subject: Discover Picturesque Phnom Baset In Captivating Cambodia [print this page] Idyllic and picturesque to the core, Phnom Baset is a hill top region that epitomises Cambodias pastoral beauty. Located just 32km northwest of the nations capital Phnom Penh this lesser known quarter of Cambodia is home to historic and aesthetically religious treasures of its own. Identified by locals and scholars as the Prasat Srey Krup Leak or the Temple of the Perfect Woman, the ancient temple on top of scenic Phnom Baset has captured the imagination of travellers far and wide for decades. Believed to have been built as far back as the 8th century, this unorthodox temple structure sits at the summit of the mountain facing west, unlike most Khmer religious structures which unanimously face the east. The temple edifice itself is made entirely of brick while at the heart of the structure one finds a circular granite rock encircled in a natural cave that faces the west.
Visitors should note the intricate detailing on the sandstone colonnades of the door at the main entrance which also includes a beam entwined in foliage. Decorative elements on the outer wall of the temple mainly consist of reliefs of palaces while another interesting feature is the fake brick door on the eastern side of the structure.
Used as a shrine of worship for centuries, this unique temple structure on top of Phnom Baset also contained ruins of sculptures, pedestals, alters ,bas-reliefs of Vishnu on Garuda and Shiva on Nandi in 1882 when Aymonier first visited the site. Other highlights that should not be missed when in Phnom Baset include the monumental cement replica of Angkor Wat which is also significant for its historic value.
Those on the lookout for a luxurious Phnom Penh hotel situated in the centre of the city can do no better than the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Ideally situated within close range of the Royal Palace and less than half an hour away from the Pochentong International Airport, it is a conveniently located hotel Cambodia is more than proud to call its own.
