Bayon Temple
Siem Reap, CambodiaThe enigmatic face temple at the center of Angkor Thom - 216 colossal stone faces of the Bodhisattva smile enigmatically from 54 towers. The bas-reliefs on the lower levels depict everyday Khmer life in extraordinary detail, from market scenes to naval battles. Most atmospheric in early morning mist.
More Culture in Siem Reap
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Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument on earth - a 12th-century Khmer temple complex covering 402 acres that served as the state temple of the Khmer Empire. The bas-reliefs depicting the Mahabharata stretch for 800 meters; sunrise viewed from the reflecting pool is one of the most extraordinary moments in travel.
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Ta Prohm Temple
The "Tomb Raider temple" - deliberately left unrestored with massive silk-cotton trees growing through the stone walls and roots engulfing entire galleries. Ta Prohm is the most atmospheric temple in Angkor, evoking the lost city rediscovered by French explorers in the jungle.
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Preah Khan Temple
A sprawling 12th-century temple complex built by Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and teaching hall. Less visited than Angkor Wat but equally impressive, with long colonnaded corridors, a Hall of Dancers with intricate apsara carvings, and jungle trees reclaiming the outer walls.