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Phnom Bakheng Phnom Bakheng is located 1,300m north of Angkor Wat and 400m south of Angkor Thom. The long, steep path up to Bakeng is currently closed and a diversion around the side of the hill is in place. Bakeng was the first significant temple at Angkor and was built after Yasovarman I moved the state capital from Roluos to Yasodharapura. The hill overlooks the West Baray. Most tourists are taken to Bakheng to view the sunset at some point in their stay. Unfortunately, the hill is becoming so crowded in the late afternoon that it is often difficult to find a good vantage point.
Phnom Rrom
Phnom Krom was built in the late 9th and early 10th century. The 3 towered temple are in poor condition, but the view from the top is good one of the Tonle Sap Lake and countryside. If you are going to visit one of the floating villages, then you can see this at the same time as it is out towards the lake.
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Prsat Kravan temple
The small tower at Kravan has three sanctuaries with unique brick bas-reliefs. Carvings on the southern wall represent Visnu with his right foot resting on a lotus flower held by his wife Laksmi, the Goddess of Beauty born from the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. The western and eastern walls see Vishnu riding a crocodile and the Garuda respectively.
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Pimeanakas temple
This 10th Century pyramidal temple pre-dated the construction of Angkor Thom but was encompassed within its walls when Angkor Thom was completed. Phimeanakas was a royal temple. Architecturally there is little to recommend it but its great height provides a panorama of the surrounding woodland. Ascend the temple via its western (rear) staircase as the eastern stair is precipitous. A legendary serpent-woman was reputed to dwell in the temple tower. The Angkorian rulers were obliged to carnally pleasure the creature on a nightly basis. This ritual supposedly protected the king and his realm from harm.
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Prasat Bapuon temple Like Phimeanakas, Prasat Baphuon pre-dated Angkor Thom but was encompassed by the city walls. It is a vast temple-mountain and is located close to the centre of Angkor Thom. Its poor state is currently being rectified through an extensive restoration project and the temple is not open to the public at present. It is possible, however, to access the entrance gate and elevated walkway. Some fabulous animal carvings adorn the walkway entrance and there is a huge reclining Buddha on the west side, added to The Baphuon at a much later date.
Prasat Suor Prat temple
Prasat Suor Prat were built in the early 13th century and they are 12 more or less identical towers which are more or less opposite the Terrace of Elephants. They are not much to look at close up, but are picturesque from the Terrace of Elephants
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The Royal Palace
The 10th Century Royal Pond is 45m by 125m with sandstone rims and steps circling downwards. It stands in the area between the Baphuon and the old Royal Palace. The pond has well-preserved carvings on its wall. Though the pond itself is not particularly interesting the area has a peaceful ambience and is a nice place to sit and reflect, particularly in the late afternoon.
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