One of three temple-mountains built by Yasovarman I in the late 9th or early 10th century, this peaceful but remote location (about 25km from Siem Reap) sees few visitors. The small temple is in reasonable shape, but it is the views of Phnom Kulen to the north and the plains of Angkor to the south from this 212m hill that make it ...
The remains of a 5m linga are visible at the opposite end of the hill and it’s believed there were similar linga at Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom.
There is a long, winding trail snaking up the hill at Phnom Bok, which takes about 20 minutes to climb, plus a faster cement staircase, but the latter is fairly exposed. Avoid the heat in the middle of the day and carry plenty of water, which can be purchased locally.
Phnom Bok is clearly visible from the road to Banteay Srei. It is accessed by continuing east on the road to Banteay Samré for another 6km. It is possible to loop back to Siem Reap via the temples of Roluos by heading south instead of west on the return journey, and gain some rewarding glimpses of the countryside. Unfortunately, it is not a sensible place for sunrise or sunset, as it would require a long journey in the dark.
Phnom Bok (Khmer: ភ្នំបូក) is a hill in the northeast of Eastern Baray in Cambodia, with a prasat (temple) (Khmer: ប្រាសាទភ្នំបូក) of the same name built on it. It is one of the "trilogies of mountains", each of which has a temple with similar layout. The creation of the temple is credited to the reign of Yasovarman I (889–910) between 9th and 10th centuries; established after he moved his capital to Angkor and named it Yasodharapura. The two other sister temples, named after the contiguous hills, are the Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom.
The site of the three hills was chosen by Yashovarman I along with the Eastern Baray (where only the base of the central shrine is surviving). In the 10th century, these shrines had high religious value during the Angkorian rule. The temples called as part of an "architectural triad" brought about an element of experimentation in architectural style in the Angkorian period. From the astronomical references planned for three temples, out of the four noted alignments three, namely, equinox and winter and Solar Solstices could be observed from inside the western entrance of Phnom Bok hill temple, which is also known for the triple sanctuary dedicated to the Trimurti.
Phnom Bok is the third natural hill site. Its elevation is 221 metres (725 ft). The hill is about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of Siem Reap. It is approached from the road to Banteay Srei. An eastbound road leads to Banteay Samré for another 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from whence the hill is approached through 635 wide steps leading to the top where the Phnom Bok temple is situated. From the top of this mountain, though the temple is seen mostly in ruins, the panoramic vistas seen all round are of the Tonlé Sap Lake, the Phnom Kulen to the north and vast plains of rice fields to the south. Like Phnom Krom, Phnom Bok consists of sandstone which has a relatively high magnetic susceptibility.
Yasovarman I, son of Indravarman I (his capital was at Hariharalaya), shifted the capital to Yashodarapura (the first Angkor capital meaning "The City That Bears Glory"). The temples that he built, apart from Phnom Bok in 910 AD consisted of the Lolei (893 AD), Pra Vihear (893 AD), Phnom Bakheng, the Royal temple (900 AD) and Phnom Krom (910 AD). However, Yashovarman did not choose Phnom Bok as the capital city, near the city of Hariharalaya, as he considered it unsuitable due to its "awkward and too high" a location to mark as the centre of the city. He did not choose Phnom Krom hill either, as he considered it too close to the Tonle Sap Lake. Eventually, Phnom Bakhen of the triumvirate of hills was chosen as the capital city due its low height and large expanse of land available to establish a capital city. His objective was also to build a temple for housing a linga, which surpassed his father’s Indresvara and named it as Yashodaresvara. He also named his capital as Yashodarapura, which became the first capital city of Angkor. He, however, installed the Trimurtis in the temples on the other two hills of Phnom Bok and Phnom Krom. Statues of the Hindu Trimurti were found at both Phnom Bok and Phnom Krom.
Prasat Phnom Bok, rectangular in shape and attributed to the reign of Yasovarman I, is similar in design to the Phnom Krom prasat. However, while the Phnom Krom central tower is higher than the other two flanking towers, the Phnom Bok prasat has three identical sanctum towers in a row on a single terrace.
The temple is an Angkor monument. It is dedicated to the Trimurti of the Hindu pantheon: the Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara or Shiva. It was built in Bakheng style (893–927) and designed with individual sanctums, which have door openings to the east and west. These are raised on a foundation with a plinth made of laterite stone. Frontons of Bakheng and Phnom Bok are said to "represent heads of the entire thirty-three deities of the Hindu pantheon. There is said to be a "fine example of the head of Shiva in the Chandrasekhara form with the moon prominent on his locks" at the temple. The summer solstice occurring over Phnom Bok hill temple, which had the images of Trimurtis defied in it, can be observed from the temple’s western entrance.
Angkor monuments built in Angkor period architecture in Bakheng style were made of sandstone and laterite but brickwork was also adopted. Laterite has been used for the walls, platforms and pavements. Greyish yellow sandstone was the main stonework used in the temples.
Though the temple is in a good condition, there is over growth of two large frangipani (Plumeria) trees over the ruined temple towers. It is said that when the flowers bloom on these trees, the appearance of "some sort of extravagant haircut" is discerned.
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National Road No. 6 and Sivatha Street Junction, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Sokha Angkor Resort offers luxurious resort living in central Siem Reap. The hotel offers wellness and relaxation with spa treatments and facilities within its private gardens. The property features an outdoor pool available all year round and an in-house restaurant. It also features a free 15-minute foot massage and free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Pub Street is a short 1 km from Sokha Angkor Resort and the Angkor Wat complex is 6.1 km away from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport located 11.2 km from Sokha Angkor Resort. The property offers complimentary airport pickups and shuttle services can be arranged at an additional cost.
Spacious guest rooms and suites are air-conditioned, decorated with traditional ancient and modern Khmer design for comfort. Some rooms offer a private balcony while all rooms feature a choice between city or pool views.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for ticketing and tour services and currency exchange.
Sokha Angkor restaurants and bars serves variety of delicacies ranging from Cambodian, Western, Khmer and Japanese cuisines. The restaurant also caters to special dietary needs upon request.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Solo travellers particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a one-person stay.
We speak your language!
Sokha Angkor Resort has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 12 Mar 2010.
Hotel chain/brand: Sokha Hotels & Resorts
Wat Damnak village, Old Market Areas, Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Chronicle Angkor Hotel offers 14 suites tastefully designed in a handcrafted stonework decor. Just 400 m from Angkor Night Market and 300 m from the vibrant Pub Street, guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or indulge in massage treatments. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Staff are able to converse in Chinese, Khmer and English.
Every suite comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a tea/coffee making facilities. Certain suites offer a seating area and a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the city. All suites feature an en suite bathroom fitted with shower facilities. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach a 24-hour front desk with tour arrangements and ticketing services. Guests can enjoy swimming at the outdoor pool or make use of a business centre. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
A selection of Cambodian and International dishes can be enjoyed at Sankya's Restaurant. Guests can also have drinks at the on-site bar.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 7.5 km away from the property, while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km away. The hotel offers complimentary pickup services from the airport, a bus station or a ferry dock.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
7 Makara, Wat Damnak, Salakamruek, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Showcasing an outdoor pool and year-round outdoor pool, Central Privilege Hotel is located in Siem Reap, just half a kilometer from Pub Street. The hotel has a barbecue and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Certain units feature a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers. A flat-screen TV is featured.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
You can play ping-pong at this hotel, and bike rental and car rental are available. Angkor Wat is 6.9 km from Central Privilege Hotel, and Angkor Trade Centre is 600 m from the property. The nearest airport is Angkor International Airport, 8 km from Central Privilege Hotel.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Central Privilege Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Jul 6, 2016
Hotel Rooms: 49
Preah Sangreach Tep Vong Street Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Offering pool views, an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi, Sunvy Angkor Villa Boutique offers accommodation ideally located in Siem Reap, within a short distance of Pub Street and King's Road Angkor.
The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hair dryer and shower. A terrace with garden views is offered in every unit.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the property. At Sunvy Angkor Villa Boutique you will find a restaurant serving European cuisine.
The property has an indoor pool. The accommodation provides a dry cleaning service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Sunvy Angkor Villa Boutique.
Angkor Wat is 6 km from the bed and breakfast. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 12 km away, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
Riverside avenue, Old French Quarter areas, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Offering an outdoor pool and a on-site restaurant, La Rivière d' Angkor is located in the city of Siem Reap. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property. Pub Street, filled with various restaurants and bars, is conveniently situated within 650 m from the hotel.
Each uniquely decorated suite is equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a seating area. Spacious and bright, they include a large sofa and a safety deposit box. Some have a balcony with either a pool or garden view. For your comfort, you will find tea/coffee maker, electric kettle and slippers in the rooms. The modern bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer, bathrobes, toothbrushes and free toiletries.
At La Rivière d' Angkor, you will find a terrace and a bar. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling. The property offers free parking.
The hotel is 10 minutes' drive from the famous Angkor Wat temple. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is within 15 minutes' drive. The resort offers complimentary airport transfers and shuttle service to the city.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Sivatha Blvd, Mondol II Village, Svaydangkum Commnune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa is just 10 minutes’ drive from the world famous Angkor Wat Temple and a 5-minute walk from the popular Pub Street. It has a spa, health club, and an outdoor pool with hot tub. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa is a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport. It takes 5 minutes on foot to the Night Market and various dining and shopping options. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Featuring hardwood flooring, rooms at Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa come with a private balcony. Each room has cable TV, a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities. The attached bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and separate shower.
Guests can exercise in the fitness centre or relax in the sauna. Travel arrangements can be made at the tour desk. The hotel provides taxi service and currency exchange, as well as laundry and dry cleaning.
Buffet breakfast is served daily. Somadevi Café offers Khmer, Asian and European dishes. Snacks and drinks are available at Devi Lobby Lounge, which also shows movies and sports programs on a wide-screen TV.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
We speak your language!
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 20 May 2010.
Hotel Rooms: 170
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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