Phnom Baset Hill
Phnom Baset at a Glance#
Best Time to Visit Phnom Baset#
The cool, dry months from November to February are the best time to visit for comfortable conditions and clearer views.
History & Culture of Phnom Baset#
Phnom Baset comprises two small hills, each crowned with temples, roughly 10 km from Oudong. The smaller hill carries two: Neang Kong Seem, a modern temple of moderate interest, and Baksei Chaim Krong, whose stupa is said to have been raised from ancient ruins. The taller hill is topped by Wat Trai Trang, a contemporary Buddhist temple reached by a steep paved road flanked by naga sculptures.
The most intriguing shrine sits near the foot of that hill: Prasat Neang Krub Leakh, the Temple of the Sheltered Girl. Apparently pre-Angkorian in design and perhaps dating from the Chenla or Funan era, it stands in a shaded grotto, its ruinous state only adding to the allure. Local legend tells of a secret “magic” tunnel running from the temple to nearby Phnom Oudong, once used by the kings of Oudong. Filled with small statues of women and countless candles devoted to virgin spirits, the shrine is also known as the naga spirit temple, or Prasat Rung Roong.
Weather & Climate near Phnom Baset#
Phnom Baset's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1280 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (242 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.