Seeing the sunset in Angkor Wat proper is a little difficult but in Phnom Bakheng, minutes away, it is welcomed. There is a hike involved but the breathtaking view will make it all worth it. Bring your video camera for this one!
đïž Phnom Bakheng at Sunset â Quick Background
đ What is Phnom Bakheng?
đ Why Sunset?
đ¶ââïž Access
đ Phnom Bakheng Sunset Tour
- Hilltop temple with panoramic views
- Stunning sunset overlooking Angkor Wat
- Chance to experience one of Angkorâs oldest temples
Your evening journey begins with a walk up Phnom Bakheng, a 9th-century temple-mountain located just northwest of Angkor Wat. As you climb the wooded hill, you’ll be retracing the steps of ancient pilgrims headed for one of the earliest temples in the Angkor region. At the summit, the templeâs five tiers rise to mimic the mythical Mount Meru. Once at the top, youâll be rewarded with an unforgettable sunset viewâgolden light washing over Angkor Wat in the distance, jungle stretching endlessly around you, and the ancient stones glowing with warmth. Entry to the summit is capped at 300 people, so timing and pacing are key to this peaceful and spiritual experience. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes for this one!
Tuk Tuk $20 USD
Car $35 USD
Koh Ker Temple
Koh Ker Temple is approximately two hours into the Cambodian country. It’s best to get there by car.
đïž Koh Ker: The Lost Capital of the Khmer Empire
đ A Capital for Just 20 Years
đŻ What Makes Koh Ker Unique
đż Famous for Colossal Sculptures
đ§ Still Off the Beaten Path
đșïž Tour Highlights:
- Journey through the Cambodian countryside
- Koh Ker Temple
đ Tour Walkthrough:
Your journey to this glorious temple will take you through the Cambodian countryside. Located 120km from Siem Reap, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer empire in the 10th century. Despite many hand-chiselled statues being looted and remaining in museums and private collections today, a trip to Koh Ker is certainly worth the distance. Depending on the time of day, you can be hard pressed to come across another soul whilst exploring the collection of structures in the Cambodian jungle. Without a doubt, your favourite structure will be the well-preserved pyramid that you can walk up to witness a spectacular jungle view.
âł Estimated Tour Time:
Full-day
â
Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup; Transport to and from Koh Ker, a cold bottle of water and a traditional Khmer snack
â Tour Excludes:
Entry fee to Koh Ker ($10 USD)
Meals
đ” Tour Cost:
Car $90 USD
with Preah Vihear *link* $130 USD
Location: Koh Ker Temple
Time: 8 hours
Description: See the highlights of the Angkor Wat Big Tour.
Phnom Kulen Mountain
Phnom Kulen Mountain is another “Must See”. You’ll have to take a motorbike or a car up the mountain though, a Tuk Tuk can not make the journey up the bumpy mountainside roads. Once up the mountain you can drink from one of the most pure water springs on earth and play in a massive waterfall!
đïž Phnom Kulen Mountain â A World Hidden In The Jungle
đ What is Phnom Kulen?
đ Why Visit Phnom Kulen?
đ¶ââïž Access
đ§ Phnom Kulen Mountain Tour
- Journey through the Cambodian countryside
- Visit Waterfalls
- See the Carved Riverbed
- See the Natural Spring
When you arrive at Phnom Kulen, take your time to walk slowly through the local market strip and bargain with the local sellers. Once you have browsed to your heart’s content, walk up a long set of stairs towards a local pagoda. Once you have caught your breath at the top, visit a reclining Buddha made from sandstone; the biggest of its kind in Cambodia. You can take in the views of Cambodiaâs lush forests and jungles whilst on top, then casually walk around the pagoda, taking in all the detail.
Next, eat lunch at a local restaurant and taste the tantalising flavours that Cambodian food has to offer. You will want to rest before continuing your journey, so be sure to sit by the river and watch as locals picnic on the banks and have fun in the water. Once you are energised, take a walk to the waterfalls of Phnom Kulen and plunge into the refreshing water. Be sure to bring a change of clothes, as it is customary to frolic in the water fully clothed in Cambodia. Once you are ready to leave (though we doubt you will want to), head back to your tuk-tuk and sleep on the journey home.
Car $65 USD
Location: Phnom Kulen Mountain
Time: 8 hours
Description: If you have seen Angkor Wat this IS the second best place to see. There is a natural spring with the best water you have ever tasted. 1000’s of carvings right in the riverbed. Contact us for a secret, unadvertised, off-road tour.
Kbal Spean
Majestic and quiet, Kbal Spean is one of our favorite tours. The waterfalls, carvings and holes in rocks over 6 feet deep. Don’t miss Kbal Spean on your itinerary.
đ Kbal Spean â Quick Background
đ What is Kbal Spean?
đż Why Visit Kbal Spean?
đ¶ââïž Access
đż Kbal Spean Jungle Trek Tour
If you love nature and shy away from the crowds, this is the tour for you. Wake up early, buy a packed lunch and savour the ride through the Cambodian countryside to get to Kbal Spean. Once there, take your time hiking up a bumpy (and sometimes a tad overwhelming) forest path until you are met with a string of waterfalls. Walk along the river in search of ancient and sacred linga that are carved into the riverbeds. Said to have 1,000 lingas, we dare you to count them all!
Revel in the serenity of the natural landscape, explore the caves and swim in the water. Donât use all your energy though, as you will need to walk back down the forest path to get back to your tuk-tuk driver by the closing time of 3 pm.
Meals
Location: Kbal Spean
Time: 8 hours
Description: Kbal Spean is the spot for hikers. Way up the mangrove vine lined trail are some of the most ancient carvings directly in the rocks. There are also mysterious holes in the rocks that are almost unexplainable. Dragonflies are about for good luck!
Tonlé Sap
A perfect ending to the Angkor Wat Small Tour.*
TonlĂ© Sap Lake: See Cambodiaâs Living Heart, from Above
Just a short ride from Siem Reap, Phnom Krom offers one of the most unique vantage points in Cambodia â a sweeping view of TonlĂ© Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. But getting to that view is more than a walk â itâs an experience that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and even a dash of adrenaline.
The Climb to Phnom Krom
The hill itself isn’t daunting in height, but the journey upward is lively. As you make your way on foot, you’ll often hear a sudden hum before you even see it â local bicyclists racing downhill at exhilarating speeds. It’s common to see them descend with reckless grace, navigating sharp corners and loose gravel. Be sure to keep to the side of the path; these riders are serious and fast.
The climb takes about 20â30 minutes depending on your pace and is suitable for most fitness levels. The path is mostly paved but steep in places, with very little shade â so bring water and wear a hat.
A Temple at the Top
At the summit, you’re greeted by Prasat Phnom Krom, an ancient Angkor-era temple. Although partially ruined, its sandstone towers still hold a quiet, spiritual presence. The view from the top is spectacular â especially during the wet season, when TonlĂ© Sap expands into a shimmering sea that touches the horizon.
A short historical note enriches the experience: Prasat Phnom Krom, along with Phnom Bok and Phnom Bakheng, is one of the âthree hilltop templesâ constructed by King Yasovarman I in the late 9th century. Each temple was built to represent Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the center of the universe. Knowing this adds an almost spiritual dimension to the climb.
The breeze, the silence (aside from the occasional cyclist whizzing past on the descent), and the historical setting make this spot feel timeless.
Life on Stilts: The Resilient Architecture of Tonlé Sap Communities
As you explore the floating villages or the roads leading toward TonlĂ© Sap, youâll notice entire communities built on towering wooden stilts. These stilt houses are a brilliant adaptation to the lakeâs dramatic seasonal rise and fall, which can swell up to five times its size during the wet season.
During the dry months, homes may seem comically high above the ground, with long ladders stretching down to dusty yards. But when the waters return, the entire landscape transforms â boats replace scooters, and what was once a road becomes a waterway. This rhythm of life is second nature to locals, who design their homes, schools, and shops to float or rise with the flood.
These villages arenât just a curiosity â theyâre a testament to the resourcefulness and harmony of Cambodiaâs lake communities, living in sync with one of the most unique freshwater ecosystems in the world.
More Than a View: Add a Floating Village Tour
đ¶ Pair It with a Lake Visit
After enjoying the view from Phnom Krom, consider heading to one of the nearby floating villages, such as Chong Kneas or Kompong Phluk. These villages offer a deeper look into life on the lake â homes, schools, and even markets float or rise on stilts depending on the season. Opt for ethical boat tours that directly benefit local communities to ensure your visit has a positive impact.
The Three Hilltop Temples of King Yasovarman I
đ A Bit of History
Phnom Krom is one of three strategically placed hilltop temples built by King Yasovarman I during the 9th century, along with Phnom Bok and Phnom Bakheng. These temples were designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Each temple sits atop a hill, symbolic of a divine mountain rising from the earthly plains â a concept central to Khmer temple design.
What to Bring
- Sturdy walking shoes (it can be slippery during the wet season)
- Sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water
- Camera or binoculars for birdwatching and wide-angle lake shots
- Small change for entrance fees or snacks nearby
Final Thoughts
Visiting Phnom Krom is a chance to see Cambodia from a different angle â not just physically, from above, but culturally and spiritually. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just seeking quiet views after the bustle of Angkor Wat, this short journey packs a lot of reward.
And if youâre walking? Just be sure to watch out for those flying bicycles!
Tour Highlights:
- Tonlé Sap Lake
Tour Walkthrough:
Take a journey through the Cambodian countryside to reach Tonle Sap, home to houses on stilts and a different way of living. Once you hire a boat, head out on the water and gain and understanding of what life is like for people who live on the water. Donât fall victim to the ârice scamâ, though. If you wanted to support the development of Cambodia, ask us for suggestions of reputable NGOâs to support when you disembark!
Estimated Tour Time:
Three Hours* (Depending on Time Through Nature Walk / Floating Village)
Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup And Drop Off, Transport To Tonlé Sap, A Cold Bottle Of Water And A Traditional Khmer Snack
Tour Excludes:
Boat Hire Fee (Varies Contact Us For Approximate Pricing)
Tour Cost:
Tuk Tuk
Chong Kneas $-USD
Kom Pongplouk $-USD
Mea Chrey $-USD
Kom Kleang $-USD
Car
Chong Kneas $-USD
Kom Pongplouk $-USD
Mea Chrey $-USD
Kom Kleang $-USD
Location: Tonlé Sap Lake & Village
Time: 3 hours
Description: Take a boat ride around the town of TonlĂ© Sap and marvel at the houses on stilts. Once you’re done up close, hike up the mountain for a breathtaking sunset view of the town in the lake.