Bayon Temple Tapestries

The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple related to Buddhism at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of the King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom.

Embrace the warmth and charm of Cambodia with this vibrant "Cambodia: The Land of Smiles" design, featuring a colorful graphic of the mesmerizing Bayon Temple. Showcasing the unique architectural wonder alongside Cambodia's welcoming nickname, this design beautifully captures the essence of the country's rich culture, history, and friendly spirit. Perfect for travelers, history enthusiasts, and those with a love for Southeast Asian culture, this eye-catching design is a must-have for anyone who has been touched by the smiles and hospitality of the Cambodian people. Whether you've visited the country or dream of exploring its enchanting landscapes, let this lively design transport you to the heart of Cambodia's timeless beauty.

Bayon Temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Face from the Bayon Temple in Cambodia.

Bayon is in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which was the symbolic center of the Khmer empire. Dedicated to Buddha by King Jayavarman VII, this state temple was originally called “Jayagiri” (which means “Victory Mountain”) but was renamed “Banyan Temple” sometime after the period of French occupancy. The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment after a long period of meditation beneath a banyan tree. The religious significance of the banyan tree and the many banyan trees growing around the site made it an appropriate name. However, the local Khmer who worked on the restoration of the temple were responsible for its final name change. The workers mispronounced the name as “Bayon” instead of “Banyan” and the name stuck.

Bayon is in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which was the symbolic center of the Khmer empire. Dedicated to Buddha by King Jayavarman VII, this state temple was originally called “Jayagiri” (which means “Victory Mountain”) but was renamed “Banyan Temple” sometime after the period of French occupancy. The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment after a long period of meditation beneath a banyan tree. The religious significance of the banyan tree and the many banyan trees growing around the site made it an appropriate name. However, the local Khmer who worked on the restoration of the temple were responsible for its final name change. The workers mispronounced the name as “Bayon” instead of “Banyan” and the name stuck.

Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia

One of the many faces of the Bayon Temple in Cambodia

Bayon Temple in the Angkor Wat complex - One of the most famous ruins on the planet. Tell everyone you have been there :)

Bayon is one of the most visited temples in the vast Angkor Wat complex. The temple was part of Angkor Thom, itself the capital city of the Khmer kingdom, but was abandoned for centuries. Today only the most durable of the structures remain, but even they show the passage of time. That said, the ruins are remarkable and are a testament to the incredible architectural merit of the time. This image is of what appears to be a formerly covered passageway. A lintel remains over the portal, but otherwise, just the vertical stonework seems to have survived. But even in its ruin, it speaks to the power this place must have once held.

This image depicts one of the wonderful bas relief carvings on the walls of the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom. Although time has taken its toll, the statue is essentially intact, as are the wonderful stone-carved ornamentations that surround it. I remember having to wait several minutes to capture this image because of the constant procession of visitors passing by.

Bayon temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Bayon Temple, Cambodia. Nikon D7000 18-200mm VR Lens.

Within the wider Angkor Wat complex is Angkor Thom, which was a city constructed for King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. As a city, it consists of many sites, only the most durable of which remain. This image is of an open gallery in the Bayon Temple. I was really drawn to the wonderful colours in the columns. I hope you enjoy it as well.

This is one of the "face towers" that adorn the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. The huge faces, 216 of them, at the various sites in Angkor Thom are grouped in fours around towers. Each of the faces is very similar to any other, Scholars are unsure of who they might represent, a bodhisattva, Brahma, or maybe King Jayavarman VII, who was responsible for the construction of Angkor Thom. All that aside, when capturing the image I was really drawn to the power of the faces that adorn the towers. The faces seems so peaceful with closed eyes and gentle smiles.

This is a gopura, or gopuram, located near the Phimeanakas Temple in Angkor Thom, which is very close to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Gopura, of this kind, were typically located at the edge of the grounds of medieval Hindu temples, where they acted as the entrance to the grounds. The Phimeanakas Temple dates from the 10th century, so this gopura may be of a similar age. We look at these incredibly old structures where just the stonework remains. They must surely have had many embellishments during their heydays. But even today, they stand as noble structures, which is what I wanted to capture.

Embrace the serene mystique of the ancient world with our "Majestic Angkor Wat Faces" artwork. Each glance brings you closer to the spiritual heart of Cambodia, capturing the enigmatic smiles of Bayon Temple's stone faces. Perfect for lovers of history, archaeology, and world travel, this design is a tribute to the Khmer Empire's enduring legacy. Add a touch of timelessness to your collection with this captivating piece.

one of the many Buddha heads at the Bayon Temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap