Phnom Krom Temple (Prasat Phnom Krom) Tours and Activities

South of Siem Reap and the major Angkor temples, hilltop Phnom Krom Temple (Prasat Phnom Krom) was built during the reign of Yasovarman I, who moved the Khmer capital to Angkor. Three ruined towers and an active monastery stand atop a hill with sweeping views across Tonlé Sap lake and the West Baray reservoir. It’s a popular sunset spot.

The Basics
Although it’s outside the Angkor Archaeological Park boundary, you’ll need the same ticket to visit Phnom Krom Temple as you do for other Angkor-era sites: the Angkor Pass. Choose between 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day options. Travelers most often head here for sunset, and it’s a popular destination on sunset tours. Some tours combine a visit to Phnom Krom with a trip to the Chong Kneas Floating Village and a Tonlé Sap boat cruise. Other tours include travel by scooter or even bicycle along scenic country roads.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Phnom Krom Temple is primarily of interest to photographers, Instagrammers, and lovers of views.
• The steps make for a long, hot climb. Drive to the summit—or bring water if steps are part of your plan.
• You need to scramble to find the best vista point, making Phnom Krom a challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs.

How to Get There
Phnom Krom Temple is located about 7 miles (12 kilometers) south of downtown Siem Reap and around 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of the Chong Kneas Floating Village on Tonlé Sap lake. There’s no public transport so your options are: cycle, scooter, join a tour, or book a private driver.

When to Get There
Phnom Krom Temple is open from early morning until late afternoon, seven days a week. Travelers most often visit for sunset, when the 360-degree views extend from Tonlé Sap lake to the West Baray reservoir. Vistas are at their most impressive during the rainy season (roughly May to November), when the lake is full, although the chances of an overcast day also increase.

The Three Towers of Phnom Krom Temple
Phnom Krom means simply “Lower Hill,” and it’s likely Phnom Krom Temple forms a triad with Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Bok Temple. The three ruined sanctuaries that form the focus of Phnom Krom Temple are dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer), and Brahma (the creator).