Koh Ker Temple

Koh Ker Temple is approximately two hours into the Cambodian country. It’s best to get there by car.

🏛️ Koh Ker: The Lost Capital of the Khmer Empire

📜 A Capital for Just 20 Years

Koh Ker served as the Khmer Empire’s capital from 928 to 941 AD under King Jayavarman IV.

Due to political strife, he moved the capital from Angkor to Koh Ker and launched a massive construction campaign. His successor briefly continued the rule before the capital shifted back to Angkor.

🏯 What Makes Koh Ker Unique

The main temple, Prasat Thom, is a rare seven-tiered pyramid—a striking departure from the flat temple designs of Angkor Wat.

Over 40 temples were built in just two decades, many still hidden within dense jungle, giving the site an air of mystery and abandonment.

🗿 Famous for Colossal Sculptures

Koh Ker was known for producing enormous and exquisite Khmer sculptures, including representations of Shiva, Garuda, and Durga.

Some statues were looted during the 20th century and sold internationally. Many are now being returned to Cambodia in high-profile repatriation cases.

🧭 Still Off the Beaten Path

Despite its grandeur, Koh Ker remains a relatively quiet site compared to Angkor. Its remote location and jungle surroundings make it a favorite for adventurous travelers.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful place where you can walk among ruins almost entirely alone, hearing only the sounds of nature and history.

🗺️ Tour Highlights:

Journey through the Cambodian countryside
Koh Ker Temple

📖 Tour Walkthrough:
Your journey to this glorious temple will take you through the Cambodian countryside. Located 120km from Siem Reap, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer empire in the 10^th century. Despite many hand-chiselled statues being looted and remaining in museums and private collections today, a trip to Koh Ker is certainly worth the distance. Depending on the time of day, you can be hard pressed to come across another soul whilst exploring the collection of structures in the Cambodian jungle. Without a doubt, your favourite structure will be the well-preserved pyramid that you can walk up to witness a spectacular jungle view.

⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
Full-day

✅ Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup; Transport to and from Koh Ker, a cold bottle of water and a traditional Khmer snack

❌ Tour Excludes:
Entry fee to Koh Ker ($10 USD)
Meals

💵 Tour Cost:
Car $90 USD
with Preah Vihear *link* $130 USD

Location: Koh Ker Temple

Time: 8 hours

Description: See the highlights of the Angkor Wat Big Tour.