Angkor Thom was the last great capital of the Khmer Empire, and it is the part of Angkor that most surprises first-time visitors. King Jayavarman VII built the walled city in the late twelfth century after driving out an invading army, enclosing a square about three kilometres on each side within a wall and moat. You enter through towering gates crowned with four great faces, most often the South Gate, where the causeway is lined with rows of gods and demons hauling a giant serpent. At the exact centre stands the Bayon, a crowded mountain of towers carved with more than two hundred calm, smiling faces, and galleries of bas-reliefs showing naval battles, markets, cockfights and everyday Khmer life. Around it lie the Baphuon, a towering temple-mountain restored stone by stone, the Phimeanakas, and the long Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, where the court watched parades. This page links to a full-day guided tour on Tiqets that pairs Angkor Wat with Angkor Thom.
How to visit: the South Gate of Angkor Thom is a few minutes north of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk, and the Bayon stands about a kilometre and a half beyond it. The whole city is covered by the Angkor Pass, which you must buy in advance from Angkor Enterprise, online or at the office on Road 60; it is not sold at the temples. Most temples inside the walls keep daytime hours, opening in the early morning and closing around sunset.
The tour: the Tiqets full-day guided tour, run by Journey Guide Cambodia, meets at a cafe on Achar Sva Street between 7:40 and 8:00 and runs for about eight hours with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, cold towels and water. It visits Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom; ask your guide to make time for the Bayon’s outer bas-reliefs and the Terrace of the Elephants. Park admission and hotel pickup are not included, and free cancellation runs until 16 hours before. Reviews are few but all five-star.
Making the most of it: the Bayon is at its best in soft morning or late-afternoon light, when the faces seem to change expression as the shadows move. Midday is hot and bright, so plan shaded galleries or lunch then, and carry plenty of water.
What to expect
The experience
A drive through the South Gate, then a guided walk through the Bayon, the Baphuon and the royal terraces of the walled city.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light rakes across the stone faces and the heat is gentler.
How long
Three to four hours for the Bayon, the Baphuon and the terraces, and a full day if combined with Angkor Wat.
Tips
Buy the Angkor Pass beforehand, wear shoes with grip for the steep steps, and ask your guide to show you the everyday-life scenes on the Bayon’s outer walls.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and photographers who want the most atmospheric temple at Angkor after Angkor Wat itself.
- Families
- Children love spotting faces on the Bayon towers and walking the long Terrace of the Elephants.
- Couples
- The Bayon in golden late-afternoon light is quietly magical, with fewer people than at sunrise spots.
- Pair with
- Angkor Wat in the morning and Ta Prohm, a short ride east, to complete the classic day.
- Time needed
- Half a day for Angkor Thom alone, or a full day with Angkor Wat.
Good questions
How many faces are on the Bayon?+
The Bayon’s towers carry more than two hundred carved faces, most of them looking out in four directions from each tower. Many believe they portray the king as a compassionate Buddhist deity.
Is Angkor Thom included in the Angkor Pass?+
Yes, Angkor Thom, the Bayon and the other temples inside the walls are all covered by the Angkor Pass. Buy the pass online or at the Road 60 office before you go.
Does the Tiqets tour include the Bayon?+
The tour is sold as Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, and the Bayon is the centrepiece of Angkor Thom. Confirm the exact stops with the guide at the start.
How far is Angkor Thom from Angkor Wat?+
The South Gate is only a few minutes north of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk or car. The Bayon is about a kilometre and a half inside the gate.
What should I wear to Angkor Thom?+
Wear light clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, a hat and shoes with good grip. Several temples have steep, uneven stone steps.
