During the Khmer Rouge era, the original plans for reassembling the temple were destroyed, forcing restorers to spend years reassembling it through trial and error.
The reclining Buddha on the western side of the temple measures approximately 40 meters in length.
The temple was originally constructed on unstable sandy soil, which caused multiple partial collapses even during its initial construction phase.
It is one of the largest religious structures in Cambodia by base area, exceeded in height only by later developments.
The temple serves as a landmark for the transition from Hindu state temples to the adoption of Theravada Buddhism, evidenced by the western wall's later modification.
The central tower was originally intended to be topped by a bronze dome, though no traces of this survive.
The Baphuon is a three-tiered mountain temple within the Angkor Thom walled enclosure, constructed in the mid-11th century under King Udayadityavarman II. It served as the state temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The structure is characterized by its massive size and a 200-meter elevated sandstone walkway leading to the entrance. Its architecture features a unique design where the central sanctuary was once encased by a large reclining Buddha statue added later in the 15th century. A massive 16-year restoration project concluded in 2011 involved disassembling the temple into 300,000 numbered stone blocks and reassembling them like a three-dimensional puzzle. The central pyramid is surrounded by a vast reservoir, though the original layout has been modified by centuries of erosion and structural instability. It represents the transition between the early Angkorian style and the sophisticated stone masonry seen in later Bayon architecture.
From the start of the eastern elevated walkway looking toward the temple pyramid.
Walk the entire length of the elevated sandstone causeway for the best perspective on the temple's scale.
Steep, narrow stairs lead to the summit; wear sturdy footwear with good grip.
Combine this visit with the nearby Bayon Temple to see the evolution of architectural styles.
Do not attempt to climb the upper sanctuary stairs if you have vertigo or balance issues.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; remove hats when on the upper levels.
