Verified practical guide
The first state temple of Yasodharapura, raised on a natural hill with broad views across Angkor Wat and the Western Baray.
- APSARA hours
- 5:00 am–7:00 pm
- Suggested time
- About 1 hour
- Route
- Small Circuit
Understand the site
Yasovarman I established his new capital around Phnom Bakheng at the end of the ninth century. APSARA describes the hill as the symbolic centre of the first city in Angkor’s core.
The five-tiered pyramid was built directly on the bedrock. Its sanctuary arrangement expresses Hindu cosmology, while later additions show the hill’s continued role as a pilgrimage place.
What not to miss
The hill approach
The ascent is part of the visit and separates the temple from drive-up stops.
Angkor panorama
The summit opens views toward Angkor Wat, the Western Baray and the forest canopy.
Temple-mountain plan
The many sanctuaries and five summit towers translate a complex cosmic scheme into stone.
Visit advice
The site is famous at sunset, but its 5 am opening also makes an early visit possible. Do not plan the official one-hour duration without allowing for the walk up and down.
APSARA does not allow children under 12 or pregnant women to access the top of the pyramid for safety reasons.
Angkor is a sacred site
Cover shoulders and knees, respect worshippers and monks, climb only where permitted, do not touch carvings and take all litter away.
Read the official visitor codeFacts and hours checked against APSARA National Authority · checked 25 August 2026.
