Phnom Bakheng Temple

Phnom Bakheng Temple

This temple is where tourists go to witness the sunset. It is situated on the top of a hill, offering stunning panoramas with a view towards Angkor Wat.

Built between 889-910 AD during the reign of King Yasovarman I, it was the first state temple to be constructed in the Angkor region, originally as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, and later converted into a Buddhist site where traces of Buddha statues are still visible.

The structure features a seven-tiered pyramid, representing the seven heavens, with five main towers, four sited at the corners with a higher central tower.

Visitors can choose to have an elephant ride to the summit, or take a 20 -30 minute stroll to the summit.

Because of heavy tourist traffic, Phnom Bakheng is one of the most threatened monuments in Cambodia and access is now limited to 300 visitors at a time. Sadly In places this temple is just piles of crumbling bricks and stone work.