Baphuon, Hindu temple and archaeological site in Angkor, Cambodia

Baphuon is a three-tiered temple mountain of grey and brown sandstone blocks rising to a central tower with carved stonework and a dark opening. Its long facade has short pointed towers and rows of rounded stone courses, and a steep wooden staircase with handrails climbs the right side of the front base. A 200-metre causeway on 547 columns leads from the east, and a 37 by 28 metre sandstone-lined pool lies to its left.

Built in the mid-11th century, the Baphuon was long attributed to Udayadityavarman II, but 2015 carbon-14 dating of iron crampons links it to Suryavarman I (1010–1050). It was originally dedicated to Shiva and later converted to Theravada Buddhism; dating of that conversion places the addition of the 9-metre reclining Buddha in the Ayutthayan period, around 1430–1440.

The name Baphuon derives from the Sanskrit Bhuvan-tilaka, and the Leung Prei inscription records the original name Hemadri, "golden mountain". The reclining Buddha on the west side was added in the 15th century, during the Ayutthayan occupation of Angkor around 1430–1440.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and fewer people are present on the site. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk across uneven ground and climb multiple staircases.

The 70-metre reclining Buddha on the west side's second level was added around 1430–1440, during the Ayutthayan occupation of Angkor. Its stones probably came from the 8-metre tower above, demolished to supply material, which explains why the tower is missing today.