Baphuon is a tiered sandstone temple in Angkor Thom, north of Bayon, in Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park. Built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, it was later adapted for Buddhist worship. A long raised causeway leads to the pyramid, whose upper galleries hold worn carvings and a partly formed reclining Buddha on the western side. Wooden stairways give access to the higher levels, where you can look across the surrounding trees and Angkor Thom. The climb is steep, so allow time to explore at your own pace.
A temple in Angkor Thom
Baphuon stands in Angkor Thom, northwest of Bayon and within the Angkor Archaeological Park. It was built as a temple to Shiva and later became a Buddhist site. Its stepped, three-tiered form gives the building its mountain-temple appearance, with galleries rising toward a central tower that has largely collapsed.
The temple’s layout has changed over time. An earlier eastern complex was incorporated into the approach, and builders extended the route, removed an entrance pavilion and joined the sections into the long axis visible today. The broad causeway leads directly toward the pyramid, so the walk in gives a clear sense of the monument’s scale before you reach the stairs.
Inscriptions once led scholars to associate Baphuon with King Udayadityavarman II. Evidence from iron clamps in the earliest construction has also been used to place important building work near the end of the tenth or beginning of the eleventh century. The precise ruler responsible for each stage of the temple’s development remains uncertain.
Climbing the temple
Wooden stairways provide access to the higher levels. They sit over original stone steps that are too worn and uneven for safe use. Expect a steep ascent, especially in hot weather, and take care as you climb and descend. The upper tiers have covered galleries and carved stone details, including figures of devatas, animals, hunters and soldiers. Some carvings have weathered, so look closely as you move around each level.
The views from above take in the trees and parts of Angkor Thom, including Bayon. The surrounding canopy can limit how far you can see, and the upper stonework shows wear from exposure. Walk around the base as well as climbing: the temple’s shape is easier to appreciate from below, where you can see the smaller remains and cut stones around the structure.
On the west side, look for the large, unfinished reclining Buddha. It was assembled from stones taken from the pyramid after the site had been adapted for Buddhist use. The sculpture measures about 9 metres long, according to the supplied material, and is an important feature to seek out as you explore.
Restoration and what remains visible
Baphuon’s restoration involved dismantling and rebuilding much of the structure. French archaeologists numbered the stones before taking the temple apart, but war interrupted the work and the stones were scattered. The long reconstruction effort eventually allowed visitors to climb the restored temple again. Signs at the site explain aspects of the restoration.
The work also helps explain why loose or displaced stones remain part of the scene around the monument. The temple has been altered and repaired across multiple stages, and not every section has returned to its earlier form. That layered history is visible in the structure itself: the causeway, the pyramid, the changed religious use and the unfinished Buddha belong to different parts of Baphuon’s story.
If you are visiting Bayon, Baphuon is a short walk away. Set aside energy for the stairs, then move through the galleries without rushing. An early start, around 7 to 8 AM, can help you avoid harsher sunlight and tour groups.
FAQ
Where is Baphuon Temple?
It is in Angkor Thom, northwest of Bayon, inside the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap.
Can you climb Baphuon Temple?
Yes. Wooden stairways lead to the upper levels. The climb is steep, and the original stone steps are not suitable for visitors to use.
What is the reclining Buddha at Baphuon?
A large, unfinished reclining Buddha is built into the temple’s western side. It was made using stones from the pyramid after the site was adapted for Buddhist worship.
When is a good time to visit Baphuon Temple?
Early morning, around 7 to 8 AM, is suggested to avoid larger tour groups and the harsher heat later in the day.
