Bayon Temple: The Mysterious Smile Everywhere

Bayon Temple's structure is similar to the Javanese Borobudur, with bas-reliefs circling the tower one or several times on the lower level, and clusters of towers on the upper level surrounding the central main tower, overlooking a mandala pattern.

The bas-reliefs of Bayon Temple are inferior in area and artistic level compared to Borobudur, and also less than nearby Small Angkor. The mysterious smile present everywhere on each Buddhist tower is its unique creation.

However, Bayon Temple is currently under maintenance, and climbing to the top is not allowed, making it impossible to fully appreciate the meaning of this architectural structure: Is that omnipresent smile truly one of compassion, or a harsh smile that transcends all? This is something that cannot be truly understood when looking up.

Post by MiaDonovan23 | Oct 24, 2025