Final answer:
The Bayon Temple associated with Buddhism is a part of the Angkor Thom complex, built in the 13th century as the state temple of the Khmer Empire. Although Angkor Wat was redirected to a Buddhist temple later on, it was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and known for its significance as a religious and cultural symbol of Cambodia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Khmer monument that is associated with Buddhism is the Bayon Temple of the Angkor Thom complex. Built in the 13th century, the Bayon Temple was the last state temple to be constructed at Angkor Thom, the capital of the Khmer Empire. Designed to represent the Buddhist cosmic mountain of Mt. Meru, Bayon stood at the center of the massive city and was part of a significant building program initiated by the Khmer kings, which included structures such as bridges, walls, and other supplementary buildings essential for supporting Angkor Thom.
While Angkor Wat is the most famous Khmer monument, originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it was later repurposed as a Buddhist temple under King Jayavarman VII's rule. This transformation from a Hindu to a Buddhist site illustrates the shift in religious affiliations within the empire during its history. Nevertheless, Angkor Wat retained a blend of Hindu elements and today is a symbol of Cambodia, known for attracting millions of tourists annually.