Phnom Bakheng is a hilltop Khmer temple at CVF4+GCF, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia, between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Built around 900 during Yasovarman I’s reign, it was the state temple of Yasodharapura, his new capital. Travelers climb its wooded hill for a five-tier sandstone pyramid, early Angkorian architecture, and sunset views across the forest toward Angkor Wat.
What to Expect at Phnom Bakheng
The temple rises above a natural hill roughly 60 meters high, with the stepped sanctuary adding another monumental layer. Dedicated originally to Shiva, its temple-mountain design represents Mount Meru, the cosmic center of Hindu belief. The original composition comprised 109 towers, including five summit sanctuaries arranged in a quincunx: four corner towers surrounding a central shrine. Many towers survive only partially, making the surviving masonry and overall geometry more important than any single intact chamber.
A winding uphill path leads through woodland before the final, much steeper ascent onto the temple. Look for guardian lions, carved door surrounds, and the contrast between brick subsidiary towers and sandstone construction. Later Buddhist use added another chapter to the site’s religious history. From the upper terrace, Angkor Wat appears to the southeast above the trees; the setting sun lies in another direction, so the familiar view is not a sunset directly behind Angkor Wat. Conservation work and visitor controls protect fragile masonry.
- Five-tier pyramid: Successive terraces create the temple’s mountain-like profile and elevated ceremonial setting.
- Summit sanctuary group: Five original shrine positions explain the sacred geometry of this royal foundation.
- Guardian carvings: Stone lions and architectural details reward attention beyond the panoramic views.
- Angkor Wat outlook: The distant temple’s towers emerge above the forest canopy to the southeast.
- Woodland approach: The shaded hill path offers a quieter introduction before the exposed upper terraces.
Phnom Bakheng at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | CVF4+GCF, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia; no numbered street address |
| Neighborhood / Area | Angkor archaeological zone, north of Angkor Wat and south of Angkor Thom |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM–6:30 PM; follow staff instructions for final ascent and clearance |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid, $$: standard foreign-visitor Angkor Pass, US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days, US$72 for seven days; no separate temple ticket |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours; longer with sunset queues |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No scheduled city bus or rail stop; tuk-tuk, car, or bicycle access, with vehicle waiting and parking areas at the hill’s foot |
| Official Website & Phone | Angkor Enterprise: official passes; +855 63 765 577 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening for cooler walking conditions and more time with the architecture. For sunset, reach the hill well before the final hour of daylight: admission to the upper temple is capacity-controlled, and queues can prevent late arrivals from reaching it. Purchase your Angkor Pass through the official website or ticket office before entering the archaeological zone. From central Siem Reap, arrange a tuk-tuk or driver and agree on the return pickup point. Keep your pass accessible for inspection.
The summit is not wheelchair-accessible: the approach climbs continuously, and steep stairways lead to uneven stone terraces without a lift. Strollers are impractical above the hill’s base. Wear grippy shoes, carry water, and cover shoulders and knees for this sacred site; exposed terraces become hot even when the forest path feels comfortable. After descending, visit Baksei Chamkrong, a compact brick sanctuary on a stepped pyramid, and Prasat Bei, a group of three brick towers. Both lie near the hill’s northern foot, roughly 5–15 minutes apart on foot, rather than a short walk from the summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Phnom Bakheng’s hours, and when should I visit?
Opening hours are 7:00 AM–6:30 PM daily. Morning favors architectural exploration; sunset requires an earlier arrival because access to the upper terrace is limited.
How much does entry cost, and should I reserve?
Phnom Bakheng is included in the Angkor Pass: US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days, or US$72 for seven days. Buying a pass does not reserve a sunset position on the summit.
How long does a visit take?
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the uphill walk, temple exploration, and descent. Add time if you want to wait for sunset or encounter an upper-terrace queue.
Is Phnom Bakheng suitable for families or visitors with limited mobility?
The steep stairs and uneven terraces require confident footing and close supervision of children. There is no step-free summit access; covered shoulders and knees are expected of visitors.
When planning your Angkor Wat travel guide or comparing verified attractions and hindu temple in Angkor Wat, pair this stop with standout local spots including HAVEN, Khmer Grill, Shintana Saya La Maison, and Seng Long Restaurant (1.3 km away).
