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Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in the Angkor Archaeological Park of Cambodia. It was built on Phnom Bakheng Hill by King Yasovarman I of the Angkor Dynasty in the 9th century after he established his capital at Angkor. Phnom Bakheng is a small hill about 70 meters high, located 1.5 kilometers northwest of Angkor Wat. It is the only high point in the vicinity. To the west of the hill lies the vast West Baray Lake, while to the southeast lies Angkor Wat amidst the jungle. From the summit of Phnom Bakheng, one can overlook Angkor Wat. Outside Phnom Bakheng, a 650-meter-long and 436-meter-wide rectangular moat, likely a flood-proofing measure used in the old Roluos capital, was applied to the new building. The moat surrounding Phnom Bakheng symbolizes the Aral Sea that surrounds Mount Meru, the center of the world, in Hindu mythology. Phnom Bakheng is built on a flat hilltop.
The Phnom Bakheng Temple Hill is a steep, five-tiered platform, 13 meters high. The base is 76 meters long, tapering to a 47-meter-long top. The steepness of the hill symbolizes Mount Sumeru. The five pagodas atop the hill represent its five peaks. In the center of each of the four sides of the platform, five steep stone steps, each with ten steps, lead directly to the temple's rooftop. A pair of seated lions guard each step, though some of the lions are damaged and their appearance is unrecognizable.
Phnom Bakheng, directly opposite the Rosh Hashana complex, is built on an isolated hill near the ancient capital of Angkor. Located south of Angkor Thom, it was once the center of the city. Its five-story pyramidal base, each with towers, rises majestically. From the summit, one can overlook Angkor Wat, the ancient capital, and surrounding attractions, making it an ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunset.
Tropical monsoon climate; suitable for travel all year round.
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Angkor Scenic Area Pass: One-day tour ticket is US$20/person, three-day tour ticket is US$40/person, and seven-day tour ticket is US$60/person
The ticket is included in the Angkor entrance fee. If you buy the ticket after 3 pm, you can enter for free in the evening of the same day.
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Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu and Buddhist temple located in the Angkor region of Cambodia. It was built in the late 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman I. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and served as the state temple for the early Khmer empire. Its elevated position provides breathtaking views of the Angkor temple complex, making it an important landmark in the region.
Phnom Bakheng is located about 1.5 kilometers from the main Angkor Archaeological Park entrance. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap or from the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is also possible to walk from the park entrance, but it’s a bit of a hike, especially on a hot day.
Phnom Bakheng is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially for watching the sunset. The temple tends to get crowded in the late afternoon, so early morning visits are recommended for a more peaceful experience.
There is no separate entrance fee for Phnom Bakheng; it is included in the Angkor Park ticket. The standard Angkor Park ticket costs around $37 for a one-day pass, $62 for a three-day pass, or $72 for a seven-day pass. Tickets can be purchased at the Angkor Archaeological Park ticket office or online in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (November to March). Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Angkor Archaeological Park or online up to a few days in advance.
Exploring Phnom Bakheng typically takes about 1-2 hours. This allows time to climb the hill, explore the temple ruins, and enjoy the views. If you plan to visit during sunset, you might want to allow a bit more time to secure a good spot.
Guided tours are available in various languages, including English, French, and Spanish. Local guides offer informative insights into the temple’s history, architecture, and significance. Audio guides may also be available for rent at the park entrance.
The recommended route is to start at the base of the hill, take the stairs to the temple's summit, and explore the temple ruins at the top. Spend time admiring the views, then descend and explore the surrounding area. If you plan to stay for sunset, arrive early to get a good spot on the summit.
There are no night visits or light shows at Phnom Bakheng. The temple is open from sunrise to sunset, with the best times to visit being early morning and late afternoon. Sunset is particularly popular, so expect crowds during that time.
Phnom Bakheng can get crowded, especially at sunset. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or during the off-peak season (May to October). Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Basic facilities, such as toilets, are available near the base of Phnom Bakheng. There are no food or water facilities directly at the temple, so it is advisable to bring your own water. Rest areas are limited, so it's best to be prepared for the hike.
Phnom Bakheng may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to its steep stairs leading to the summit. Children may enjoy the visit but should be supervised on the stairs. The surrounding area can be explored without difficulty for those who prefer not to hike to the top.
