Phnom Bok

Temple in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Maharaja45

Phnom Bok is a small mountain that is home to an ancient temple of the same name, dating back to the 10th century. It is one of several mountain temples constructed during the reign of King Yasovarman, sharing a similar layout and style with Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom.

The site is located about 22 km northeast of Siem Reap, 19 km from Angkor Wat, and 4 km from Banteay Samre. You can reach Phnom Bok by car, tuk-tuk, or motorbike, as the roads leading to the site are well-maintained and paved.

To reach the top of the mountain, visitors must walk. You can choose between a set of steep stairs or a winding dirt trail. Both options are shaded, though it’s not recommended to climb around midday during the hot season. The stairs take around 25 minutes to ascend, while the trail down takes about 10 minutes.

From the top of the stairs, the view is spectacular, offering an unobstructed horizon. However, by June 2020, trees have started to grow, blocking some of the views, except for a few gaps through which you can see Phnom Kulen. On the way up, you’ll also pass an old pagoda with charming rustic appeal and colorful paintings illustrating traditional Buddhist stories. Highlights of the site include beautifully preserved reliefs and the remains of a large Linga representing the Hindu god Shiva. The site is included in the Angkor Pass, open daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, though visitors often come for sunrise or sunset. There are drink stalls and toilets at the foot of the mountain, and a visit typically takes around 2 hours.

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

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