Phnom Krom, Ancient temple complex and summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Phnom Krom is a small temple on a 140 m rocky hill about 12 km southwest of Siem Reap. Built in the Bakheng style, it is enclosed by a 50 m square laterite wall whose gopuras have disappeared. Three sandstone prasat honor Shiva (center), Vishnu (north) and Brahma (south); the friable stone carvings are badly weathered.

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.

The hill's name means "downstream hill" in Khmer, and local legend says its exposed rocks were left by the monkey general Hanuman while hunting for medicine in the Ramayana epic. From the west gate of the temple, the view reaches the Tonle Sap lake.