wat, so you must not miss it. Other than the main site, there is another spot nearby which locals know of where you can get a reflection of the Bayon Temple in the water, which is very popular for pictures.

December 2022 - Visited while on a cycling tour of the temples. Always impressive. Sad that upper levels are now closed but understand that Cambodia must preserve these treasures. Have fond memories of the Bayon faces up close from past visits. Go with a guide - you get a lot more information about the temple complex.

We visited the temple after Angkor Wat, we were pretty tired, but it was very relaxing after all. Unfortunately outside the temple people were feeding monkeys what is extremaly wrong and with no sense at all. Quiiet and peaceful but in some way scared when you can feel the damage of time, the silence and ruins.

this was incredible, do not miss this off your itinerary. the carvings are a real insight into Khmer history, again with private guide explaining the context and making it relevant to us. Really made a difference. Watch out for the monkeys!

Whenever we get a yen for Mediterranean food Elia’s our preferred place. Located next to the open market it serves great Greek food. They have d.one so we’ll even during Covid that they were able to expand their location.Their menu is extensive offering a variety of Greek dishes. Dinner for two (2) including wine is around $20.00U.S.

I have visited the Bayon temple in Siem Reap several times and it has always been one of my favorite temples in the Angkor Wat complex. Its amazing towers, intricate carvings and many Buddha faces make it truly unique. Unfortunately, the third floor was closed on my last visit, but I still can't wait to go back and explore it! I highly recommend this beautiful temple to anyone visiting Angkor Wat.

We came here mid morning after Angkor Wat and for me I much preferred here. Yes I smaller but it very detailed and I love having the information tabs available to be able able learn more about the area. Plus we got to see lots of baby monkeys playing which was super cute

Another excellent Temple to see when you are in Siem Reap. I would highly recommend seeing this Temple. It is both impressive and beautiful. The challenge with all of the Temples in this region is that if you try to visit every one of them you will get "Templed Out" You have to pick and choose the ones you really want to see and this is one of them that should be on your list (along with Angkor Wat and Ta Phrohm)

This was the second stop in the temple tour. After leaving Angkor Wat we drove here along a road lined with stone heads on both sides of the road. There is a car park at the entrance and you walk over the road to view the temples. Our guide took us inside and again delivered a detailed description of the temple and its history. You can walk round and there is guided walkway, but you have to be careful because there are bats nesting on the site and if you look up for too long you might get covered in mess.

Bayon Temple is a temple located in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was the last state temple built in the Angkor complex. The great Buddhist ruler, King Jayavarman VII, began its construction near the end of his life – sometime in the late 12th or early 13th century. Originally intended to be a Mahayana Buddhist temple, it was altered during the reign of King Jayavarman VIII when the empire briefly converted to Hinduism Bayon is known for its distinctive, smiling stone faces that adorn the towers and gates of the temple. The temple is also known for its bas-reliefs, which depict scenes from everyday life and historical events