Koh Ker Pyramid Temple — Attraction in Preah Vihear

The city of Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 AD and 944AD during the reigns of Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II. Imagine this ancient city as it was – a thriving, busy hub – as you explore the now dilapidated carved sandstone rubble that would once have been home to over 10,000 inhabitants. An unusual seven-tiered pyramid structure, named Prang, nestled in ever-encroaching jungle and yet towering proudly at 36 metres high, dominates this lesser-known archaeological site, lying around 120 km north east of Siem Reap.

Enter through the imposing sandstone entrance pavilion and pass two laterite towers, now moss-covered ruins. What were once meditation or prayer ‘palaces’ built for noble kings can be seen on the eastern side, along with temple complex Prasat Thom, complete with its moat. The pyramid itself, situated in the western side of the complex, is thought to have been the state temple. A wooden staircase with handrail has been built to allow visitors to climb to all but the top tier. The seventh tier is believed to be where a plinth originally supported a four metre high linga honouring Hindu deity, Shiva. The views from the highest point are spectacular – forest as far as the eye can see.

Owing to this sparsely populated and forested region’s remoteness, the surrounding areas have yet to be cleared of mines, making only a dozen of the ancient city’s now forest-ravaged 184 monuments accessible to visitors. This makes a visit to Koh Ker feel like stumbling upon a secret, with fewer crowds and very little tourist infrastructure to cater for large groups. You might find just a handful of visitors here, which allows you to explore the crumbled and weather-beaten remains at your own pace.

Among the many smaller monuments found in Koh Ker, Prasat Bram (literally translated as “five temples”) is a real highlight, consisting of 5 brick towers, of which 2 completely overgrown by...

Discover the awe-inspiring ruins of Koh Ker, a forgotten city that once rivaled Angkor. Unlike the sprawling temples of Angkor Wat, Koh Ker's centerpiece is a majestic seven-tiered pyramid temple, Prasat Thom. This is no ordinary temple; it's a monumental structure that evokes the grandeur of ancient Mesoamerican pyramids, right in the heart of the Cambodian jungle.

Imagine a journey into a mysterious and untouched world. Koh Ker is shrouded in a dense, enchanting forest, creating a sense of adventure and discovery. The jungle has reclaimed much of the site, with ancient trees coiling their roots around crumbling stone, offering a breathtaking blend of nature and history. The air is thick with the sounds of exotic birds and the rustle of leaves, making you feel like a true explorer.

Climb to the top of the pyramid and be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the lush, green canopy that stretches to the horizon. This is more than a historical site; it's a place of profound peace and raw beauty, a testament to the power of a lost civilization and the relentless embrace of the natural world.

Don't just see history—experience it. Koh Ker offers a unique adventure for those seeking to step off the beaten path and into a world where ancient legends and wild nature collide. Are you ready to uncover...

កោះកេរ Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar was a capital of the Khmer Empire between 921 and 944 CE. Partially hidden in a dense broad-leaf forest between the Dangrek and Kulen mountain ranges on a gently sloping hill some eighty kilometres northeast of Angkor, the archaeological site comprises numerous temples and sanctuaries with associated sculptures, inscriptions, and wall paintings, archaeological remains and hydraulic structures.

Established by King Jayavarman IV in 921 CE, Koh Ker was one of two rival capitals of the Khmer Empire that co-existed between 921 and 928 CE – the other being Angkor – and the sole capital until 944 CE, after which the Empire’s political centre moved back to Angkor.

Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period between 928-941 C.E. under its founder King Jayavarman IV. Nestled within the verdant Cambodian broad-leaf forest between the slopes of the Dangrek and Kulen mountains, the site sits on the ancient road connecting Angkor to Beng Mealea, Preah Vihear, and from there, Phimai in Thailand and Wat...