Bakheng Temple

This temple was constructed more than two centuries before Angkor Wat. It served as King Yasovarman I’s state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. And, it is a Hindu temple originally built in the form of a temple mountain dedicated to Shiva. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite an earth fill of the most other temples.

 Phnom Bakheng is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods, a statue emphasized by the temple’s location atop a steep hill 65 m above the surrounding plain.  The temple is built in a pyramid form of seven levels, represent seven heavens. Furthermore, Phnom Bakheng is also featured in the popular movie called Tomb Raider-in the scene which the view of the Angkor Wat from the top of Phnom Bakheng is featured in the movie (when Lara Croft looks through the binoculars upon arriving in Cambodia).  

Located atop a hill, making Bakheng nowadays is the most popular tourist spot for sunset views, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distance Angkor Wat temple which lies amid the jungle about 1.5 km away. To reach the summit, you have to take a 20 minutes’ walk up along the trail or You also could pay for the elephant ride if you want ($20).