Baphuon

Baphuon is a monumental temple mountain located in the center of Angkor Thom, built in the mid-11th century as the state temple of King Udayadityavarman II. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the structure impresses with its three-tiered pyramid shape, representing the mythical Mount Meru. A distinctive feature is the long sandstone causeway, supported by columns, which leads to the main entrance. In the 15th century, the temple was converted into a Buddhist sanctuary, and a massive 70-meter-long reclining Buddha was added to the western side using stones from the upper tiers. Due to structural flaws and soft ground, the temple suffered partial collapses over centuries and became known as the "world's largest jigsaw puzzle" when archaeologists began dismantling it stone by stone in the 1960s for restoration. After decades of interruption caused by the civil war, the reconstruction was finally completed in 2011. Today, visitors can once again climb the steep stairs and admire the fine bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Phimeanakas

A Hindu temple in the shape of a step pyramid, located within the royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom.

Terrace of the Elephants

An impressive viewing terrace decorated with life-sized elephant reliefs, once used for royal ceremonies.

Phnom Bakheng

A temple mountain in Angkor, famous for its breathtaking sunset views over Angkor Wat.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

East Mebon

A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Bayon Temple

A Buddhist temple in Angkor Thom, famous for its massive stone faces looking in different directions.

Angkor Wat

The largest religious monument complex in the world and the national symbol of Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.

Chreav Village Organic Farm

A community-based agricultural project that promotes sustainable farming methods and supplies Siem Reap's markets with fresh vegetables.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.

Siem Reap Lotus Farm

A fascinating farm where lotus flowers are grown to extract fine and eco-friendly natural fibers from their stems.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.