Angkor Thom at a glance
Angkor Thom is a walled former capital north of Angkor Wat. It is a whole city inside a moat and a wall, so plan to walk between several sights rather than visit one building. Jayavarman VII is named as its founder, and the Bayon stands at its center. Most visitors enter through the South Gate on the road from the Angkor Wat side.
You visit Angkor Thom with the Angkor Pass. In 2026 the pass costs $37 for one day, $62 for three days (valid within 7 days) and $72 for seven days (valid within 30 days). Children under 12 enter free. Angkor Thom is part of the small circuit, which you can read about in the Angkor itinerary, and it combines well with Angkor Wat tours that bring a guide for the carvings. The gates, the Baphuon and the royal terraces are covered in more detail in the Angkor Thom guide.
The South Gate of Angkor Thom
The South Gate is the best-known way into the city. A causeway leads to the gate, and the approach is lined with stone figures on both sides. The gate itself carries large faces, and naga balustrades run along the causeway.
It is a good first stop because it shows how the city was meant to be entered: across the water, through a narrow stone passage. Stop on the causeway before you drive through, and look at the carved heads up close. Be careful with the edges when traffic passes.
Our pick: Angkor Thom on a full day
This tour includes the Bayon and ends at Phnom Bakheng.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat tours
Guided temple days, small-group tours and tuk-tuk tours that include Angkor Thom and the Bayon, with live prices and availability. Check whether the Angkor Pass is included.
The Bayon in the middle of Angkor Thom
The Bayon is the temple at the heart of the city. It was built under Jayavarman VII in the late 12th and early 13th century and is famous for its towers with huge stone faces. Reliefs on the outer walls show scenes from daily life, war and religion.
It has its own guide, because it deserves more than a stop on the way. Read the Bayon page for the faces, the reliefs and visiting tips.
Baphuon: the temple mountain
The Baphuon is a temple mountain from the 11th century. It lies inside Angkor Thom, north-west of the Bayon. An elevated sandstone walkway leads to the base, and the stairs up the pyramid are steep.
Whether the climb is open can change, and there may be an age limit or a queue. Ask at the site or with your guide on the day. From the lower levels you still get a good view of the structure and the walkway.
Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King
The Elephant Terrace lies north of the Bayon and is decorated with reliefs of elephants. The Terrace of the Leper King adjoins it to the north. What the statue behind its name shows is disputed. The name alone is not evidence that a particular ruler had the disease.
Both terraces are easy to combine with the Bayon in one walk. Early morning and late afternoon light is softer on the carved walls.
How to visit Angkor Thom
Most temples on the small and grand circuits open at 06:00 and close at 18:30. Confirm times at the gate, because individual sites can differ.
By tuk-tuk
A day driver and a guide are two different services. Drivers take you from sight to sight and wait. A guide is a separate cost, and remote temples can cost extra.
Compare tours →With a guide
The reliefs and the faces make more sense with explanations. A small-group or private tour handles the route and the timing.
Angkor Wat tours →After sunrise
Many visitors see Angkor Wat at sunrise and drive to Angkor Thom afterwards, before the heat builds.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat →Add Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is also on the small circuit and is a natural second half of the day.
Ta Prohm →Dress and behavior at the temples
Temples are religious places. Cover your shoulders and knees, whatever your gender. Do not touch reliefs, do not take or move stones, respect barriers and do not step on loose stones. If you meet monks, ask before you take their photo. Do not feed or approach the monkeys.
You can buy the Angkor Pass on the official ticket website, in the app, at ticket machines or at the counters. Read the Angkor Pass page before you go.
Angkor Thom: frequently asked questions
Is Angkor Thom the same as the Bayon?
No. Angkor Thom is the walled city. The Bayon is one temple at its center. The city also contains the Baphuon and the Elephant and Leper King terraces.
Do I need a separate ticket for Angkor Thom?
No. You visit it with the Angkor Pass: $37 for one day, $62 for three days within 7 days, $72 for seven days within 30 days (2026 prices). Children under 12 enter free.
Can I climb the Baphuon?
Access to the climb can change, and the stairs are steep. Ask at the site on the day instead of planning around it.
How do I get inside the city?
Most visitors go by tuk-tuk, with a guide or on a tour, through the South Gate on the road from the Angkor Wat side. You can also cycle, as long as you carry your pass.
What should I wear?
Cover shoulders and knees. Wear shoes with good grip, because stone can be slippery, especially after rain.
Is this the official website of Angkor Park?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to the APSARA National Authority, Angkor Enterprise, the Ministry of Tourism or any tour operator.