Climb the sacred hill of Phnom Bakheng at golden hour for a panoramic sunset over the Angkor plain — jungle stretching to the horizon, the silhouette of Angkor Wat in the distance. One of Southeast Asia's most iconic dusk moments.
What to expect
The 65-metre sandstone hill is a 20-minute climb through dense jungle, emerging onto a five-tiered pyramid-temple that served as Yasovarman I's state temple in the 9th century. Your guide decodes the 108 towers symbolising the lunar calendar as the afternoon light turns the sandstone deep amber. At the summit, the view sweeps across an unbroken sea of jungle to the towers of Angkor Wat, perfectly framed for the most memorable photograph of your Mekong voyage. Descent is by torchlight under a canopy of stars.
Good to know
Entry to Phnom Bakheng is capped — arrive by 16:30 at the latest. The path requires moderate fitness; elephant rides to the summit are no longer permitted. Pair with a morning Angkor Wat visit on the same day pass. Confirm all-aboard time (typically 17:00–18:00) with your ship before booking an evening sunset.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Siem Reap — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Siem Reap
- Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour with Expert Local Guide
- Angkor Thom, Bayon & Ta Prohm: Private Half-Day Deep Dive
- Phare: The Cambodian Circus — an Extraordinary Evening Performance
- Tonlé Sap Floating Village: Private Boat & Biosphere Exploration
- Angkor National Museum: Khmer Civilisation in Curated Luxury
- Kulen Mountain: Sacred Waterfall & River of a Thousand Lingas