Phnom Bakheng
ភ្នំបាខែង
Angkor's earliest hilltop temple and a classic sunset viewpoint overlooking Angkor Wat and the jungle, limited to 300 visitors per day.
Phnom Bakheng is a small hill about 65 metres high. The temple on its summit, built in the late 9th century under Yasovarman I, was the earliest state temple in the Angkor area. Its five-tiered pyramid base originally held 108 small towers, symbolising the universe.
Today it is best known for sunsets. From the top, looking southeast, you see the full view of Angkor Wat surrounded by its moat, and to the west lies the West Baray reservoir. At sunset, the sky and the lake both turn red. To protect the site, only 300 people are allowed on the summit at a time. Queues usually form from 4 p.m. You need an Angkor Pass and must wear knee-length, sleeved clothing. The climb takes about 15–20 minutes on foot. Riding an elephant up the hill for a fee has been banned.
If you cannot get in, Pre Rup or the moat beside Angkor Wat also offer stunning sunsets with fewer people. The temple lies between the South Gate of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat and is usually the last stop on the small circuit. The path down is dark after sunset, so bring a torch or phone light. The summit steps are steep, and staff clear the site before dark.
Opening hours
05:00–19:00 (summit capped at 300 visitors)
Nearby sights
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple / Angkor Thom
- Baphuon
- Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King
- Chau Say Tevoda
- Ta Prohm
- Thommanon
- Ta Keo