Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng is an early Angkorian temple-mountain on a small forested hill within the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia; it dates to the late 9th century and served as the state temple of King Yasovarman I. The structure is an important archaeological and visual focus in the Angkor landscape.

The temple-mountain comprises a series of terraces rising to a central sanctuary and is visited primarily for its commanding views over the Angkor plain, including Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. Many visitors come specifically for sunrise or sunset views from the upper terraces, where wide panoramas of the monument field are visible.

The site also offers a compact example of early Angkorian temple architecture with carved elements and stone galleries, giving visitors immediate visual access to the layout of a state temple-mountain. Conservation measures mean some parts of the site are fragile and visitor numbers are managed at times to protect the ruins.

Phnom Bakheng was built around the end of the 9th century as the state temple of Yasovarman I when he established his capital on the hill. It functioned both as a religious centre dedicated to Shiva and as an emblematic axis for the newly founded capital, and it has remained a prominent feature of the Angkoric archaeological record.

The hill sits within the Angkor Archaeological Park near the town of Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia, on elevated ground that overlooks the main cluster of Angkor monuments and the surrounding forested plain.

• Date and patron: Constructed in the late 9th century as the state temple of King Yasovarman I, it was originally dedicated to Shiva and functioned as the focal point of his capital.
• Sunset viewpoint and access: The hilltop is a popular viewpoint for sunrise and sunset over Angkor; access has been restricted at times to limit erosion and protect the monument.

What to See #

• Summit temple and terraces: The temple-mountain occupies a terraced hilltop with an upper sanctuary and platform that afford panoramic views over the Angkor plain and nearby Angkor Wat.
• Approach terraces and galleries: Lower approaches include stepped pathways and ruined galleries that lead up to the central sanctuary on the hilltop.