Angkor Temple Guide: #10 Baphuon

inseasia (61)in #travel • 7 years ago

Baphuon is an enormous, imposing temple mountain inside the ancient capital of Angkor Thom. This has been the subject of a huge restoration programme that began in 1960 then paused for the war in 1975. During the war the records were lost, leaving restorers with a headache and a pile of rocks. Restoration work did not start again until 1990 and the temple finally started admitted visitors again in 2011, 51 years after the project was begun.

Temple 10.jpg

The wonderful, imposing Baphuon

Baphuon is impressive and great fun to climb if you are fit enough. It rewards the effort with great views around Angkor Thom and of the Bayon which is close by to the southeast. It was constructed in the 11th century and was the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, who dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Baphuon is Huge by Any Measure

The temple stands 34 metres (111ft) tall and is 120 x 100 metres (393 x 328ft) at the base. The temple converted to Buddhism in the 15th century, and a large statue of a reclining Buddha was added on the west side. This required the demolition of a tower that previously stood on top of the temple. The now missing tower would have placed the structure at over 50 metres (164ft). Chou Ta-kuan, Temur Khan’s 13th century envoy, was impressed. He described it as ‘the Tower of Bronze…a truly astonishing spectacle, with more than ten chambers at its base’.

This is in the heart of Angkor Thom and makes for a big day. There are many things to see and do here, and this is certainly a highlight of any Angkor tour.

Top Tips

It can get incredibly hot in Cambodia, and much of the Angkor Thom site is exposed. It is better to get here in the morning if you intend climbing the tower. Also remember to bring water with you. The temple is not always the best place to buy it.