Visiting the Temple of the Smiling Faces
The enigmatic faces were my favorite sight of the Angkor Wat structures. Bayon Temple, built in the late 12 C. by King Jayavarman VII, the site is at the center of Angkor Thom as a state-building. The religious designs underwent significant changes based on the religion of the times. Built as a Buddhist temple, now there are substantial Hindu motifs within the walls.
Mysterious Smiles
It’s smiling faces are a bit of a mystery, one theory believes the faces are Lokeshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Another says they are a reflection of the King. No matter their origin, originally the faces totaled 216, across 54 towers. Each tower is made up of four faces facing North, South, East, West. Everywhere you turn smiles greet you.
Bas-reliefs throughout the three levels depict the everyday life of the Khmer people, battles of the king’s army, and religious practices. The images of daily experiences differ from those of Angkor Wat and show how the Khmer people went about their lives. It remains unclear of the exact use of Bayon but based on the mix of the bas-reliefs it would appear it was meant to be reflective of the people and for the people, possibly a state-building.
Get the most out of Bayon Temple
Get there early or later in the day, you miss the bulk of the tourists. During the busy travel months, be ready for the crowds. Pacing your self and you can find quiet moments and great photo views. Also be prepared as there is not a lot of shade to be located within the temple, another reason to skip the mid-day visit. The early evening gives incredible lighting and makes the sight even more magical. Despite the crowd of tourists, it is possible to enjoy the peace and serenity of the space.
Check out these tours to maximize your experience:
Angkor Wat Temple Hopping with Sunset Tour – this full day tour, explores the Khmer architecture and religious significance of the major temples. End the day watching the sunset over one of the temples.
2 Day Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour – this tour explores the main temples, Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom on one day. The second day takes you to the outer edges of the park, visiting several of the smaller temples including Banteay Srei – the oldest temple within Angkor Wat
Full Day Angkor Temples of Siem Reap Bike Tour – this family friendly tour takes you off the roads and through the jungle, exploring the temples with an experienced guide. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
Apsaras & Devatas within Bayon Temple
Both symbols are found throughout the temples of Angkor Wat Complex. But what is the difference? They have many names – nymphs, fairy, goddess, enlightened beings. There are over 1700 depicted in Angkor Wat Park bas-reliefs. In both Hindu and Buddhist cultures, they are spirits of clouds and water. Apsaras are celestial nymphs created with the churning of milk. They are focused on dance and entertainment and are depicted dancing and moving. Can you spot the differences? These etchings can be found throughout all the temples in the Angkor Wat Complex.
Dive Deeper into the History of Bayon.
Looking for the history of Bayon, this definitive The Angkor Guide, written in 1944 by Maurice Glaize, remains relevant and worth reading. It’s detailed depictions and information, give you a better understanding of what to look for and how to interpret your visit of Bayon.
Explore more of Angkor Wat & Siem Reap
Bayon is one part of the amazing complex that makes up the Angkor Wat Archeological Park located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This is an incredible experience stepping back into history and glimpsing an ancient civilization.
After exploring the temples, you are probably hungry?
Why not check out a cooking experience. Enjoy meeting a local family, visiting their home, getting to know the culture, and how to make traditional meals. Both the Khmer Cooking in a Local’s Home and Cooking Class at Lily’s Secret Garden, offer great hosts and delicious meals you will be able to recreate when you get home.
Share your Bayon Experiences in the comments.
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