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Baphuon: Angkor's Mountain Temple

Explore Baphuon, the impressive 11th-century temple-mountain in Angkor Thom, featuring intricate carvings and a rich history of Hindu and Buddhist influences.

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Baphuon, a majestic temple-mountain in Angkor Thom, was built in the 11th century as the state temple of King Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Later converted to a Buddhist temple, it features intricate carvings and a massive reclining Buddha on its west side. After extensive restoration, it stands as a testament to Khmer architectural prowess.

A brief summary to Baphuon

  • Angkor Archaelogical Park, Krong Siem Reap, KH
  • +85563765577

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the steep steps to the upper levels of the temple.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Take your time to appreciate the intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and Khmer daily life.
  • Combine your visit to Baphuon with nearby attractions like the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Siem Reap, the most common way to reach Baphuon is by tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk ride to Angkor Thom typically costs between $15 and $25 for the day. Negotiate the price beforehand. The journey takes around 30 minutes from Siem Reap to the Angkor Thom entrance. An Angkor Pass is required to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park, which can be purchased at the official ticket center for $37 (one-day pass). From the entrance of Angkor Thom, Baphuon is a short ride away. The tuk-tuk driver will typically wait while you explore the temple.

  • Walking

    If you are already within Angkor Thom, near the Bayon Temple or the Terrace of the Elephants, Baphuon is easily accessible by foot. From Bayon Temple, walk approximately 200 meters northwest. Follow the path past the Terrace of the Elephants; Baphuon will be on your left. The walk is about 15 minutes. There are no additional costs for this approach, as it is within the Angkor Thom complex, which requires the Angkor Pass for entry.

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Discover more about Baphuon

Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon temple, Baphuon stands as a remarkable example of Khmer temple architecture. Constructed in the mid-11th century, it served as the state temple for King Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple's design, known as the Baphuon style, features intricate carvings that cover nearly every surface, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, epic poems like the Ramayana, and daily life. In the late 15th century, Baphuon transitioned into a Buddhist temple. During this period, a massive, 70-meter-long reclining Buddha was added to the west side of the second level. This addition likely necessitated the dismantling of the central tower, explaining its current absence. The temple's construction on sandy soil led to significant instability throughout its history, with large portions collapsing even before the Buddha was added. By the 20th century, Baphuon was in near total collapse. A monumental restoration project began in the 1960s, involving the dismantling of the temple stone by stone, reinforcing the foundation, and re-assembling the structure. However, the project was halted by the Cambodian civil war in the 1970s, and the plans were lost. A second restoration project, dubbed the "largest 3D jigsaw puzzle in the world," commenced in 1996, and after 16 years of meticulous work, the temple was reopened in 2011. Today, visitors can explore this magnificent temple-mountain, ascend its steep stairs, and enjoy panoramic views of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

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