BAPHUONInside Angkor Thom
The Baphuon Temple is located inside Angkor Thom and one of the most impressive temples in the Angkor Archeological Park. It was build in the 11th century during the reign of Udayadityavarman II, who ruled the Kingdom from 1050 to 1066. One of the things that makes Baphuon a special place to visit, is the fact that it took more than 50 years to fully restore the temple.
What to know about Baphuon?
The Baphuon Temple is a three layered temple structure dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It was converted into a Buddhist temple in the 15th century. By that time the temple had already started to fall apart, since the sandy ground under the temple wasn’t really suitable to carry such a large structure. In the 5 centuries that followed, the temple almost completely collapse. Restoration began halfway through the 20th century but was halted due to the outbreak of the civil war. In 1996 a second restoration attempt was initiated. It took almost 16 years to fully restore the temple.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TEMPLE RULES?
How to get to the Baphuon Temple?
The Baphuon Temple is located northwest of the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. The best way to visit the Baphuon temple, and all other fascinating sites in Angkor Thom, is by booking a tour.
Tours have qualified guides who know a lot of details from the different monuments in Angkor Thom. Visiting Angkor Thom with a guide adds a lot of value to your visit to the second famous monumental site in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
How much will it cost?
To visit the Baphuon Temple you need an Angkor Pass. It allows you entrance to the Baphuon temple and all other temples in Angkor Thom. You can buy an Angkor Pass for 1 day ($37), three days ($62) or 7 days ($72). You can buy the Angkor Pass At the Angkor Pass Ticket Counters and need to bring a photo. The Angkor Pass allows you to visit al historical sites within the Archaeological Park and a number of sites outside the park, like Phnom Krom and Beng Mealea.
What you should do!
The Baphuon Temple is definitly one of the historical monuments that you shouldn’t miss. Angkor Thom is a big site with many monuments and if you don’t have much time to visit all of the monuments, the Baphuon temple should be second on your list, right after the Bayon temple.
What you should not do!
Strict rules apply in the Archaeological Park when it comes to the way you are dressed. Tank tops for men and halter-neck tops for ladies are not allowed. Littering, flying drones, urinating or other indecent behavior will definitely get you in trouble. Read all the temple rules and etiquette here!