Bayon Temple

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The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia.

At the heart of Angkor Thom is the 12th-century Bayon, the mesmerising, if slightly mind-bending, state temple of Jayavarman VII. It epitomises the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 Gothic towers are decorated with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, and it is adorned with 1.2km of extraordinary bas-reliefs incorporating more than 11,000 figures.

There are some 50 towers around the ruined temple, with over 200 faces showing varying degrees of erosion and wear. Each face is 4 metres high and is facing one of the cardinal directions of the compass. They all have the same serene smile, with eyes closed, representing the all-knowing state of inner peace, and perhaps even a state of Nirvana. There are also many complicated and exquisite bas-reliefs around the temple, with scenes depicting land and naval warfare, market scenes and others depicting the construction of the temple itself.

Known as the 'face temple' thanks to its iconic visages, these huge heads glare down from every angle, exuding power and control with a hint of humanity. As you walk around, a dozen or more of the heads are visible at any one time, full face or in profile, sometimes level with your eyes, sometimes staring down from on high.

The basic structure of Bayon comprises a simple three levels, which correspond more or less to three distinct phases of building. The first two levels are square and adorned with bas-reliefs. They lead up to a third, circular level, with the towers and their faces. The famous carvings on the outer wall of the first level depict vivid scenes of everyday life in 12th-century Cambodia.

Vietnam Laos Cambodia

18 days 17 nights

Ho Chi Minh > Mekong Delta > Tien Giang > Ho Chi Minh > Da Nang > Hoi An > Hue > Ha Noi > Ha Long Bay > Ninh Binh > Ha Noi > Luang Prabang ( Laos ) > Siemreap ( Cambodia )

Description:

Indochina countries ( Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia ) share a common cultural heritage yet possess their own unique personalities and histories as well. The French ruled this area, collectively known as Indochine, from the late 1800’s through the mid-20th century. The French influence still remains in some areas, mingling with the cultural influences of China and India.

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16 Days Indochina Treasures

16 days 15 nights

Ha Noi > Ninh Binh > Ha Long Bay > Ha Noi > Hue > Da Nang > Hoi An > Da Nang > Ho Chi Minh > Mekong Delta > Ho Chi Minh > Siemreap ( Cambodia ) > Luang Prabang ( Laos )

Description:

This package tour will bring you to the land of beautiful landscapes and hospitable people located in the Indochina peninsula including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In each country, you are expanded your knowledge to understand the lifestyle, customs and habits of people there. Besides, you will admire many amazing scenes, many structures with cultural and historic values.

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The three Jewels of Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia reasures

14 days 13 nights

Siemreap ( Cambodia ) > Luang Prabang ( Laos ) > Ha Noi > Ha Long Bay > Ha Noi > Hue > Hoi An > Da Nang > Ho Chi Minh > Tien Giang > Mekong Delta > Ho Chi Minh

Description:

The three jewels of Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – share a common cultural heritage yet possess their own unique personalities and histories as well. The French ruled this area, collectively known as Indochine, from the late 1800’s through the mid-20th century. The French influence still remains in some areas, mingling with the cultural influences of China and India.Laos is the least developed of the three former French Indochinese states and offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. After two decades of isolation from the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace, stabilizing its political and economic structures, and admitting foreign visito...

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Vietnam Cambodia Passion 10 days

10 days 9 nights

Ha Noi > Ha Long Bay > Ha Noi > Hue > Da Nang > Hoi An > Da Nang > Ho Chi Minh > Mekong Delta > Tien Giang > Ho Chi Minh > Siemreap ( Cambodia )

Description:

Come to discover the highlights of Vietnam on this 10 day program. From the Peaceful City of Hanoi, travel to the amazing Halong Bay, then up to the Sapa hill station in the North and through the heart of Vietnam’s vibrant past to majestic Hue and quaint Hoi An, finally to the bustling Saigon, fertile Mekong Delta and the Famous tourist site Angkor wat Cambodia.

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