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Phnom Krom: Sunsets Over the Great Lake
12 km Southwest of Siem Reap.
Sunset views over the Tonle Sap.
You MUST have an Angkor Pass!
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 province. It is the best alternative to the crowded Phnom Bakheng for a peaceful sunset.
A Royal Hilltop
Prasat Phnom Krom was built in the 9th century by King Yasovarman I. It is one of three hilltop temples he constructed (the others are Bakheng and Phnom Bok), each dedicated to the Hindu Trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
The Legend: Local folklore says the monkey general Hanuman exposed this mountain while moving rocks to build a bridge to Lanka in the Ramayana epic. He dropped a massive stone here, creating Phnom Krom!
The Experience
The Climb
You can drive a motorbike or take a tuk-tuk most of the way up the paved road. From the parking area, it is a short climb up a stone staircase to reach the plateau. It is much easier than Phnom Bakheng!
The Ancient Temple
At the summit, three crumbling sandstone towers stand silent against the wind. The stone here is heavily eroded, giving the temple a rough, ancient texture that looks incredible in the golden hour light.
The View
This is why you come. To the East, you see endless rice paddies. To the West, the view opens up to the vast shimmering expanse of the Tonle Sap Lake. Watching the sun dip below the water here is magical.
📸 Pro Tip: The Lotus Fields
At the bottom of the mountain, near the entrance, there are massive fields of lotus flowers. During the wet season (June-Nov), these are in full bloom. It makes for a stunning photo stop before you head up the hill!
Find Your Way
Combine Your Trip!
Since Phnom Krom is located near the Chong Kneas Floating Village, many travelers combine a boat trip on the lake in the afternoon with a sunset finish at the temple.
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