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Bayon
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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!
The word "bas-relief" is not a typical word I use in daily life, but to make it simple and without sounding like Wikipedia:
It`s a sculpture technique where figures are carved so they stand out of its background material. In my opinion, figures can look like they`re trapped in a stone.
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.
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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!
Recommended time: 1 hour
Author's rating:
For tours around Angkor Park, visit my page about Angkor Wat Tours
At the food stalls outside Angkor Watt, Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan and Kbal Spean you'll get cheap food!
How's the food? Is it safe?
I didn't get sick by eating this food. There was lots of travelers and tourists who ate at the on-site restaurants, so that means high turnover of food.
Noodle soup: 2.50 $
Steamed rice with vegetables: 2.50 $
Beverages (coke, small water): 1-1,5 $
Small/big bottle of water: 1-2 $
Angkor beer, Tiger beer (can, bottle): 2-3 $
There are also food vendors and kids walking around the park, selling snacks and cold drinks. Cold water is a unbelievable good after you`ve been walking the whole day, in the scorching sun!
For tailored tours around Angkor Park, visit my page about Angkor Wat Tours
So, where do you go next?
Click to read about Ta Prohm temple.
The red sandstone complex of Banteay Srei
Get an interactive Cambodia Map and detailed bus information for Cambodia
Return from Bayon to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.
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