Bayon Temple in Siem Reap
Cambodia - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Sihanoukville
Bayon Temple in Siem Reap stands in the exact center of the walled city. Visiting this piece of sculpture you will see the stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. One of the faces is looking outward and keeping watch at each compass point. It is a magnificent smiling image which has drawn several interpretations regarding its resemblance.
Some think the smiling image represents Jayavarman himself. Some have termed it as the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia” because of its curious smile. There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own.
The walls surrounding Bayon Temple in Siem Reap feature an extraordinary collection of bas-relief scenes of legendary and historical events. More than 11,000 carved figures over 1.2 km of wall has been the undaunted attraction of this point of interest. Originally painted, these pictures have been faded now.
Here on the painted walls you will see images of The Chams on the run, Linga worship, A naval battle, Military procession, Civil war, The all-seeing king, Victory parade, A procession with the king carrying a bow, A Khmer circus, A land of plenty, Rivers teem with fish, The Chams retreat and The Chams enter Angkor.
Watching the temple you will find traces of Hinduism magnificently punched with Buddhism, one of the paintings on the wall depict worshippers bowing before a linga (Hindu phallic symbol associated with Shiva).
Apart from this, Siem Reap Travel Guide talks about other sightseeing spots in Siem Reap like Terrace of the Leper King in Siem Reap, Terrace of the Elephants in Siem Reap, Beng Melea in Siem Reap and Aki Ra's Landmine Museum in Siem Reap.
| Hotels in Siem Reap | |
| Angkor Palace Resort & Spa | Angkor Paradise Hotel |
| Angkor Riverside Hotel | Angkor Saphir Hotel |
| Angkor Star Hotel | Angkor Than Hotel |
