Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mystery associated with Bayon - such as its exact function and symbolism - and this
seems only appropriate for a monument whose signature is an enigmatic smiling face.
The eastward orientation of Bayon leads most people to visit early in the morning,
preferably just after sunrise, when the sun inches upwards, lighting face after face. Bayon,
however, looks equally good in the late afternoon. A Japanese team is restoring several
outer areas of the temple.
BAYON INFORMATION CENTER
The
Bayon Information Center
( 092165083;
www.angkor-jsa.org/bic;
56 Phum Tropeang Ses,
Khum Kokchork, Siem Reap; admission US$2; 8am-4pm Tue, Wed & Fri-Sun) is a well-presen-
ted and informative exhibition on the history of the Khmer empire and the restoration projects around
Angkor, including some short documentary films. Set in the beautiful compound of the Japanese gov-
ernment team for Safeguarding Angkor (JSA) on the outskirts of Siem Reap, it's a big saving on the
Angkor National Museum.
Architectural Layout
Unlike Angkor Wat, which looks impressive from all angles, Bayon looks rather like a
glorified pile of rubble from a distance. It's only when you enter the temple and make
your way up to the third level that its magic becomes apparent.
The basic structure of Bayon a simple three levels, which correspond more or less to
three distinct phases of building. This is because Jayavarman VII began construction of
this temple at an advanced age, so he was never confident it would be completed. Each
time one phase was completed, he moved on to the next. The first two levels are square
and adorned with bas-reliefs. They lead up to a third, circular level, with the towers and
their faces.
Some say that the Khmer empire was divided into 54 provinces at the time of Bayon's
construction, hence the all-seeing eyes of Avalokiteshvara (or Jayavarman VII) keeping
watch on the kingdom's outlying subjects.
