Phnom Bakheng Tourism

Type of destination: Historical Landmark

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

Phnom Bakheng is a prominent Hindu and Buddhist temple located in the Angkor region, near Siem Reap, Cambodia. It stands on a hill and is popular for its breathtaking views of the Angkor Wat complex and the surrounding landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset. Built at the end of the 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman, Phnom Bakheng was the state temple of the first capital of Angkor. It's one of the first temples in the area to be built of sandstone and is designed in a pyramid form representing Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu mythology. The temple has five levels, with seven levels of staircases leading to the top where the main shrine is located. Visitors can climb to the top via a steep, uneven trail to witness the panoramic views. Phnom Bakheng has 108 towers surrounding the main temple, symbolizing the 4 weeks of the lunar calendar and the 12-year cycle of Jupiter. Due to its historical significance and its architectural beauty, it's a major attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Top 5 Reviews on Phnom Bakheng

Aethelred

Wrote on 20th Apr, 2024

Sunset

All reviews are right, once again: Sunsets from the top of the pyramid are spectacular, but because of that, they are a mass event - can't be helped. Still worth it, and if you're tall, you can still..

RamboNWAlberta

Wrote on 6th Apr, 2024

Great views, sunset opportunities

This was last stop on full day tour. We hiked to the top which takes about 15-20 minutes. Two platforms on way up for viewing. Temple up top is open to climb, mist crowd up here for sunsets. The vie..

HMKaren

Wrote on 11th Feb, 2024

Climb the hill to climb the temple---unbelievable sunset!!

You have to do this one! It's part of the Angkor Thom area, so it's included with the Angkor ticket. Give yourself maybe half an hour (?) to walk up the hill. There is at least one small temple to see..

Bangkokgirl2018

Wrote on 9th Jan, 2024

Do not ride Elephants

Two Elephants lost their lives here. Walking lazy tourist's up the mountain. No water! They both had heat exhaustion..ridden into the ground. Do not ride Elephants anywhere please! Do your homewor..

scubacol11

Wrote on 22nd Nov, 2023

Big climb up hill.

This temple is very popular for sunset and sunrise and gets very crowded at those times. It is a big climb up a large hill to get to the top and the track is not the best, I went late morning and ther..

Phnom Bakheng Tourism

Phnom Bakheng Tourism

Other Places to Visit in Siem Reap

Explore Places to Visit Near Phnom Bakheng by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Phnom Bakheng