Faces and royal terraces of Angkor Thom

Why go

This is a compact walk for visitors interested in how Angkor Thom’s ceremonial centre fits together. Spend the longest stop at Bayon, then make the short move to Baphuon for a different temple form. The Terrace of the Elephants opens the former royal square; the nearby Terrace of the Leper King rewards slower looking at its carved figures. These sites are close, but stone paths and heat can make the day feel longer than the map suggests. If energy runs low, shorten your time at Baphuon rather than hurrying the two terraces.

The route, stop by stop

World itinerary estimate: 190–365 min

1. 01

   Main stop · 75–105 min

   Bayon Temple

   Bayon is known for its face towers and gallery reliefs depicting historical and everyday scenes. The faces above and the storytelling below create two complementary ways to read the site.

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2. Walk · 7 min · Estimated

   02

   Main stop · 55–80 min

   Baphuon Temple

   Baphuon’s long raised approach and steep pyramid make it one of Angkor Thom’s most legible temple-mountain forms. A reclining Buddha built into the west side adds a later layer to the monument.

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3. Walk · 7 min · Estimated

   03

   Main stop · 30–45 min

   Terrace of the Elephants

   Use the Terrace of the Elephants as a close look at Angkor Thom’s long ceremonial platform and carved frontage. Elephant and garuda carvings link the platform visually to the open royal square.

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4. Walk · 4 min · Estimated

   04

   Main stop · 30–45 min

   Terrace of the Leper King

   Visit the Terrace of the Leper King for its narrow, double-walled passage of densely carved figures. Its hidden inner relief wall makes the passage more revealing than the exterior alone.

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