Phnom Bakheng is located north of Angkor Wat and about half a kilometer south of Angkor Thom. A short, but very steep path with a few stone steps leads up to it, but the sanctuary is best approached on the longer serpentine walkway, you can walk or rent a elephant (the cost for an elephant ride is 15 USD) to take you up. If you prefer walking, come early, at 8.00 am or so - later the path is occupied by huge pachyderms carrying visitors up and down the hill. Phnom Bakheng is most crowded in the late afternoon when people come to view the sunset.

Bakheng is a classic temple mountain with seven levels that symbolize the seven heavens of Hindu mythology. Originally 108 towers were arranged on a platform but today most of them have collapsed. The upper terrace had 5 towers in a quincunx arrangement (like Angkor Wat). The stairways that lead to the upper platform are steep, so take care if you decide to climb up. The towers on the top level once held Linga (the symbol of the creator god Shiva, to whom the temple was dedicated), but they are all gone nowadays. 
 

The decoration of the central sanctuaury can still be seen - statues of goddesses are placed in the niches of the towers and the lintels above the door show the carved heads of 33 gods. The main reason to ascend to the upper platform, however is the spectacular view: on a clear day you can see not just Angkor Wat but also the West Baray (a large blue lake), Phnom Kulen, where King Jayavarman II pronounced himself king of all Khmers, and Phnom Book, another temple mountain north-east of Angkor.

Baksei Chamkrong

This small monument is located next to Phnom Bakheng; you can easily have a look at it after your trip to the hill. It is also close to the south gate of Angkor Thom. Baksei Chamkrong is a Hindu temple for the god Shiva, it dates from the tenth century and was probably dedicated to the parents of King Rajendravarman II. 

It is a single tower on the top of a rectangular, four-tiered platform. The platforms and the stairs were built with laterite, the tower is make up of brick stones. The staircases are very steep and in poor condition; it is safer to admire the temple from the ground level (if you want to ascend to the tower nevertheless, the south staircase is safest. Be careful and use your hands if necessary).