Phnom Bakheng, Siem Reap

Name: Phnom Bakheng
Address: 7 Makara Street, Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Telephone: +855 12 326 371

#5 among attractions in Siem Reap

Temple, Ruins, Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, More...

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Facts and practical information

Phnom Bakheng is an emblematic temple standing majestically in the ancient city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Perched atop a hill, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the world-renowned Angkor Wat. Constructed in the late 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman I, Phnom Bakheng is one of the oldest temples in the Angkor region.

This temple-mountain, designed in a pyramid shape representative of the mythical Mount Meru, consists of seven tiers, which lead to the summit where a central sanctuary once stood. Historically, it served as the state temple of the king's new capital, Yasodharapura. The architectural significance of Phnom Bakheng lies in its quintessential design, which set the template for the later and more famous Angkor Wat.

Phnom Bakheng is particularly famous for its breathtaking sunset views, making it a popular spot for tourists who climb the steep and narrow steps to reach the top. The temple has five sandstone sanctuaries on the uppermost level, arranged in a quincunx pattern, which once held statues of Hindu deities.

Due to its popularity, conservation efforts have been implemented to manage the number of visitors, especially during sunset, to preserve the temple's integrity. Despite the wear and tear of time and tourism, Phnom Bakheng continues to stand as a testament to the architectural prowess and spiritual significance of the Khmer Empire.

Local name: ប្រាសាទភ្នំបាខែង Completed: 910 (1114 years ago)Coordinates: 13°25'26"N, 103°51'22"E

Address

7 Makara Street, Wat Bo VillageSiem Reap Cambodia

Contact

+855 12 326 371

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Day trips

Phnom Bakheng – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Angkor Wat, Bayon, Baksei Chamkrong, Angkor Thom.

1.1 miSE
, Buddhist architecture, Temple
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
28 min walk • Angkor Wat, a sprawling temple complex in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands as a magnificent testament to the Khmer Empire's architectural mastery and religious devotion. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the early 12th century, was originally...
1.2 miN
Angkor Thom temple with smiling faces
Bayon, Siem Reap
32 min walk • In the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the ancient temple of Bayon stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. This iconic 12th-century temple is renowned for its distinctive architectural feature: the serene and smiling stone faces that adorn its towers...
~920 ftNE
Pyramid-shaped temple in quiet setting
Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap
5 min walk • Baksei Chamkrong is a historic temple that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Siem Reap, Cambodia. This ancient Hindu temple, which translates to "The Bird Who Shelters Under Its Wings," is located near the famous Angkor Wat and is part of the...
1.2 miN
Ruins, Historical place, Temple
Angkor Thom, Angkor Archaeological Park
32 min walk • The Royal Palace was first built by king Suryavarman I and used continuously from the 11th to the late 16th century AD. During that period, the area was transformed and restored several times.
0.6 miS
Ruins
Ta Prohm Kel, Siem Reap
16 min walk • Ta Prohm Kel or Prohm Kel is a small ruined sandstone monument in Angkor archaeological park, Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Ta Prohm Kel was one of the 102 hospital chapels, some of which were already in existence, by King Jayavarman VII all over the empire.
~910 ftN
Ruins
Prasat Bei, Angkor Archaeological Park
5 min walk • Prasat Bei is a temple with three brick towers in a north-south row, facing to the east, and standing on a laterite platform. The central tower contained a linga; the flanking towers reach no higher than the doorways.
0.8 miW
Ruins
Prasat Chrung, Angkor Archaeological Park
20 min walk • Prasat Chrung are temples that located at each corner of the Angkor Thom, on the earth embankment that reaches almost to the top of the walls, is a small temple known as Prasat Chrung in modern Khmer.
~40 ftNE
Neighbourhood
Yaśodharapura, Angkor Archaeological Park
1 min walk • Yasodharapura, also known as Angkor, is a city that was the second capital of the Khmer Empire, established by King Yasovarman I in the late 9th century and centred on the temple of Phnom Bakheng.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Phnom Bakheng?

Nearby attractions include Yaśodharapura, Angkor Archaeological Park (1 min walk), Prasat Bei, Angkor Archaeological Park (5 min walk), Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap (5 min walk), Ta Prohm Kel, Siem Reap (16 min walk).