In my previous articles about visiting temples in Cambodia, I did suggest about going to Koh Ker. Why is it special? Please check my article here.
Koh Ker was name of the capital of the Angkorian empire from 928 to 944 CE under the reign of King Jayavarman IV. There are more than 100 temples in this capital. It is located in Kulen district, Preah Vihear province, which 127km northeast of Siem Reap. You can return to Siem Reap within the day. Koh Ker today is known as the temple groups in that complex. Sunset view here is incredible. Video of the temple produced by my organization is here.
What’s so special about the temple complex is that it is the only Pyramid temple in Cambodia and in Asia. There are about 40 temples physically known while the rest are still in deep forest and go under the ground, but only few temples that are famous among visitors in Koh Ker temple group site.
- Prasat Thom or known as Prasat Prang. This is the significant monument which looks ancient Mayan civilization, with a 55m-wide, and 40m-high sandstone-faced pyramid. This temple has seven tiers that offer spectacular views across the forest, especially in rainy season.
- Prasat Pram – the five tower temples made from red brick in totally control of the Banyan trees, very impressive.
- Prasat Neang Khmao – made from black sandstone
- Prasat Leoung [Shiva linga temple. One of the largest Shiva linga in Cambodia can still be seen in four temples about 1km northeast of Prasat Thom. The largest is found in Prasat Thneng, while Prasat Leung is similarly well endowed.]
- Check out the video of the temple here.
Entrance ticket
- It is free for locals
- 10$ on ticket to go visit this temple complex for aliens.
- A tour guide can be hired from Siem Reap
Tourist facility
- There are restaurants and small drink shops in front of Prasat Thom
- Toilets
- No local homestay yet, but there is one operated by a family by the temple.
Little History is known about the temples
Sadly, Koh Ker is one of the least-studied temple areas from the Angkorian period and no restoration work was ever undertaken here.
- Louis Delaporte visited in 1880 during his extensive investigations into Angkorian temples.
- The great Henri Parmentier surveyed the temple in 1921 for an article in the Bulletin de l’École d’Extrême Orient.
- Cambodian archaeological teams conducted archaeological surveys in 1950s - '60s.
- Sadly, all records vanished during the destruction of the 1970s.
Nearby attraction
- Beong Mealea temple, Google Map
- Preah Vihear temple, Google Map
- Preah Khan Kompong Svay, Google Map
photos