Baphuon: Angkor's Mountain Temple

Explore Baphuon, the majestic temple-mountain in Angkor Thom, showcasing Khmer architecture and intricate carvings.

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Baphuon, a towering temple-mountain in Angkor Thom, offers a glimpse into the Khmer Empire's architectural prowess. Built in the 11th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, it later became a Buddhist temple. Its intricate carvings and massive structure make it a compelling site to explore.

A brief summary to Baphuon

Angkor Archaelogical Park, Krong Siem Reap, KH
+85563765577

Monday 7:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm
Friday 7:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 7:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the steep stairs to the upper levels.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Take your time to appreciate the intricate bas-relief carvings depicting scenes from Khmer history and mythology.
A valid Angkor Pass is required to enter the temple complex.

Getting There

Tuk-tuk

From Siem Reap, hire a tuk-tuk for a ride to Angkor Thom. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Negotiate the price beforehand, typically between $15-$25 for a half-day tour including Baphuon and other nearby temples. The tuk-tuk driver will drop you off at the entrance to Angkor Thom, from where you can walk to Baphuon.
Walking

After arriving at Angkor Thom, follow the road towards Bayon Temple. Baphuon is located approximately 200 meters northwest of Bayon. From the Terrace of the Elephants, continue walking north; the temple will be visible on your left. The walk from Bayon to Baphuon is about 15 minutes.

Discover more about Baphuon

Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon temple, Baphuon stands as a remarkable example of Khmer architecture. Constructed in the mid-11th century, this three-tiered temple mountain was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva before being converted to a Theravada Buddhist temple in the late 15th century. The temple adjoins the southern enclosure of the royal palace, measuring 120 meters east-west and 100 meters north-south at its base, reaching a height of 34 meters without its now-missing tower. Baphuon's design is the archetype of the Baphuon style, characterized by intricate carvings covering nearly every surface. These carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, epic poems like the Ramayana, and realistic depictions of daily life and forest scenes. The temple's pyramid shape symbolizes Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. Over time, Baphuon faced structural challenges due to its construction on a sandy foundation. By the 20th century, much of the temple had collapsed, leading to a large-scale restoration project. The restoration, which involved dismantling and reconstructing the temple, was interrupted by civil war but eventually completed in 2011. Today, Baphuon stands as a testament to the resilience of Khmer architecture and the dedication to preserving Cambodia's cultural heritage. Visitors can climb the steep stairs to the upper terrace for panoramic views of Angkor Thom.