Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND ANGKOR
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Phnom Krom
Tonlé Sap lake, dates from the reign of Yasovarman I in the late 9th or early 10th century.
The name means 'Lower Hill' and is a reference to its geographic location in relation to its
sister temples of Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Bok. The three towers, dedicated (from north
to south) to Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, are in a ruined state, but Phnom Krom remains one
of the more tranquil spots from which to view the sunset, complete with an active wat. The
fast boats from Phnom Penh dock near here, but it is not possible to see the temple from
beneath the hill. If coming here by
moto
or car, try to get the driver to take you to the sum-
mit, as it is a long, hot climb otherwise.
It is now necessary to have an Angkor pass to visit the temple at the summit of Phnom
Krom, so don't come all the way out here without one, as the guards won't allow you ac-
cess to the summit of the hill. Plan on a half-day visit in tandem with exploring the floating
village of Chong Kneas (
Click here
).
WHEN NATURE CALLS
Angkor is now blessed with some of the finest public toilets in Asia. Designed in wooden chalets and
complete with amenities such as electronic flush, they wouldn't be out of place in a fancy hotel. The
trouble is that the guardians often choose not to run the generators that power the toilets, meaning it is
pretty dark inside the cubicles (but, thankfully, you can flush manually, too!). Entrance is free if you
show your Angkor pass; and the toilets are found near most of the major temples.
Remember, in remote areas, don't stray off the path - being seen in a compromising position is infin-
itely better than stepping on a landmine.
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Phnom Bok
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