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Photo: Satdeep Gill, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The first temple-mountain constructed in Angkor, with a commanding hilltop location, is under renovation as shown by the cranes hauling piece by piece the stones out from the structure. Extremely popular (and crowded) spot for sunsets: allow half an hour for the sweaty hike to the top, and leave early or bring a torch for the way back. The final climb to the top of the temple is steep and dangerous at dark. The sun does not set over Angkor if seen from here, and any visible temples are in fact quite far away. You are not allowed to climb Phnom Bakheng after 17:30 - hence make sure you arrive earlier. An elephant ride back down the hill will cost US$15 per person, but is best avoided due to animal welfare concerns about the training of elephants.
Phnom Bakheng is a Buddhist temple in the form of a temple mountain at Angkor, in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, it was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman. Located atop a hill, it is nowadays a popular tourist spot for sunset views of the much bigger temple Angkor Wat, which lies amid the jungle about 1.5 km to the southeast. The large number of visitors makes Phnom Bakheng one of the most threatened monuments of Angkor. Since 2004, the World Monuments Fund has been working to conserve the temple in partnership with APSARA.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A platform attached to the ruins of Phimeanakas famous for its elephant carvings, which was used by King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious armies returning to the ancient city.
Located on the eastern edge of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The name Banteay Samre translates into the citadel of the ancient people of Indochina. The single towered temple is beautifully restored.