Phnom Krom, Ancient temple complex and summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Phnom Krom is a hilltop temple complex located about 12 kilometers southwest of Siem Reap, featuring three sandstone towers arranged in a north-south line on a rectangular platform. The site has multiple smaller buildings scattered around the central structures, creating a layered composition that spreads across the summit.
The complex was built in the late 9th century under King Yasovarman I as one of three hilltop temples overlooking the Angkor realm. These strategically positioned structures served to monitor and control the kingdom from elevated vantage points.
The temple was built to honor Hindu gods, and you can see how the Khmer people expressed their spiritual beliefs through carved stone. The three towers each had their own religious purpose, reflecting the religious practices that shaped daily life in the medieval kingdom.
The climb to the summit involves steep stairs and a winding path through the temple grounds, taking about 15 minutes on foot from the parking area. The ascent requires decent fitness and proper footwear due to uneven stone surfaces and intense sun exposure at the top.
Four small buildings with perforated walls sit within the courtyard, and scholars believe they may have served as crematoriums during the Khmer period. These enigmatic structures offer a rare glimpse into death and burial practices that are rarely documented elsewhere.
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