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.
The natural wonders and ancient Buddhist temples of Kulen Mountain lie just a 1.5-hour drive north of Siem Reap. On this full-day tour, spend the morning exploring the Phnom Kulen National Park, ...
Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants, Ta Prohm, Phnom Bakheng. This tour also includes your 1-day temple pass, lunch at a local restaurant and an evening Apsara Dance ...
Immerse yourself in ancient history and Cambodian culture on a private, 3-day tour of Angkor Archeological Park and Tonle Sap Lake. With two full days to explore the Angkor temples, you can see top ...
There are three main temples of Roluos Group stand apart from the main attractions around Siem Reap, lying to the west of the town rather than on the main northern axis. They’re also significantly ...
Take in some of the most stunning sites around Angkor as you follow the Angkor Grand Circuit, laid by the French in the 20th century, and take beautiful pictures of tree-clad temples, colorful ...
Especially designed for family to Cambodia. We will prepare a slow-paced tour itinerary for you and your children and take care of all the details to make sure you will have a comfortable biking tour ...
Kok Chork, Trorpeang Ses Commnune, Wat Thmey, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Nestled within tropical gardens and a peaceful location, Sokkhak Boutique and Resort offers stylish and luxury accommodations away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor salt water pool and guests can enjoy meals at the well-decorated in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar or lounge. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Featuring Khmer Decor, rooms are luxuriously decorated with antique furniture and classic artwork and facilitated with high quality premium linen and bedding material for guests' comfort. All rooms and suites come with air conditioning, antique-style tiles and hardwood flooring, a flat-screen cable TV and a writing desk. Some units have a seating area and private balcony with a lounge area for relaxing or dining that opens up to views of the swimming pool and garden. En suite bathrooms include a rain shower, beautiful vanity counter, a full range of bathroom amenities, slipper and toiletry.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, free shoe-shine service, laundry, currency exchange, ticketing and concierge services. Additionally, guests can rent bicycles to explore the surrounding area or learn how to make local dishes at the cooking class.
Guests can enjoy Cambodian and Western dishes at Sokkhak Dinning Restaurant or indulge in massage treatments by professional massage therapists at Sokkhak Spa.
The property is located close to several tourist attractions such as 500 m from Wat Thmei, 1.4 km from Apsara Theatre and 4.2 km from Angkor Wat. Angkor National Museum is 2 km from Sokkhak Boutique Resort. The vibrant Pub Street and Old Market are 3.8 km from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 8.5 km away. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers by Tuk Tuk and shuttle services to the city centre.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
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!
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!
Village Salakomroeuk, Sangkat Salakomroeuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Situated in Siem Reap, Mane History Lovers is a small, luxury, boutique hotel where each room has a different Cambodian historical theme, filled with antiques and retro furniture. The hotel offers free WiFi, a sun terrace, swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre.
Mane History Lovers is around 1 km from King's Road Angkor and 1.3 km from Pub Street. The restaurant serves Asian and European, as well as Cambodian dishes.
The hotel features silks, brass fittings, wood furnishings, handmade tiles, handcrafted accent pieces and Art Deco pieces. There are also sandstone sculptures and handmade ceramics in the restaurant.
The suites at Mane History Lovers are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a bath. Air-conditioning and a desk are included.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include Old Market, Angkor Trade Centre and Platinum Cineplex Siem Reap. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 14 km from Mane History Lovers.
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.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 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!
7 Makara St, Chun Lung Village, Sangkat Salakamroeuk, , Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.
Naga Gate Boutique Hotel greets guests with a welcome drink, cold towel, and fresh fruit skewer. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and also offers on-site cooking classes at the all-day dining restaurant. Added convenience include a range of complimentary services, such as use of bicycles to explore the surrounding areas, daily shuttle service to the city, roundtrip airport transfer, and hi-speed WiFi access throughout the property.
All rooms come with a seating area with a flat-screen TV and satellite channels where guests can relax. The bathroom comes with free toiletries, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers. Selected rooms also has a spa bath and views of the pool.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk to arrange tours, process currency exchange, ticketing and concierge services. In-house massage treatments are also available for an additional charge.
The in-house open-air restaurant serves up local Cambodian cuisine and international dishes.
Naga Gate Boutique Hotel is located 2.5 km from Wat Damnak and Siem Reap Pub Street. The Old and Central Markets are about 3 km from the property while the famous Angkor Temple is 8 km away. Siem Reap International Airport is 9 km away.
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!
#888, Khum Sra-Nge, (Airport Road) National Road No 6A, Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Located across the Cambodian Cultural Village, Empress Angkor Hotel has an salt water infinity pool and a spa. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. It offers 3 dining options and provides free return transfers from Siem Reap International Airport, located 3 km away.
Featuring wooden flooring and furnishings, the air-conditioned rooms at Empress Angkor have a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and personal safe. Some rooms have a separate living area. The private bathrooms are fitted with a bathtub and hot shower.
Guests can exercise in the fitness centre, or relax in the sauna. The hotel provides a free shuttle to the Central Market, the convenience of a 24-hour reception and a tour desk. Free parking is provided on site.
Buffet breakfast is served daily. Crown Café Restaurant serves traditional Khmer cuisine and Western dishes, as well as homemade ice cream. Light snacks and drinks are available at Royal Pool Bar and The Sky Island Bar.
Empress Angkor Hotel is a 10-minute drive to the historic temples of Angkor.
We speak your language!
Steung Thmey, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Bayon Shadow Villa provides a free pickup from Siem Reap International Airport, a 15-minute drive away. The villa offers free WiFi throughout the building. Guests can request for a pickup from any local bus station.
Bayon Shadow Villa is located in the heart of Siem Reap, a 5-minute walk from Old Market and Pub Street. Angkor Wat temple is a 15-minute drive away.
Cambodian-style rooms feature colorful local fabrics. Both air conditioning and a fan are provided in all villas.
Massage services can be arranged by staff of the guest house. Bicycle rental and ticketing services are available. Laundry and currency exchange services are also offered at the property.
Guests can enjoy Western meals or traditional Cambodian cuisine in the restaurant.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
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 9.2 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
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. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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