The Bayon was built nearly 100 years after Angkor Wat. The architectural composition exudes grandness in every respect. Its elements juxtapose each other to create balance and harmony. Over 200 large faces carved on the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character. "The faces with slightly curving lips, eyes placed in shadow by the lowered lids utter not a word and yet force you to guess much", wrote P Jennerat de Beerski in 1920.

It is generally accepted that the four faces on each of the towers are images of King Jayarvarman VII and signify the omnipresence of the King.