Perched atop a 65-meter hill, Phnom Bakheng stands as a silent sentinel over the sprawling ancient city of Angkor. This majestic temple-mountain, one of the earliest major temples built in the Angkor region, offers more than just historical intrigue; it provides some of the most captivating panoramic views, especially as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. Constructed in the late 9th and early 10th centuries by King Yasovarman I, Phnom Bakheng predates the grander Angkor Wat and served as the state temple of his capital, Yasodharapura. Its design, a five-tiered pyramid representing Mount Meru (the mythical home of the gods), is adorned with numerous Prasats (towers) that once numbered 108, symbolizing the lunar cycles. Though time and nature have taken their toll, the temple's imposing structure still evokes a sense of its past glory. What truly draws thousands to Phnom Bakheng each day, particularly in the late afternoon, is its unparalleled vantage poi...