Koh Ker temples is a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia.

Koh Ker temples is a very jungle filled region that is sparsely populated.

Koh Ker temples is the modern name for an important city of the Khmer empire.

Elephant in Koh Ker temples, Siem Reap.

Koh Ker temples was briefly the capital of the whole empire (928–944 AD).

Koh Ker temples was once an ancient capital of Cambodia.

Koh Ker temples faces west toward Angkor city.

The Angkor Civilization left the Kingdom of Cambodia with priceless legacies, such as Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom in Siem Reap. Few people are aware that Angkor also features Koh Ker temples, which served as its second former capital. Although the Khmer Empire relocated its capital as soon as Koh Ker was built, several ancient landmarks are still in existence today.

Koh Ker is a remote, heavily forested area with few people. It is 140 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap in the territory of Preah Vihear Province. It was constructed in under 23 years and served as the Angkor Dynasty’s capital during King Jayavarman IV’s rule (921-944 AD). The primary building is the grandiose Prasat Thom Temple, which is surrounded by an ancient jungle. This temple is known as “The Pyramid of Angkor Civilization” because of its distinctive architecture.

In comparison to Angkor, the fortification in the center of the temple is constructed entirely differently. It has steep stones on top and is shaped like a pyramid. Old records claim that King Jayavarman IV built it as a location for both god worship and military training. In order to deter invasions, Koh Ker is surrounded by strong walls and has only one access.

With 54 identical towers, Prasat Thom Temple is regarded as the most distinctive building. Many refer to it as “the route to heaven” by building modest stairs. From the tower’s summit, visitors can see the Kulen Hills or Prasat Preah Vihear Mountain on the opposite side.

Visitors can take a tuk-tuk to Koh Ker from Siem Reap. They can go to this location for about 1 and a half hours by vehicle or roughly 3 hours by tuk-tuk. For individuals who enjoy learning about the natural world and spiritual heritage, Koh Ker is believed to be the perfect vacation spot.

Koh Ker was formerly the epicenter of the Angkor Civilization, but its fate was quite unfortunate. King Jayavarman IV made the decision to relocate the capital as soon as it was finished. The negative aspects of Koh Ker’s geological position could be the cause. Koh Ker was once located in an ancient forest, similar to many other historical sites in Cambodia. Archaeologists found it, and since 2003, it has been a popular tourist destination. It has been ignored for more than a thousand years, but now it is a singular feat of Khmer building. Koh Ker is a quiet neighborhood with a few retail huts. Locals lead a straightforward, tranquil life away from other artifacts.

Visitors to Koh Ker will be able to sense the old through the crumbling, dust- and moss-covered walls. Even if the effects of war and nature have severely destroyed it, every architectural aspect of the ruins still inspires admiration for the skill of earlier craftsmen. The government has consistently tried to protect Prasat Thom Temple, the primary structure in Koh Ker. However, Koh Ker’s continued decline is still visible in the crumbling buildings. Old trees, brilliant sunshine, and lush, deep-green grass adorn the green space that surrounds the temple, making it a truly lovely place. When you visit Koh Ker, choosing a slab to sit on and taking in the romantic vistas of the former capital from every angle of temples will be amazing experiences.

Koh Ker is one of the most remote and challenging temples to get because it was abandoned for almost a millennium amidst the wilderness. However, despite these obstacles, travelers are still curious and ready to discover this ancient former capital. Your trip to Cambodia will be much enhanced by the peacefulness, solitude, and, above all, grief evoked by the destroyed structures in Koh Ker. Embrace it!

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

                                                                  Suggested itinerary featuring Koh Ker Temple

• 10 Days Best of Cambodia

                                                                    Suggested itineraries featuring Cambodia

• 2 Days Best of Angkor Complex
• 3 Days Best of Angkor Complex & Lake
• 4 Days Best of Cambodia
• 5 Days Best of Cambodia by Bike
• 7 Days Best of Vietnam – Cambodia
• 8 Days Best of Cambodia 
• 10 Days Best of Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos
• 12 Days Best of Bangkok – Vietnam – Angkor Complex
• 15 Days Best of Vietnam – Cambodia
• 18 Days Best of Vietnam – Cambodia
• 21 Days Best of Indochina (Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos)

                                                                                                    View more suggested itineraries for Cambodia and Southeast Asia

Please contact us about Koh Ker Temple or any questions for expert planning advice for your memorial trip to Cambodia & Southeast Asia