Phnom Bakheng
Location: 1300 m north of Angkor Wat, just south of Angkor Thom.
King: Yasovarman I
Date: 9th-10th century
Religion: Hindu
Access: At the east side.
"Phnom" means "hill" in the Khmer language. Phnom Bakheng is a 65-metre hill a few hundred metres south of the gate to Angkor Thom.
It is the only natural hill in the area. Climbing the hill after a day walking around the monuments can be a challenge, but the view from the top just before sunset is a rewarding sight. You see the sun go down over the western Baray while the five towers of Angkor Wat slowly disappear in the jungle to the east.
You enter Phnom Bakheng by a steep path with some steps on the east side. On the top you will find one of the oldest temples, built by Yasovarman I.