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Baphuon Temple Guide: The Tower of Bronze in Angkor, Cambodia
- Jenn & Leon
- Aug 23, 2023
- 12 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Baphuon temple is a significant historical and architectural monument located within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
It is a part of Angkor Thom, the great capital city of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries.
Built in the 11th century as a tribute to the Hindu god Shiva, Baphuon Temple features a three-tiered pyramid design representing Mount Meru.
Adorned with intricate carvings and bas-reliefs portraying Hindu mythology and daily life during the Khmer Empire, the temple also underwent a conversion to Buddhism.
Several restoration projects have thankfully preserved the Baphuon's historical and artistic value, giving us the opportunity to visit this incredible temple to this very day, almost a thousand years on from its initial construction.
Continue reading for our highlights, the history of the temple, and all you need to know about how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket information, and much more.
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Our Baphuon Temple Highlights
Baphuon Temple is inside the 'great city' of Angkor Thom. Often overlooked in favor of the nearby temples of Bayon, Angkor Wat, and Ta Prohm, Baphuon was a unique opportunity to visit a temple here in relative peace away from the crowds.
That being said, the 225m walk just to get to the foot of the temple doesn’t offer any protection from the sun, and was a real challenge in the heat!
The scale of this temple is so impressive, and one can only imagine the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that went into its construction, let alone the grinding years of incredible restoration effort to get it back to what you see today.
Baphuon Temple would have been surrounded by water back in its heyday, although we are not entirely sure if this was the main reason for the construction of the causeway itself. It seems to be, though!
Baphuon Temple involves a lot of climbing, but the spectacular views of Angkor Thom are definitely worth it.
It is massive in scale and built on a man-made hill, and is said to be King Udayadityavarman II's first construction project. No doubt, no expense was spared as he built his legacy in stone.
Carvings of animal hunters, epic battles, and lotus flowers greeted us in every direction as we made our way to the very top of the temple.
The stairs are fairly steep to get to the top, but the view is absolutely wonderful and well worth the climb and the sweat!
The top section features covered walkways that take you around the entire square perimeter, giving a much-needed break from the blazing sun.
The construction of these walkways alone is really alluring, with the arched ceiling resembling the lotus flower shape, and each wall opening offering amazing views and great photo opportunities.
Baphuon Temple is an absolute must-see temple if you are visiting the Angkor site, in our opinion.
It is one of the oldest and perhaps most significant temples, and has a marvelous history which has thankfully been saved from Mother Nature's clutches.
It has a wonderful story to tell, and the views it offers should not be missed, in our opinion.
Keep reading to find out more about the history, how to get here, tips for visiting, the temple's opening times, ticket information, and more.
The History of Baphuon Temple in Cambodia
The Baphuon temple holds a complex history that spans centuries, reflecting the cultural and religious changes that occurred in the region.
Here is a detailed overview of its history:
⪢ 11th Century
The Baphuon temple was constructed during the reign of King Udayadityavarman II, who ruled from 1050 to 1066.
Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple was intended as a grand and symbolic representation of Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods in Hindu cosmology.
Its three-tiered pyramid design with a central sanctuary was part of the larger Angkor complex, which served as the capital city of the Khmer Empire.
⪢ 13th Century
The Khmer Empire began to shift its religious focus from Hinduism to Buddhism during the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
This change is reflected in the modifications made to some of the temples within the Angkor complex, including the Baphuon.
Elements of Hindu iconography were often replaced with Buddhist imagery during this period.
Baphuon Temple, perhaps unknowingly at the time, was built on a foundation of sandy soil, which proved to be too soft and inadequate for such an immense structure.
This shaky foundation caused the temple to be unstable for most of its history, and it is believed that large portions had already collapsed by the time it was converted to a Buddhist temple.
The stones from the collapsed portion of the structure were most likely used to form the hidden reclining Buddha on the west-facing section of the third enclosure wall.
It is fairly hard to spot, but when you see it, you can't unsee it. It is said to be one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Southeast Asia.
⪢ 15th Century
The decline of the Khmer Empire and the eventual abandonment of the Angkor complex led to a period of neglect and deterioration for many of the temples, including the Baphuon.
⪢ 16th to 20th Century
The Angkor region gradually became overgrown by the jungle, and many of its temples were forgotten or hidden from view.
The Baphuon, like other structures, was covered by vegetation and debris.
⪢ 20th Century
In the mid-20th century, the French-led École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) initiated efforts to restore the Baphuon.
This restoration project, which began in the 1960s, was an intricate and challenging process.
The temple was carefully dismantled, literally stone by stone, and up to 300,000 sandstone blocks were labelled and numbered.
The project aimed not only to restore the temple's original form but also to stabilize its structure to prevent collapse.
The stones were laid out around the site, taking up an incredible 10 hectares.
Despite the huge amount of work that had been undertaken, the project was sadly abandoned when civil war broke out in 1970.
The subsequent takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge resulted in the ending of all restoration projects in Angkor, with the Khmer Rouge ordering the burning of all plans and maps produced by them.
⪢ 21st Century
Restoration work restarted on the Baphuon Temple in 1996, which came to be known as the largest three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle in the world.
Led by renowned architect Pascal Royère, the project used both traditional and modern techniques to ensure the temple's longevity.
The restoration process was marked by its complexity, involving experts in fields ranging from archaeology and engineering to art history and conservation.
Today, the Baphuon temple stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise required to preserve Cambodia's cultural heritage.
It remains an important historical and architectural monument within the Angkor Archaeological Park, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to witness the grandeur of the Khmer Empire's artistic achievements and to understand the rich history of the region.
How to Get to Baphuon Temple
Baphuon Temple is located within the Angkor Thom complex in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park, near the famous Bayon Temple.
By Tuk-Tuk or Taxi
By Bicycle
By Guided Tour Bus
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Tips for Visiting Baphuon Temple and the Angkor site
● Start early: Baphuon Temple, though less popular, can be extremely hot depending on the season.
Located at the end of an uncovered 225-meter causeway, the temple's public areas also lack shade.
Avoid visiting during midday to escape the peak sun.
● Bring water: It can get hot in the Angkor region, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you and stay hydrated!
● Bring bug spray: Mosquitoes are prevalent here, especially during the hot season. If you are prone to bites, bringing repellent can make a big difference.
● Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking and climbing at Baphuon, so wear comfortable shoes.
● Be respectful: Baphuon Temple is a sacred site, so be sure to be respectful of the temple and its surroundings.
● Dress appropriately: Visitors to Baphuon Temple should cover their shoulders and knees, avoiding shorts, short skirts, and revealing or tight clothing.
Carrying a scarf or shawl is recommended for additional coverage if needed. Hats and sunglasses are allowed for sun protection, but must be removed inside the temple.
Following these guidelines shows respect for the site's religious and cultural significance and helps preserve its historical importance.
● Be aware of sellers: Angkor attracts over 2 million visitors annually, providing crucial income for locals.
Numerous persistent vendors offer souvenirs, and individuals within the temple sites often share history or offer to take photos, expecting payment despite not mentioning it initially.
● Security: The temple security staff are very kind, but also be aware that if they offer to take photos, they are also looking for some cash too!
● Bring cash: Bring enough cash if you plan to hire a guide, buy souvenirs, or donate money.
ATMs are scarce and often incompatible with international cards. Most local food stands, stores, and restaurants only accept cash.
● Use sunscreen & sun protection: Parts of Baphuon Temple are exposed to direct sunlight. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself.
Tickets & Opening Times for Baphuon Temple
⪢ Ticket Prices
Ta Prohm is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park; entrance is included with your park ticket.
● 1-day pass: USD 37
● 3-day pass: USD 62 (valid within 10 days)
● 7-day pass: USD 72 (valid within 1 month)
Prices are correct at the time of writing (June 2025).
All prices are in United States Dollars. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Hours
● Open daily, 7.30 am – 5 pm
● Last entry at 4:30 pm
Best Time to Visit Baphuon Temple & Angkor
The ideal time to visit Baphuon Temple in terms of weather is during the dry season, generally spanning from November to April.
During this time, there are two primary favorable seasons:
⪢ Cool Season (November to February)
This is Cambodia's peak tourist season, with mild weather and lower humidity, ideal for exploring Baphuon and other temples comfortably.
However, expect larger crowds, especially at more popular sites like this one.
⪢ Hot Season (March to April)
During these months, temperatures rise, particularly in April.
It's less crowded than the cool season, but the heat may make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
If you can handle the heat, it's still enjoyable, with clear skies and stunning photo opportunities of Baphuon in golden sunlight.
⪢ When Did We Visit?
We visited in late March when it was extremely hot, averaging over 40 degrees Celsius (104F) daily.
Exploring the temples involves a lot of walking and climbing, much of it without cover.
Consider your comfort levels when choosing the best time to visit. If you can handle the heat and prefer fewer crowds, the hot season might suit you. Milder weather comes with bigger crowds, so choose wisely!
Avoid the rainy season from May to October, as heavy rainfall and high humidity make exploring challenging due to muddy and slippery conditions.
Some areas may be inaccessible, and the landscape is less picturesque than during the dry season.
Other Must-See Temples Near Baphuon Temple
Angkor Wat
Bayon Temple
Ta Prohm
Preah Khan
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FAQ: Exploring Baphuon Temple – The Great Sandstone Pyramid of Angkor
What is the Baphuon Temple?
Baphuon is a massive temple mountain in the Angkor Thom complex, built in the 11th century as a tribute to the Hindu god Shiva.
Its steep structure earned it the nickname “the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle” due to its lengthy restoration.
Where is it located?
Do I need a separate ticket to enter?
Why is Baphuon significant?
How long should I spend at Baphuon?
Can I climb to the top?
What’s the best time to visit?
Is a guide recommended?
Are there facilities nearby?
Is Baphuon good for photography?
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A stunning temple that righfully holds its place as one of the most visited temples in Angkor. The top of the temple is amazing, although the heat was one of the toughest parts, given the lack of shade and internal areas. That being said, this is a must-see on any Angkor tour.