Phnom Krom: Sunsets Over the Great Tonle Sap Lake
12 km southwest of Siem Reap town.
Expansive sunset views over the Tonle Sap lake.
Angkor Pass is required for foreign visitors.
Rising 140 meters above the Cambodian plains, Phnom Krom is a rocky hill crowned with an ancient temple and blessed with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Siem Reap area. It's a popular spot for locals and a hidden gem for travelers seeking the perfect sunset.
A Royal Hilltop and a Monkey's Legend
Prasat Phnom Krom is a historically significant 9th-century temple. It was built by King Yasovarman I as part of a trilogy of hilltop temples, each dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The other two temples in this royal set are Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Bok.
Local legend, however, offers a more colorful origin story. It's said that the monkey general Hanuman exposed the rocks of the hill while searching for magical medicine during the epic of the Ramayana.
The Experience at the Summit
The Ancient Temple
At the top, you'll find the three crumbling but atmospheric prasats (towers) of the temple. Though heavily weathered by time and the elements, they offer a quiet and contemplative space to explore, far from the crowds of the main Angkor temples.
The Breathtaking View
The main reason to visit is the view. From the summit, you get a stunning 360-degree vista. To the east, you see the fields and villages of the Siem Reap countryside. To the west, the view opens up to the vast, shimmering expanse of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.
The Golden Hour
As the sun begins to set, Phnom Krom truly comes alive. The sky explodes with color, and the light reflects beautifully off the surface of the lake. It's an incredibly peaceful and popular spot for photographers and anyone looking to enjoy a serene sunset.
Planning Your Visit
Phnom Krom is easily reached by car, tuk-tuk, or motorbike. The road up the hill is paved but can be steep in places. While popular with locals for exercise and relaxation, foreign visitors should be aware that an Angkor Pass is required to access the temple at the summit. Checkpoints are often in place. The journey is often combined with a boat trip to the nearby floating villages on the Tonle Sap.
Find Your Way
Combine Your Trip!
A visit to Phnom Krom is perfectly paired with a boat tour of the Chong Kneas floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake. Experience life on the water, then climb the hill for a spectacular sunset.
Book a Tonle Sap & Sunset Tour