Sunset at Bakheng Mountain: A Sacred Hill of Gods

If you are looking for a spectacular way to end your day in Siem Reap, you should not miss the opportunity to witness the sunset at Bakheng Mountain, the oldest temple in the Angkor region. The sight of the sun setting behind the majestic towers of Angkor Wat is truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable.

Why visit Bakheng Mountain

Bakheng Mountain is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, built by King Yasovarman at the end of the 9th century. It is located on top of a hill, about 1.3 km north of Angkor Wat and 400 m south of Angkor Thom. It is one of the three hilltop temples in the Angkor region that are attributed to Yasovarman’s reign, along with Phnom Krom and Phnom Bok.

Bakheng Mountain was the architectural centerpiece of a new capital, Yasodharapura, that Yasovarman built when he moved the court from the old capital Hariharalaya. It was the state temple for Yasovarman and his successors, and it was considered a mountain of gods, symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical abode of Hindu deities.

Bakheng Mountain is one of the most threatened monuments of Angkor, due to the large number of visitors and the erosion of the hill. Since 2004, World Monuments Fund has been working to conserve the temple in partnership with APSARA, the authority in charge of the Angkor site.

When to go

The best time to see the sunset at Bakheng Mountain is during the dry season, from November to March, when the sky is clear and the weather is pleasant. However, you can still enjoy the sunset during the rainy season, from April to October, as the clouds can create dramatic effects and colors.

The sunset time varies throughout the year, but it is usually between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. You should be there before 4:30 pm.

How to get there

To enter the Angkor Archaeological Park, you need to buy a ticket, which costs $37 for one day, $62 for three days, or $72 for seven days. You can buy the ticket at the official ticket office, which opens at 5:00 am, or online at Angkor Enterprise.

You can get to Bakheng Mountain by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or car. The tuk-tuk is the most popular and convenient option, as it can accommodate up to four people and costs around $25 for the whole day. You can arrange the tuk-tuk with your hotel or find one on the street. The bicycle is a cheaper and eco-friendly option, but it requires more physical effort and time. You can rent a bicycle for around $7 per day from many shops in Siem Reap. The car is the most comfortable and expensive option, as it can fit up to seven people and costs around $40 - $60 for the whole day. You can book a car with a driver through your hotel or a travel agency.

Where to watch

The best spot to watch the sunset at Bakheng Mountain is on the upper terrace of the temple, where you can see the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Tonle Sap lake, and the Western Baray reservoir. However, this spot is also the most crowded, so you should arrive early and find a good position. Alternatively, you can watch the sunset from the lower terraces or the hill slopes, where you can get a different perspective and avoid the crowds.

What to bring

To enjoy the sunset at Bakheng Mountain, you should bring the following items:

Your ticket, which you need to show at the entrance.
A flashlight or a phone with a flashlight, which you need to navigate the dark temple grounds.
A warm jacket or a scarf, which you need to keep warm in the chilly evening.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, which you need to protect yourself from the sun.
A camera or a phone with a camera, which you need to capture the stunning views.
A bottle of water and some snacks, which you need to stay hydrated and energized.
A mosquitoes repellent, which to keep yourself protected from the insects.

Conclusion

Whatever you choose to do, you will surely have a wonderful and unforgettable experience of seeing the sunset at Bakheng Mountain. It is one of the most spectacular and sacred things to do in Siem Reap, and you should not miss it.

Ticket price: Bakheng mountain is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, so you need to buy an Angkor Pass to visit it. The prices are $37 for a one-day pass, $62 for a three-day pass, and $72 for a seven-day pass.
Opening hours: Bakheng mountain is open from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. It is a popular spot for watching the sunset over Angkor Wat, so it may get crowded in the late afternoon.
Address: Bakheng mountain is located about 1.3 km north of Angkor Wat and 400 m south of Angkor Thom, in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia3.
Best way to get there: You can get to Bakheng mountain by tuk tuk, taxi, motorbike, or bicycle from Siem Reap. It takes about 20 minutes by tuk tuk or taxi, and 30 minutes by motorbike or bicycle. To reach the temple at the top, you have to walk up a sandy path and then climb some steep stairs. Alternatively, you can take an elephant ride from the bottom to the top, but this option is not recommended for ethical reasons.