Bayon
Angkor

Watching over 200 huge smiling stone faces of Bayon was spectacular. The stones are faces of Avalokiteshvara. And the smiles are known as the "Khmer Smile".

It`s odd walking around and every time you turn, there will be a smiling face. It will feel like someone is staring at you the whole time!

On top of that, you can see the famous bas-reliefs. They depict scenes from fables, and the common theme is: Good against evil (as I perceived it). I gazed at the Bas-reliefs for at least one and a half hour, especially at the carved war battles with elephants. The Khmer soldiers wear no helmets, bare-foot and are naked except for a belt.

And the majestic elephants were an important part of the Angkor army, used in carrying weapons and supplies, and also as mounts in battle.

Another interesting thing about the Angkor area is the "Royal Roads." These roads made it possible for transporting goods, and not to mention holding back local rebellions. So the roads were part of a military strategy.

On the other hand, this strategy didn`t seem to go well because Thai soldiers managed to find their way to get in... by using the Royal Roads!

The best part of Bayon are the bas-reliefs!

You`ll see interesting reliefs of Khmer circus, military processions, Apsaras, demon battles and Khmer soldiers displaying Khmer boxing movements (a native martial art).

Then other reliefs display scenes from everyday life:

Markets, cockfights, food preparation and much more.

Cockfights are still one of the favorite entertainments of village men in Cambodia. So, these reliefs reflect the rural and daily Cambodian life, which exists even today.

I definitely enjoyed this place and will come back some day!

Where can I grab some food or buy a souvenir inside the park?

Click here to find out!

So, where do you go next?

Click to read about Ta Prohm, click here.

The red sandstone complex of Banteay Srei

The 1000 Lingas of Kbal Spean

The labyrinth of Preah Khan

Angkor Wat

Return from Bayon to Backpacking Tips Asia.