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  The
construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill),
the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the
move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the
late 9th century AD. It served as King Yasovarman I's state-temple at
the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of
Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the
laterite and earthfill of most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop location
makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view
of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat (upper right photo.)
Quiet the rest of the day. Elephant rides up the hill are available for
sunset. Always overcrowded at sunset, so much so that authorities are
now limiting the number of visitors at sunset. Consider a alternative
sunset location. |
