We stand before it stunned. It is like nothing else in the land. The Bayon is located in the center of the city of Angkor Thom 1500 meters (4921 feet) from the south gate. Enter tower of the Bayon is from the east. Prasat Bayon was built in late 12th century to early 13th century, by the King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to ...
The Bayon vies with Angkor Wat the favorite monument of visitors. the two evoke similar aesthetic responses yet are different in purpose, design, architecture and decoration. The dense jungle surround the temple camouflaged its position in relation to other structures at Angkor so it was not known for some time that the Bayon stands in the exact centre of the city of Angkor Thom.
Even after this was known, the Bayon was erroneously connected with the city of Yasovarman I and thus dated to the ninth century. A pediment found in 1925 depicting an Avalokitesvara identified the Bayon as a Buddhist temple.
This discovery moved the date of the monument ahead some 300 years to the late twelfth century. Even though the date is firmly implanted and supported by archaeological evidence, the Bayon remains one of the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group. Its symbolism, original form and subsequent changes and constructions have not yet been untangled.
The Bayon was built nearly 100 years after Angkor Wat. The basic structure and earliest part of the temple ate not known. Since it was located at the centre of a royal city it seems possible that the Bayon would have originally been a temple-mountain conforming to the symbolism of a microcosm of Mount Meru. The middle part of the temple was extended during the second phase of building. The Bayon of today belong to the third and last phase of the art style.
Smilling Face at BayonThe architectural scale and composition of the Bayon exude grandness in every aspects. Its elements juxtapose each other to create balance and harmony.
Over 2000 large faces carved on the 54 tower give this temple its majestic character. The faces with slightly curving lips, eyes placed in shadow by the lowered lids utter not a word and yet force you to guess much, wrote P Jennerat de Beerski in the 1920s. It is generally accepted that four faces on each of the tower are images of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and that they signify the omnipresence of the king. The characteristics of this faces - a broad forehead, downcast eyes, wild nostrils, thick lips that curl upwards slightly at the ends-combine to reflect the famous 'Smile of Angkor'.
A peculiarity of the Bayon is the absence of an enclosing wall. It is, though, protected by the wall surrounding the city of Angkor Thom. The basic plan of the Bayon is a simple one comprising three levels (1-3). The first and second levels are square galleries featuring bas-reliefs. A circular Central Sanctuary dominates the third level. Despite this seemingly simple plan, the arrangement of the Bayon is complex, with a maze of galleries, passages and steps connected in a way that make the levels practically indistinguishable and creates dim lighting, narrow walkways, and low ceilings.
Enter the Bayon from the east at the steps leading to a terrace. The interior of the Bayon, the one a visitor first encounters, is a square gallery on the ground or first level. This gallery is interspersed with eight entry towers - one in each corner and one in the middle of each side. All of the eight structures are in the shape of a cross. The gallery was probably originally covered with a root, perhaps of wood.
This itinerary is designed specifically with family friendly activities. Visit UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat and other temples in the Angkor Park including the fine-carving Banteay Srei ...
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This tour is a unique experience of Angkor temple visit by using bikes to access the secret approach to every temples and riding through the hidden villages of Siem Reap to learn on how people live ...
Take a stroll through Siem Reap's inner core and experience this small, yet booming tourist town. Begin your tour with a visit to the Royal Gardens and Residence before making your way through the ...
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Devote an entire day to exploring the incredible temples at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom under the leadership of a local, English-speaking guide. Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins at Angkor Wat and the ...
Phum Veal, Khum Kouk Chak, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favorite.
Set in Siem Reap, 1.9 mi from Pub Street, Shintana Saya Residence features a year-round outdoor pool. The resort has a barbecue and views of the garden, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The resort also offers car hire. Angkor Wat is 2.2 mi from Shintana Saya Residence, while Wat Thmei is 0.6 mi from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 3.1 mi away. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
All rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. You will find a kettle in the room. Extras include bathrobes and slippers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Complimentary use of bicycles are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Heart of Wonder Villa Tmey Village, Svay Dangkom Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.
Heart of Wonder Countryside Resort is situated in Siem Reap. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk as well as free WiFi. The villa is surrounded by rice paddies, banana, coconut and palm trees as well as rural folk going about their daily business.
Each room is fitted with a flat screen TV, a hairdryer and a safety deposit box. There is a spacious bathroom with shower and bathtub as well as a sofa, large desk and closet in each room. A huge lobby and sitting area, with comfortable furniture and chairs, is adjacent to each room.
Heart of Wonder Countryside Resort offers an outdoor pool. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation. Dramatic sunrise and sunset views can be enjoyed from the balcony.
Angkor Wat is 9.2 km from Heart of Wonder Countryside Resort. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km from the property. Old Market/Pub Street is 2.9 km away.
Solo travellers particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a one-person stay.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
#522, Group13 , Vichea, Chin Village , Svay Dangkum , Siem Reap , Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nestled within private gardens, Advaya Residence offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy both Western and Asian cuisines at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 1 km to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat is 7.7 km from Advaya Residence, while Artisans D'Angkor is 1.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8.9 km from the property. The property offers complimentary airport pickups, or bus stop station and drop-off services to Old Market.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a TV with cable channels and a writing desk. Some rooms or suites feature a balcony for dining area which overlooks the pool and the garden. Certain units have views of the pool, gardens or city. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, bathroom amenities and a separate shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange and tour arrangements. Babysitting, ticketing and concierge services are also provided. Guests can enjoy cooking classes available upon request. Complimentary use of bicycles are offered for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Street 20, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Set in a quiet neighbourhood in Wat Bo Village, Gold Smith Residence offers residential-style accommodation with complimentary WiFi in all areas. Only a 5-minute Tuk Tuk ride brings guests to the heart of downtown Siem Reap.
Designed in courtyard setting with a stunning swimming pool in the centre of the hotel, all rooms and suites feature an en suite bathroom with separate rain shower and a bathtub. Other modern amenities include an in-room safe, coffee machine, minibar and a 42-inch TV.
Guests can sample a wide range of cuisines including Khmer, Pan-Asian, Western and healthy dishes at the on-site restaurant, Gold Leaf All Dining. Equipped with all glass windows, the restaurant venue is located next to the swimming pool and guests can admire view of the tropical garden.
Guests can make use of the business centre or rent a car to explore the area. Staff speak English and Khmer at the reception.
King's Road Angkor is 1.1 km from the hotel. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 8 km from Gold Smith Residence.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Solo travellers particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a one-person stay.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Top Town Road,Krous Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Nestled within private gardens, Day Day Inn offers accommodation in Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available in all rooms.
The vibrant Pub Street, Old Market and Cambodian Cultural Village are 2.8 km away. Angkor Wat is 8 km from Day Day Inn, while Kravan Temple is 1.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 7.2 km from the property. The property offers airport transfers and shuttle services at additional charges.
Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen cable TV. Certain units have a seating area for your convenience. Some units include views of the garden or city. En suite bathrooms include shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services.
We speak your language!
Sivatha Blvd, Mondol II Village, Svaydangkum Commnune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa is just 10 minutes’ drive from the world famous Angkor Wat Temple and a 5-minute walk from the popular Pub Street. It has a spa, health club, and an outdoor pool with hot tub. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa is a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport. It takes 5 minutes on foot to the Night Market and various dining and shopping options. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Featuring hardwood flooring, rooms at Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa come with a private balcony. Each room has cable TV, a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities. The attached bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and separate shower.
Guests can exercise in the fitness centre or relax in the sauna. Travel arrangements can be made at the tour desk. The hotel provides taxi service and currency exchange, as well as laundry and dry cleaning.
Buffet breakfast is served daily. Somadevi Café offers Khmer, Asian and European dishes. Snacks and drinks are available at Devi Lobby Lounge, which also shows movies and sports programs on a wide-screen TV.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
We speak your language!
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 20 May 2010.
Hotel Rooms: 170
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Morgane
Country: United Kingdom
City: Singapore
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date:
Booked: Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: Full-Day
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