Ak Yum
Archaeological Site Collapsed Khmer temple within East Mebon complex
Small ruined temple within the Angkor Archaeological Park composed of brick and laterite, located west of Angkor’s main group; visited by those exploring lesser‑known Khmer monuments.
Ak Yum is a small ruined brick temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia, dating to the late 8th or early 9th century. It is an early example of pre-Angkorian/early Angkorian temple architecture.
The site consists of a single-chamber brick sanctuary with remains of a later gopura or porch and is usually visited as part of wider tours of the West Baray area. Its compact footprint and brick construction contrast with the larger later stone temples at Angkor.
Built in the early Angkor period, Ak Yum predates many of the great stone temple-mountains and reflects the earlier use of brick for sanctuaries. It later became enveloped by waterworks associated with the West Baray reservoir but remained an archaeological ruin.
Ak Yum stands on the eastern edge of the West Baray within the Angkor Archaeological Park, southwest of the main Angkor temple group and near Siem Reap town.
- Date and construction: A compact brick sanctuary dating to the late 8th or early 9th century, located at the eastern edge of the West Baray within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
How to Get to Ak Yum #
Ak Yum is within the Angkor Archaeological Park near the West Baray reservoir, west of the main Angkor complex. From Siem Reap take a tuk‑tuk or hired car toward the West Baray; the site is a short drive from Angkor Wat and accessible as part of a circular temple route.
Tips for Visiting Ak Yum #
- Ak Yum is fragile; stick to marked paths and respect signage - many small Angkor temples are undergoing conservation.
- Combine a visit with West Baray and nearby lesser‑known temples to avoid the main Angkor crowds.
- Morning light is best for brick monuments, which warm to honey tones as the sun rises.
Best Time to Visit Ak Yum #
Best visited in the dry season (Nov-Mar) for comfortable temple touring; early mornings avoid heat and crowds.
Weather & Climate near Ak Yum #
Ak Yum's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1297 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm, feeling like 28°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (261 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
