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Phnom Bakheng

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Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)

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Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu and Buddhist temple mountain at Angkor, Cambodia, constructed at the end of the 9th century under King Yasovarman I. It served as the state temple of the first capital of Angkor, Yasodharapura, and marks the transition to the classic Khmer architectural style. The temple was built on a natural hill, shaped into a seven-tiered pyramid representing the sacred Mount Meru. Originally, there were a total of 108 towers across the various levels, a number of great significance in Hindu cosmology. The temple's location provides extensive views over the jungle and across to nearby Angkor Wat, making it one of the most popular spots for viewing the sunset. Despite severe erosion, the architectural planning and astronomical alignment of the complex remain impressive to this day. Its conversion into a Buddhist shrine in the 16th century led to the construction of a monumental seated Buddha statue, of which only fragments survive on the upper terrace.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272931312928272727272626
Rain mm12164675140168197195231138377

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The temple mountain Phnom Bakheng is open to visitors and climbing to the top is possible to enjoy the view. The platform provides a spectacular view of Angkor Wat, especially at sunset. Entry is included in the Angkor park ticket.
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Typical hours
The typical opening hours of Angkor Archaeological Park apply to Phnom Bakheng, usually from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Climbing is possible until around 5:30 PM to catch the sunset. During peak season, access may end earlier due to visitor limits.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, including the summit platform. Tripods are generally permitted, but drones are banned. Sunset gives one of the most famous photo opportunities in all of Angkor - arrive early to secure a good spot.
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Time needed
The climb from the base takes about 15-20 minutes, and the total visit lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Plan at least 1.5 hours if you want to enjoy the sunset and take photos.
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Combine with
Phnom Bakheng is located directly opposite Angkor Wat, making it handy to combine with a visit to this main temple. The nearby temples of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm can also be integrated into the same daily route.
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Getting there
The hill is about 1.5 km north of Angkor Wat and is best reached by tuk-tuk or bicycle from Siem Reap. The parking at the base of the hill is free, but often crowded during peak season.
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Insider tip
Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure a spot on the summit - the platform is limited. A flashlight is useful for the descent in the dark after sunset.

Geography

Coordinates
13.42400, 103.85100

Facts

  • Built around 907 AD as the center of the new capital, Yasodharapura.
  • The temple mountain rises approximately 65 meters above the plain.
  • The arrangement of 108 towers follows complex astronomical cycles.
  • Four towers stand on each level, with five on the top platform.
  • A massive Buddha statue was added to the top in the 16th century.
  • Access is currently limited to 300 visitors at any one time.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PhimeanakasPhimeanakas<1 km · NWExplore →
Angkor WatAngkor Wat2 km · NExplore →
Siem ReapSiem Reap2 km · NEExplore →
Ta KeoTa Keo3 km · NExplore →
Siem Reap Lotus FarmSiem Reap Lotus Farm5 km · SEExplore →
Banteay KdeiBanteay Kdei5 km · NExplore →
Ta SomTa Som7 km · NExplore →
Banteay SreiBanteay Srei13 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Phnom Bakheng (12)

J.7🏺 historical

J.7 is a stone monument in the area of the Phnom Bakheng landmarks.

Angkor Balloon📍 landmark

The Angkor Balloon attraction provides a floating aerial view over the Phnom Bakheng area.

Prasat Rorng Ramong🏺 historical

The ruins of Prasat Rorng Ramong in the Phnom Bakheng region date back to approximately the 9th or 10th century.

Sâk Krâop temple🏺 historical

The Sâk Krâop temple near Phnom Bakheng is a historic ruin site today.

War Museum Cambodia🏛 museum

The War Museum Cambodia near Phnom Bakheng is an internationally recognized military museum.

🕒 08:00-17:30♿

Prasat Bei⛪ religious

The Prasat Bei place of worship near Phnom Bakheng was built in the early 10th century.

Phnom Bakheng📍 landmark

The famous hill temple complex of Phnom Bakheng is a widely recognized landmark.

Baksei Chamkrong⛪ religious

The well-known place of worship Baksei Chamkrong dates back to the early 10th century.

Prasat Chrung Southwest⛪ religious

The late 12th-century place of worship Prasat Chrung Southwest is located in the Phnom Bakheng region.

West Mebon📍 landmark

The 11th-century temple island of West Mebon is a widely known attraction.

Kro Bey Wet Market🎭 culture

A traditional wet market near Phnom Bakheng selling local agricultural produce and meat.

Phum Pheak Market🎭 culture

A bustling local marketplace in the Phnom Bakheng area offering daily necessities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phnom Bakheng so popular?
Because of its hilltop location, it gives the most famous view of the sunset over Angkor Wat.
Is there a visitor limit?
Yes, a maximum of 300 people are allowed on the top platform of the temple at the same time.
How do you get up the hill?
A gently sloping walk of about 15 to 20 minutes leads up through the forest.
Can you still ride elephants there?
No, elephant rides have been officially discontinued throughout Angkor for animal welfare reasons.
When should you be there for the sunset?
As spots are limited, it is recommended to be at the top by 4:00 or 4:30 PM.
Phnom Bakheng: where is it located?
Phnom Bakheng is located in Cambodia.
Phnom Bakheng: what is there to see?
Highlights include J.7, Angkor Balloon, Prasat Rorng Ramong.
Phnom Bakheng: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Phnom Bakheng: why is it worth visiting?
Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu and Buddhist temple mountain at Angkor, Cambodia, constructed at the end of the 9th century under King Yasovarman I.
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Nearby cities

Siem Reap — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Siem Reap
Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.
Kampong Phluk — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Kampong Phluk
An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Phimeanakas — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Phimeanakas
A Hindu temple in the shape of a step pyramid, located within the royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom.
Baphuon — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Baphuon
A massive three-tiered temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Terrace of the Elephants — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Terrace of the Elephants
An impressive viewing terrace decorated with life-sized elephant reliefs, once used for royal ceremonies.
Thommanon — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Thommanon
A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.
Ta Keo — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Ta Keo
An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.
Banteay Kdei — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Banteay Kdei
A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.
Pre Rup — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.
East Mebon — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
East Mebon
A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Tonle Sap Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Bayon Temple — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Bayon Temple
A Buddhist temple in Angkor Thom, famous for its massive stone faces looking in different directions.
Angkor Wat — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument complex in the world and the national symbol of Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple.
Preah Khan — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Preah Khan
Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.
Chreav Village Organic Farm — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Chreav Village Organic Farm
A community-based agricultural project that promotes sustainable farming methods and supplies Siem Reap's markets with fresh vegetables.
Ta Prohm — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.
Neak Pean — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Neak Pean
Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.
Siem Reap Lotus Farm — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Siem Reap Lotus Farm
A fascinating farm where lotus flowers are grown to extract fine and eco-friendly natural fibers from their stems.
Ta Som — Phnom Bakheng (Cambodia)
Ta Som
A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.