What's the story with all the faces at Bayon Temple?
Posted on Oct 16, 2025 / Travel
It's not just Angkor Wat that's cool—nearby Bayon Temple is famous for its massive, smiling stone faces, but the history is a bit debated. Many scholars believe the 200+ faces are a likeness of King Jayavarman VII, who commissioned the temple. He was a devout Buddhist, so the faces may represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a figure of compassion, overseeing his kingdom.
Please share the link with friends and neighbors:
Also! Recommended for you:
Why was Angkor Wat built and who actually made it?Is Angkor Wat still used for worship today?
What do the Angkor Wat carvings and bas-reliefs on the walls mean?
When is the best time to visit Angkor Wat for sunrise or photos?
Why did Angkor Wat eventually get abandoned?
What’s unique about how Angkor Wat was built?
How does Angkor Wat fit into modern Cambodian culture?
Why does everyone wake up at 4 a.m. for sunrise at Angkor Wat?
Was Angkor Wat always a Buddhist temple?
Can you see all of Angkor Wat in one day?
Why are some Angkor Wat temples covered in massive tree roots?
Is there a dress code for visiting Angkor Wat?
How did the Khmer Empire even move all that stone?
Cool facts about Angkor Wat
© 2025 City maps and famous places