Bayon Temple: face towers, reliefs and visit planning
Photo: Husha Bilimale / Unsplash
Contents
Come to Bayon for its face towers and carved scenes of Khmer daily life, and for the climb to the upper level when it is open. The temple stands at the heart of Angkor Thom and deserves a stop of its own on any Angkor itinerary. A visit takes about one and a half to two hours,[1] so add travel, breaks and time for a guide if you take one.
A Buddhist temple and the enigmatic faces
Jayavarman VII built Bayon towards the end of the twelfth century as a Mahayana Buddhist temple for the Buddha seated under the naga, named Jayabuddhamahanatha.[1] Its role as the pivot of Angkor Thom is part of what makes it special: the city's five gates carry the Churning of the Sea of Milk, with Bayon as the mountain at the centre.[1]
Only 37 of the original 49 or 54 towers still stand. The smiling faces on them are enigmatic, and who they show has been debated for generations.[1] Walk around the terraces and watch how the faces change with the light and your angle.
Things to Do
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GetYourGuide partner offers. GoAsia may earn a commission if you book through these offers. Check whether tickets or transfers are included, and follow the attraction's official booking and admission rules.
Leave time for the bas-reliefs
Almost all the roofless outer galleries have reliefs on their walls, and they show daily life as much as myth: market stalls, workers laying out a road, women preparing fish on skewers, and Chinese soldiers, shopkeepers and boat parties.[1] Move slowly along a gallery and compare the activities, clothing and objects in the carvings.
A guide helps with the historical context. Agree the language, duration, route and price beforehand.
Opening hours and upper-level access
Bayon is open from 07:30 to 17:30.[1] Come early for softer light and fewer tour groups.
The central tower has been closed for conservation since 1 February 2020.[1] In August 2025 APSARA was installing seven new stairs, four of them already in place, with the third level due to reopen soon after the restoration.[2] Ask the staff at the entrance which levels are open on your day, follow the open route and do not cross barriers.
Choose an Angkor Pass
Bayon is on the Small Circuit,[3] and the Angkor Pass covers all temples inside the Angkor Archaeological Park.[3] Prices on the official ticket page in October 2026:[4]
| Angkor Pass | Price | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 37 USD[4] | 1 day |
| 3 days | 62 USD[4] | 7 days |
| 7 days | 72 USD[4] | 30 days |
Tickets are sold only by Angkor Enterprise, at the ticket office on Road 60, 4 km from the centre of Siem Reap, and on its official ticket page; tickets bought elsewhere are not valid.[3] A one-day ticket needs no photo, while three-day and seven-day tickets do.[3] Buy your one-day ticket after 4:45 PM the day before and you can enter the park that evening for sunset.[3] Children under 12 do not need a ticket, but may be asked for a passport as proof of age.[3]
Getting there from Siem Reap
| Option | Good for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk or car with driver | A full day on the Small Circuit without worrying about heat or navigation | Agree the full-day price, the route, the pickup point and the return time before you start |
| Bicycle | Early mornings and cooler hours, at your own pace | Check the route from your hotel, bring water and plan the return before the afternoon heat |
| Self-drive scooter | Flexible days between several temples | Scooter rental is possible for temple visits;[3] check the rental terms and insurance |
A driver's quote is for the whole vehicle, not per person. Agree what the "Small Circuit" includes and where to meet after each temple.
Respect the monument and plan the next stop
Sacred places at Angkor do not admit bare shoulders or shorts and skirts above the knee. Do not touch the carvings or climb on the monuments, and do not leave litter.[5] Be considerate of worshippers and monks, and wear shoes you can walk in over uneven stone.
Pair Bayon with nearby temples and leave room for breaks and water. The Angkor Wat guide and the Ta Prohm guide help you choose the stops for your temple day, and our Cambodia travel overview connects Siem Reap with a wider journey.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] APSARA National Authority: Bayon. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [2] APSARA National Authority: APSARA National Authority Installs New Stairs to Improve Access to Bayon Temple’s 3rd Level, 14 August 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [3] Angkor Enterprise: FAQs. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [4] Angkor Enterprise: Available Tickets. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [5] Angkor Enterprise: Visitor code of conduct. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Its smiling face towers and bas-reliefs showing Khmer daily life and mythological scenes. Jayavarman VII built it at the end of the twelfth century as a Mahayana Buddhist temple, and the identity of the faces is still debated.
The central tower has been closed for conservation since 1 February 2020. In August 2025 new stairs were being installed to reopen the third level soon. Ask the staff at the entrance which levels are open on your day and follow the barriers.
Bayon is open from 07:30 to 17:30, and a visit takes about one and a half to two hours.
On the official ticket page in October 2026 a one-day pass costs 37 USD, a three-day pass 62 USD and a seven-day pass 72 USD. They are valid for 1, 7 and 30 days respectively. Bayon is on the Small Circuit.
A one-day ticket needs no photo; three-day and seven-day tickets do. Children under 12 do not need a ticket but may be asked for a passport as proof of age.
Most visitors take a tuk-tuk or a car with driver. You can also cycle or rent a scooter. Agree the full-day price, the route, the pickup point and the return time with your driver.
A guide is worth it if you want the historical context behind the reliefs. Agree the language, route, duration and full fee beforehand.
Cover your shoulders and knees in sacred places. Do not touch the carvings, climb on the monuments or leave litter, and be considerate of worshippers and monks.
