Phnom Bakheng, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple in Siem Reap

Angkor Phnom Bakheng
Angkor Phnom Bakheng
CC BY-SA 3.0 / 松岡明芳

Phnom Bakheng is a hilltop Hindu temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park, set roughly between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom and reached by an uphill walk through the forest. Built as a “temple mountain” dedicated to Shiva, it was designed to feel like a sacred summit-an elevated place where the architecture, the climb, and the view all work together.

Today it's famous for one thing above all: sunset. From the upper tiers you can catch a sweeping, treetop-level panorama, with Angkor Wat sitting in the distance when the light is clear. It's popular for a reason, but it's also one of the more tightly managed temples in the park, so a good experience here comes down to timing and expectations.

History and Significance of the Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng was built at the end of the 9th century under King Yasovarman I and predates Angkor Wat by more than two centuries. It once served as the state temple of Yasodharapura, the new capital founded when the court shifted from the earlier centre at Hariharalaya (Roluos). In other words, this wasn't a “side temple” on the circuit-this was the symbolic centrepiece of the early Angkor landscape.

Its hilltop position is deliberate, both spiritually and politically. In Khmer sacred architecture, temple mountains echo Mount Meru, the mythic home of the gods, and Phnom Bakheng leans hard into that idea: a steep ascent, stacked terraces, and a cluster of sanctuaries at the top that turn the summit into a ritual focal point. Long after its Hindu foundation, the site was also adapted for Buddhist use, and traces of that later layer remain part of its story.

Conservation is now central to Phnom Bakheng’s modern significance. The combination of heavy footfall and fragile stone has made it one of Angkor’s most threatened monuments, and ongoing protection and restoration efforts are as much a part of the site’s present as its ancient past.

Things to See and Do in the Phnom Bakheng

First, treat the climb as part of the visit rather than an inconvenience. The approach through the trees helps you reset from the busier main temples, and it builds anticipation as the views start to open up. Once you reach the upper terraces, pause and look back out over the forest canopy-this is one of the best “big landscape” moments in Angkor, and it’s worth enjoying even if you’re not here at sunset.

At the top, explore the upper levels slowly and safely. Phnom Bakheng is full of tight passages, steep steps, and worn stone, so it rewards careful pacing. The central sanctuary and the remaining towers give you a feel for the original temple layout, while the panoramic edges are where you'll naturally drift for photos and light.

If sunset is your goal, plan your day around it. The viewpoint experience here is managed to protect the monument, and the best sunsets happen when you arrive early enough to avoid stress. If you miss the main upper tiers, the hill still offers a beautiful dusk atmosphere from lower vantage points, so it’s not “all or nothing” unless you make it that way.

How to Get to the Phnom Bakheng

The nearest airport is Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), with transfers into Siem Reap town and then onward into the Angkor Archaeological Park. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com. Most visitors arrange a full-day or half-day Angkor driver (tuk-tuk or car) and include Phnom Bakheng on the Small Circuit, often as the final stop for sunset.

Cambodia's rail network does not provide a practical route for reaching Angkor from most traveller entry points, so arrivals are typically by flight or long-distance bus, then local transport in Siem Reap. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once you’re in the park, you will be dropped near the base and continue on foot up the hill, so wear shoes you trust on uneven stone.

If you’re travelling by car, your driver will handle the park roads and drop-off area, but you should still budget time for the uphill walk and the slower movement on the upper tiers.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Phnom Bakheng

  • Entrance fee: Included with the Angkor Archaeological Park Pass (1-day US$37; 3-day US$62; 7-day US$72).
  • Opening hours: Daily: 05:00–19:00.
  • Official website: https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/
  • Best time to visit: Come early morning for calmer exploring, or arrive well before sunset if you want the famous views without last-minute pressure.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60-90 minutes including the uphill walk; add extra buffer if you’re aiming for sunset and want a relaxed pace.
  • Accessibility: The uphill approach and steep, uneven temple steps make this a challenging site for limited mobility; it’s best for confident walkers.
  • Facilities: Bring water and insect repellent, and plan proper food breaks back in Siem Reap or at larger stops rather than expecting services at the hill.
  • Crowd management: Visitor numbers on the upper temple are limited at peak times (especially sunset), so arriving early is the simplest way to avoid disappointment.
  • Safety note: Access to the top is restricted for children under 12 and for pregnant women.

Where to Stay Close to the Phnom Bakheng

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Siem Reap near the river and Old Market area so you can start early, return easily for breaks, and keep evenings walkable; if your priority is a quieter, resort-style stay, choose a property slightly out of the centre where pools and downtime are the main feature after long temple days.

For a grand, heritage-style base with strong service and easy access to Angkor routes, consider Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. If you want a stylish boutique option that still feels calm and grown-up after busy temple hours, Viroth's Hotel. For a comfortable, well-located mid-range stay that keeps restaurants and evening plans simple, Iberostar Selection Angkor works well as a practical base.

Is the Phnom Bakheng Worth Visiting?

Yes, as long as you approach it as an experience rather than a single photo. The combination of the forest climb, the temple-mountain design, and the wide views makes Phnom Bakheng feel different from the flatter, courtyard-based temples-and it's one of the best places in Angkor to understand how landscape and religion were meant to merge.

Honest pivot: if you dislike crowds and your schedule is tight, you can skip the sunset rush and still have an excellent Angkor trip by focusing on sunrise at Angkor Wat and late-afternoon exploring at less bottlenecked temples. Phnom Bakheng is best for travellers who are happy to time it carefully and treat the climb and the atmosphere as the point, not just the viewpoint.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,863)

Phnom Bakheng Temple is a pyramid-style Hindu and Buddhist ruin popular for sunrise and sunset views; visitors say the climb through forest is rewarding with panoramic vistas over Angkor Wat, the walk is mostly easy but involves many stairs at the end and limited space at the summit, so arrive early and bring water, a flashlight and something soft to sit on for the best experience.

Ali Akbari
a month ago
"It is beautiful, if it's not too crowded and the sky is clear, which seems to be a rare occasion! The main challenge compared to other temples isthat the space at the top is quite limited. But still I really enjoyed it and think it is worth the walk. BTW, the walk is quite easy apart from too many stairs at the end...."
Greg Ochylski
a week ago
"Sunrise photos and sunset photos. A long walk before you get to the top, but i think it is worth it because everybody has pictures of sunrise atAngkor Wat. The extra effort to see the sunrise is worth seeing Siem Reap with no traffic on the streets, and it is always a nice, cool ride out to the temple. Be sure to take coffee, water and a good flashlight. Be sure to leave enough time so you get a good spot, whether you're going for sunrise or sunset. It takes a lot longer than you might think to get to the top. It also is a must to bring something soft to sit on, the rubber thing that has a handle at one end, which is used by gardeners to kneel on is ideal, but haven't a clue where to get one, maybe Macro? One other thing choose your spot carefully, the sun may not be where you want it and you might have people in the way. If you are late you will definitely find out what i mean. Don’t count on people to move, some are agreeable some are not, it’s entirely up to them...."
Sokleng Srou
3 weeks ago
"Phnom Bakheng Temple offers one of the best sunset viewpoints in Angkor. The climb is rewarding, with panoramic views over the forest and Angkor Wat.The ancient structure is peaceful and atmospheric, making it a memorable stop for visitors...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Phnom Bakheng can work for families if everyone is comfortable with a steady uphill walk and careful footing on steep stone. The “goal” of reaching the top is motivating, and kids often enjoy the sense of climbing to a real summit rather than moving through flat corridors.

The main constraint is safety and suitability: the upper tiers are steep and crowded at sunset, and access to the top is restricted for children under 12. If you’re travelling with younger kids, aim for an earlier visit for the climb and forest feel, then choose a different sunset spot that’s less stressful.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is one of Angkor’s most naturally romantic stops, simply because sunset over the jungle canopy is hard to beat. If you time it well, it can feel like a real “finale” to a temple day, with the climb slowing your pace and the view doing the rest.

The trick is to keep it pleasant rather than hectic. Arrive early, accept that you may not get the absolute front-row viewpoint, and focus on the atmosphere-warm light on stone, forest below, and the sense of being above the park.

Budget Travelers

Phnom Bakheng is excellent value because it's included in your Angkor Pass and doesn't require any special add-on ticket. If you're managing costs, it's a strong “big experience” stop that rewards planning more than spending.

To keep the day efficient, pair it with a simple Small Circuit route and make Phnom Bakheng your final stop, so you're not paying extra transport time shuttling back and forth. The biggest budget win here is avoiding wasted hours in queues by arriving early.

History Buffs

Phnom Bakheng is a key site for understanding early Angkor, because it anchors the moment when Yasovarman I reshaped the region around a new capital and a new state temple. Seeing it after Angkor Wat is especially revealing: it shows how the “temple mountain” idea looked before later architecture refined and expanded the concept.

It's also valuable for the layers-Hindu foundation, later Buddhist reuse, and modern conservation pressures. If you like places where you can read multiple centuries of meaning in one structure, Phnom Bakheng delivers that in a compact, very tangible way.

FAQs for Visiting Phnom Bakheng

Getting There

It sits on a hill between Angkor Wat and the South Gate area of Angkor Thom, making it easy to include on the Small Circuit. You’ll be dropped near the base and walk up through the forest to reach the temple.
Arrange a driver (tuk-tuk or car) for the day and include it as your final stop. That way you can finish with the hill climb and return directly to town afterwards.
Drivers can access the drop-off area near the base, but you still have a walk and a climb to reach the viewpoint. Driving is mainly about convenience for combining multiple temples in one loop rather than “parking at the top.”

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s included in the Angkor Archaeological Park Pass. Your pass is what matters at checkpoints around the park, not a temple-specific ticket.
There’s usually no advance booking for a standard visit, but numbers on the upper temple are controlled at peak times. The most reliable strategy is arriving early enough that you’re not depending on luck.
The climb and the upper tiers demand careful footing, and access rules can apply for safety at the very top. If staff direct flow or limit entry, it’s best to follow instructions rather than trying to force a “perfect spot.”

Visiting Experience

Allow about an hour to do it without rushing, including the walk up and down. If you’re aiming for sunset, add buffer so the experience doesn’t turn into a sprint.
It can be, but only if you plan your day around it and accept the crowds at sunset. If you prefer a smoother one-day itinerary, you may get more satisfaction by prioritising Angkor Wat and Bayon, then choosing a calmer late-afternoon temple.
A simple loop is Angkor Wat in the morning, then Angkor Thom/Bayon midday, then Phnom Bakheng for late afternoon. It keeps travel time low and gives you a strong “story arc” across the day.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, many tours include it as the sunset stop because the viewpoint is famous. If sunset matters to you, tell your driver early so timing is built in from the start.
Independent visits work well because the goal and route are obvious, and the main reward is the setting and view. A guide adds value if you want deeper context on Yasovarman’s capital planning and the temple’s symbolism.

Photography

Yes, especially for wide landscape shots at golden hour and layered silhouettes of temples and trees. It’s also a good place for atmospheric, people-in-the-frame images that capture the energy of Angkor at dusk.
Late afternoon into sunset is the headline moment, but early morning can be surprisingly photogenic with fewer people and softer shadows on the stone. If you want calmer compositions, morning is often the better choice.
The most famous shots look out toward Angkor Wat across the jungle canopy, but conditions vary with haze and season. If visibility is poor, focus on closer compositions-stone textures, tower silhouettes, and the light on the terraces.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s challenging due to the uphill approach and steep, uneven stone steps near the top. If mobility is a concern, it’s better to choose temples with flatter access and easier walking surfaces.
Seating is informal and limited, and facilities are not the focus at this stop. Plan your proper breaks around larger temple areas or back in Siem Reap rather than relying on the hilltop.
Not really, because of the climb and the steps. Families with strollers usually have a better time at more accessible temples and viewpoints.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Most people head back into Siem Reap, where the Old Market and riverside areas make post-temple meals easy and varied. It’s a good way to decompress after the crowds and the climb.

Safety & Timing

Yes, but the site closes in the evening and you should plan your descent with daylight in mind. The main practical safety concern is footing on worn stone and keeping your pace controlled on the way down.
Early morning is calmer and often more enjoyable for exploring the temple itself. Later in the day is for the sunset atmosphere, but it comes with more people and a more managed, crowded feel.

Nearby Attractions to the Phnom Bakheng

  • Angkor Wat: The park's most famous temple, best paired with Phnom Bakheng for a “grand monument plus panorama” day.
  • Bayon Temple: The face-tower icon of Angkor Thom, a dramatic contrast to Phnom Bakheng's earlier, hilltop pyramid form.
  • Ta Prohm: The atmospheric jungle temple where roots and stone collide, ideal earlier in the day before the heat peaks.
  • Banteay Kdei: A quieter Jayavarman VII-era temple with maze-like galleries that feels calmer than the main circuit highlights.
  • Srah Srang: A scenic reservoir that’s perfect for a peaceful pause, especially if you want water-and-sky views without the hill climb.

The Phnom Bakheng appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 05:00-19:00.

Price:

Included with the Angkor Archaeological Park Pass (1-day US$37; 3-day US$62; 7-day US$72).

Address: Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 7 km
Official Website

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