In the
language of the Khmer, the word "Phnom"
translates to "hill" in English. Just a
short distance from Angkor Thom is Phnom
Bakheng, a 65 meter high hill just south of
the Thom’s gate. Phnom Bakheng is the area’s
sole natural hill. The view on top of this
hill just before the sun sets makes the
steep climb worth it. The Angkor Wat’s
famous 5 towers disappear into the jungle as
the sun goes down the Baray’s western side.
The building of this monument on Phnom
Bakheng is the first significant temple to
be built in the area of Angkor. Its
construction signified the change of the
capital of the empire of the Khmer to Angkor
in the latter part of the ninth century from
Roluos. The Phnom Bakheng was used as King
Yasovarman It's main temple at the heart of
Yasodharapura, his new state capital. The
Bakheng’s foundation was carved from the
original rock pile instead of the earthfill
and laterite which was used in the other
temples.
The hilltop of Bakheng is the most famous
place to view the sunset in the vicinity,
giving a spectacular view of the Angkor Wat
and Tonle Sap Lake. During sunset, crowds
gather at the temple it becomes easily
congested, oftentimes completely crowded
with tourists.
