Phnom Bakheng Temple: Sunset Panorama in Cambodia Package Tours

Phnom Bakheng in a Historical Lens

Phnom Bakheng Temple Coordinates and How to Find It

Phnom Bakheng Temple is situated atop a hill to the northwest of Angkor Wat, and the two are connected by a road. Phnom Bakheng temple’s GPS coordinates are around 13.4357° N, 103.8564° E tuk tuk From Siem Reap city, it is only 15 to 20 minutes away by tuk tuk. 

A Temple on the Hill of the Gods

The late 9th-century Phnom Bakheng, one of King Yasovarman I’s construction projects, served as the spiritual heart of 9th-century Yasodharapura, the city around which central Angkorian developments effloresced. Sitting on top of a hill that is 65 meters high, the temple design represents Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the center of Hindu mythology, the Universe. Just like it was the center of the universe, it was aligned to the east, and granted a clear line of sight across the Angkor plain. Angkor Wat was more than a temple; it was a star map written in stone.

Architectural Marvels of Ancient Angkor

Phnom Bakheng Temple Cambodia, 5 levels up to 108. The Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia has what was originally 108 towers, which represent the lunar calendar and the lunar order. The plan is that of the Bakong temple in Roluos, but here the concept is more sophisticated and more elevated, literally and spiritually.

People on Angkor Wat Temple Tours can ascend the ruins of this site and see one of the most famous views in Asia, the Phnom Bakheng sunset. From here, it’s hard to miss Angkor Wat gleaming golden in the evening light. Your Phnom Bakheng ticket is included in the Angkor Pass, so this is a must-visit on any Cambodia visit. 

Phnom Bakheng Temple (Source: wmf)

The Ultimate Sunset Experience at Phnom Bakheng

Why This Sunset Is Legendary

If you’re going to do just one sunset in Cambodia, make it at Phnom Bakheng Temple. This hilltop ancient site offers a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and peaceful West Baray.

As the sun starts to sink, the jungle below is shrouded in darkness, and the sky turns a golden hue. You will pass layers of temple silhouettes disappearing into the gathering twilight. It is, in its serenity, its force, and its pathos, a moment that shifts from beauty to memory. Watching the Phnom Bakheng sunset is not about light; it’s about timelessness as you stand atop Phnom Bakheng Temple Cambodia.

Sunset At Phnom Bakheng Temple (Source: siemreap)

When to Go and What to Expect

• Best time to arrive: between 3:15 PM and 4:00 PM
• Only 300 people can enter the summit at sunset. Afterwards, no more entry is allowed.

The ticket to Phnom Bakheng Temple is included in Angkor Archaeological Park; you don’t need to purchase a Phnom Bakheng ticket separately.

What to expect:

• You hike up a forest path for 10-15 minutes. It’s a little steep, but not too bad.
• Wear sensible shoes, take water, and a flashlight for the way down.
• Would you like to film Angkor Wat at sunset? Bring a telephoto lens (300 mm or longer).
• Search for these same Phnom Bakheng temple coordinates on Google Maps: 13.4357° N, 103.8564° E 

Only 300 Allowed At Aunset (Source: passionindochinatravel)

Full-Day Angkor Itinerary Featuring Phnom Bakheng Sunset

Morning: The Majesty of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

• 07:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel outside Siem Reap by our local guide and private car.
• 08:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Begin your adventures at the biggest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat. It has huge courtyards, giant towers, and galleries with detailed Hindu bas-reliefs.
• 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Next up is Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Explore the Bayon Temple, renowned for its 216 smiling stone faces, and stroll the Terrace of the Elephants.

Afternoon: Jungle Mystique and Local Lunch

• 12:15 PM – 01:30 PM: Your lunch today will be served in one of the local restaurants.
• 01:45 PM – 03:00 PM: Proceed to Ta Prohm, or the famous “Tomb Raider Temple.” Interlocking tree roots tower over temple walls in this example of nature and structure merged in living 3D, one of the most atmospheric locations at Angkor.

Late Afternoon & Sunset: Climbing Toward Phnom Bakheng’s Golden Hour

• 03:15 PM – 04:00 PM: Return to the bottom of Phnom Bakheng Temple. Start walking uphill in hilly forest (10, 15 minutes). 
• 04:30 PM – 05:45 PM: Summit before max. 300 people. As the sun goes down, see Angkor Wat and West Baray gradually reduce to a silhouette, lit by gentle golden shades. This is the classic Phnom Bakheng sunset, and it is so worth the wait. 

Evening: Descent and Return to Siem Reap

• 06:00 PM: It is after sunset, and a flashlight is needed to go down. Your guide will help you with a descent.
• 06:30 PM – 07:00 PM: Return to your hotel in Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat (Source: wikipedia)

What You’ll See from the Top

Iconic Views Over Angkor

You’ll get some of the best views of all of Angkor Wat temple complex from the top of Phnom Bakheng Temple Cambodia.

• In the distance, about three-quarters of a mile (1.3 kilometers) away, Angkor Wat can be seen, framed just right for sunset photo ops, especially with a long lens.
• When you look towards the west, you will see the huge West Baray Reservoir, shimmering in the afternoon sun.
• On a clear day, you might also see Phnom Krom and Phnom Bok in the distance.

Photography Tips

Planning to capture the perfect moment? Here’s how:

• Recommended lens: Use a 300mm or longer lens when photographing Angkor Wat from afar.
• Best time: Golden hour would be best between 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM ish which adds warm, golden tones and dramatic shadows.
• Framing concept: Create depth by capturing the ruins of Phnom Bakheng Temple in the foreground with Angkor Wat in the background. 

Book Your Phnom Bakheng Temple Sunset Tour with Impress Travel

Excited to experience the iconic Phnom Bakheng sunset atop Cambodia’s spiritual hub? Let Impress Travel show you! Our special day tours feature Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and are completed by sunset at the top dramatic viewpoint of the Phnom Bakheng temple. Whether you’re in town for the first time, or you’re a photographer with your long lens out, or you’re just discovering cultural quintessence, which is Cambodia, this is the shot you never want to miss. Your Phnom Bakheng tickets include the cost in the Angkor Wat entrance pass, so it’s not like you’re paying anything extra to savor this once-in-a-lifetime view.

Book your trip right now with the help of our specialist consultants! We’ll explain everything,  from the Phnom Bakheng temple geolocation and getting there, to setting up a smooth pickup from Siem Reap.

•  Impress Travel Head Office: 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
•  Phone: (+84) 912 379 189
•  Email: info@impresstravel.com

Conclusion

As the sun drops beneath the jungle, the vista from the Phnom Bakheng Temple is etched forever. This sacred hilltop, fringed by ancient towers, under the golden skies and with the silhouette of Angkor Wat glowing in the far distance, embodies the timeless spirit of Cambodia. Don’t miss the magic. Let Impress Travel bring you to the best magical sunset of Phnom Bakheng with our local guide. Make your trip memorable!