Bayon Temple: 200 Stone Smiles in Cambodia Package Tours

Unveiling Bayon Temple: The Crown Jewel of Angkor Thom

Where is Bayon Temple located?

Bayon Temple is located in the very center of Angkor Thom, the former capital city of the Khmer Empire. Bayon Temple is located inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of Siem Reap city, Cambodia.

• Location: Angkor Thom, Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
• Coordinates: 13.4410° N, 103.8594° E

Historical Overview: From Jayavarman VII to Today

Bayon temple was commissioned in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, one of the Khmer’s greatest and most revered rulers. Bayon was built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple and symbolized a new era of spiritual focus and royal power. Its most unique aspects—the serene stone faces are said to be depictions both of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and of the king himself, inspiring compassion and divine power.

Over time, the temple was developed by later Hindu and Theravada Buddhist monarchs. Now, though, it is a haunting reminder of the Khmer Empire, fusing Buddhist iconography with the grandeur of early statehood.

The 200 Iconic Faces: Stone Smiles that Stare into Eternity

Who Are These Faces?

Its most notable feature is the 200 giant carved faces of stone on the temple towers. Most experts believe these faces represent the Buddhist icon of compassion, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Some suggest that these are symbolic faces of King Jayavarman VII himself, embodying a wise and benevolent king. Whatever the interpretation, the faces represent Cambodia’s greatest king’s spiritual aspiration.

Artistic Detail & Symbolism

They are all rendered in sandstone with calm eyes, gentle smiles, and proportionate facial features. Their composition displays a unique Khmer art style of inner tranquility over imperial power. Placed in all four directions, they symbolize the king’s presence protecting his kingdom.

When on a private Bayon temple tour, you notice that no two faces are the same, with each face having a special energy and expression, hand-carved by skilled artisans almost 800 years ago.

Artistic Detail Sandstone (Source: smarthistory)

Bayon Temple Architecture: Layers of Spiritual Design

Temple Structure & Layout

The most fascinating feature of the Bayon temple Tour is the ability to uncover its multi-layered architecture. The temple is built on three main levels, where each one has a religious theme:

• The lower level represents Earth
• Middle level replicates the Human Realm
• Upper level pertains to the Divine (Heaven)

The layout is an informal mandala design, with towers and corridors coming out from the central shrine. You can observe the temple towers rising like stone lotuses, each topped by serene, smiling faces looking in all directions.

Whether you’re booked for a group tour or an individual Bayon temple private tour, your guide will inform you that this symbolic arrangement reflects King Jayavarman VII’s religious devotion as well as Buddhist cosmology.

Bayon Temple Structure (Source: visitlocaltravel)

Hidden Galleries & Mysterious Bas-Reliefs

What makes the Bayon temple Tour unforgettable is the 1.2 km of bas-relief carvings running through its lower galleries. These intricate panels are more than decoration—they’re historical records carved into stone.

Here, you’ll see scenes of:

• Naval battles between the Khmer and the Cham people
• Daily life: fishing, market scenes, cooking, and farming
• Festivals and royal ceremonies from the 12th–13th century

Each of the carvings depicts the way of life, war, and nightlife of the Khmer more than 800 years ago. Unlike mythological stories of the Angkor Wat temples tour, scenes here at Bayon are located in the real world, filled with dynamism, abundant with detail, and with feeling.

Hidden Galleries With Daily Life Structure (Source: yatrikaone)

Suggested Timeline: Sunrise to Sunset (1-Day Itinerary)

05:30 – Depart from Hotel (Siem Reap)

Start your day early with your guide and driver to arrive at the Angkor Archaeological Park prior to sunrise. A private tour of the Bayon temple guarantees that your entry tickets and timing are all arranged well in advance.

06:00 – Sunrise at Bayon temple

Arrive at the Bayon temple at the moment when the first light of dawn strikes the stone faces. The temple is quiet, the air is refreshing, and the atmosphere is deep. This is the best time to take photos, think, and analyze the symbolism of every one of the towers.

07:30 – Walk to Baphuon Temple

Take a short walk north to Baphuon, the pre-Bayon royal state temple. Go up top for views and observe its tall sandstone galleries. Your guide will explain its rebuilding and how it aligns with Hindu cosmology.

08:30 – Terrace of the Elephants & Leper King

Just outside Baphuon, visit the Terrace of the Elephants, where kings would watch processions and public ceremonies. A brief walk further is the Terrace of the Leper King, renowned for its hidden wall of intricately carved guardian figures.

09:30 – South Gate of Angkor Thom

Leave Angkor Thom through the South Gate—the most photographed entranceway with its stone bridge flanked by 54 gods and demons. A wonderful photo opportunity, this stop lets you appreciate the defensive architecture of Jayavarman VII’s old city.

10:00 – Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)

Drive southeast for 10 minutes to Ta Prohm, the enigmatic jungle temple famous for its silk-cotton trees and movie-quality roots. This is a highlight of many people—and a beautiful counterpoint to Bayon’s symmetry.

11:30 – Local Khmer Lunch near Srah Srang

Stop by a nearby restaurant near Srah Srang (Royal Bathing Pool) for a nice lunch. Your exclusive Bayon temple guide will recommend some classic local dishes like fish amok or chicken lemongrass.

13:30 – Optional Angkor Wat or Artisan Visit

If you haven’t exhausted your energy, you can consider:

• Go to Angkor Wat for a preview of its grandeur (ideal if you have an Angkor Wat temples tour booked the next day)
• Or tour a local artisan’s workshop in Siem Reap to learn about stone carving, lacquer, or silk production
  

15:00 – Return to Hotel & Reflect

In mid-afternoon, the sun is hot and the temples are more crowded. This is a perfect moment to return to your hotel, rest, or continue your adventure in Cambodia through cultural performances or evening bazaars.

Classic 3 Days 2 Nights Tour: Bayon, Angkor Wat & Local Culture

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap – Cultural Discovery Begins

Morning

• Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport
• Meet & greet by the Impress Travel guide
• Private transfer to the hotel and check-in
• Time to rest and revive after your journey

Afternoon

• Visit the Angkor Silk Farm: learn about ancient sericulture, dyeing, and weaving
• Or visit the Cambodian Cultural Village: life-sized traditional villages, cultural performances, and handicrafts

Evening

• Enjoy a welcome Khmer dinner at a chosen restaurant
• Witness a marvelous Apsara dance performance—a glimpse of traditional Angkorian artistry
• Return to the hotel and overnight in Siem Reap

Angkor Silk Farm (Source: tripadvisor)

Day 2: Full Temple Day – Bayon, Ta Prohm & Angkor Wat

Morning

• Early breakfast at the hotel
• Begin your Bayon temple Tour at 07:00 AM with a private guide
• Visit the mysterious Bayon temple, holding 200 smiling stone faces
• Walk to the Baphuon Temple, look over its elevated sandstone terraces
• Visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King with mythological carvings and royal heritage

Afternoon

• Lunch at a traditional restaurant near the Angkor complex
• Stop by Ta Prohm Temple, the “jungle temple," which has been engulfed by giant tree roots
• Cap the afternoon with Angkor Wat, strolling through its central sanctuary and 800-meter-long carved bas-reliefs
• If you’d prefer to get even more into it, take an extension with a full Angkor Wat temples tour the following day

Evening

• End your sacred day with a sunset view at Pre Rup Temple or Phnom Bakheng
• Leisure time at your leisure, or stop by the lively Siem Reap Night Market
• Back to the hotel for an overnight stay

Ta Prohm Temple (Source: evivatour)

Day 3: Local Life & Farewell

Morning – Choose Your Final Experience

• Visit Phsar Leu Market, Siem Reap’s largest local market
• Try breakfast snacks, observe Buddhist almsgiving, and buy local handicrafts
• Then, back to the hotel, freshen up, and depart
• Lunch at a local eatery
• Private transfer to the airport with a warm goodbye from your guide

Bayon Temple Private Tour Options by Impress Travel

Reserving a Bayon temple Tour with Impress Travel is more than visiting old ruins; it’s entering Cambodia’s religious heritage with your private guide by your side. Our Bayon temple private tour is fully tailor-made: skip the crowds, discover off-the-beaten-path corners of Angkor Thom, and hear stories that go far beyond the books. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide, travel in comfort with a private car or tuk-tuk, enjoy cold towels and water along the way, and have the option to add a magical Apsara dance dinner in the evening.

Need something more? We have some unique add-ons such as sunrise tours, floating village combinations, and photograph itineraries. All Bayon temple Tour activities can be appended to our Angkor Wat temples tour for the ultimate trip into Khmer majesty. Get in touch with Impress Travel at (+84) 912 379 189 or email us at info@impresstravel.com and let us start planning your unforgettable temple experience today.

Best Time to Visit the Bayon Temple

The best time to take a Bayon temple Tour is during the dry season, i.e., from November to February. This is when the weather conditions are best—cool, dry, and sunny. The mornings are especially beautiful with golden sunlight cascading on the Bayon stone faces. It is also the most convenient time for walking around and taking excellent photos.

May to October is the rainy season when there are fewer tourists. If you are not averse to getting a bit wet, the temple is peaceful, and the jungle that encircles it turns lush and colorful. A private Bayon temple tour during this time is perfect for travelers who enjoy peace and nature.

Conclusion

A Bayon temple Tour is more than a visit—it’s a moment of connection. The 200 stone faces don’t just look at you, they speak to something deeper. With a personalized Bayon temple private tour from Impress Travel, you’ll uncover their stories in your way.

Ready to explore? Contact us now to plan your unforgettable Bayon temple tour, or extend your journey with an Angkor Wat temples tour.