The Bayon  is a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century or early 13th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom. Following Jayavarman's death, it was modified and augmented by later Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious preferences.

The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.[3] The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. The main current conservatory body, the JSA, has described the temple as "the most striking expression of the 'baroque' style" of Khmer architecture, as contrasted with the 'classical' style of Angkor Wat

The Bayon sits at the centre of Angkor Thom and is famed for the many giant stone faces which have become one of the most recognisable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. Originally there were 54 towers each featuring four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points (only 37 towers remain standing). Who the faces represent is a matter of debate but they may be Loksvara, Mahayana Buddhism's compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and Jayavarman VII. The Bayon was Jayavarman VII's state-temple and in many ways represents the pinnacle of his massive building campaign. As well as the faces smiling down at you the Bayon features fascinating bas-reliefs on its exterior walls. Some of these bas-reliefs contain real-life scenes from the historical sea battle between the Khmers and the Cham, and others give a unique insight into Angkorian daily life depicting market scenes, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth.