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Main Temple Set At Koh Ker

Koh Ker Temple

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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 10th 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.

    Banteay Samre Inner Temple

    Banteay Srei / Banteay Samré

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    Add Banteay Samré to your Banteay Srei tour. There is a mysterious surprise here that has Archeologist stumped for years. Can you figure it out?

    🏯 Banteay Samré & Banteay Srei – Quick Background

    🛕 What is Banteay Samré?
  • Banteay Samré is a quieter temple, often overlooked by tourists, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful mythological carvings. Within its inner sanctuary lies a small mysterious tomb whose purpose remains unknown to historians.
    • 🌸 What is Banteay Srei?
  • Banteay Srei is famous for its exquisite pink sandstone carvings dating back to the 10th century, and is said to have been built by women. The temple is surrounded by a peaceful lotus pond and is a highlight of Cambodian architecture and artistry.
    • 🚗 Why Visit Both?
  • Combining these two temples makes for a fascinating half-day tour. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of Banteay Samré and the intricate artistry of Banteay Srei, along with a scenic ride through the Cambodian countryside.

    • 🌿 Banteay Samré & Banteay Srei Tour

    🗺️ Tour Highlights:
    • Journey through the Cambodian countryside
    • Banteay Samré Temple
    • Banteay Srei Temple
    📖 Tour Walkthrough:

    The first stop on your journey is the often overlooked, but not underestimated Banteay Samré. You won’t come across many tourists here, allowing you to absorb the serene atmosphere. Walk around the enclosure and observe the carvings that depict mythological scenes, then make your way to the inner sanctuary where you will come across a small tomb whose purpose remains a mystery.

    After Banteay Samré, relax on a spectacular ride through the Cambodian countryside to Banteay Srei. Take your time walking through the art exhibition about the temple’s history and restoration. Stroll past the lotus pond and explore the marvelous pink sandstone temple with its divine carvings dating back to the 10th century. Once finished, enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant before your ride back to your hotel.

    ⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
  • Five hours

    • ✅ Tour Includes:
  • Hotel Pickup And Drop Off, Transport To The Locations, A Cold Bottle Of Water And A Fresh Coconut

    • ❌ Tour Excludes:
  • Angkor Archaeological Park entry fee ($37 USD)
    Meals

    • 💵 Tour Cost:
    Tuk Tuk $30 USD
    *Add Kabal Spean $35 USD

    Car $50 USD
    *Add Kabal Spean $50 USD

    Location: Banteay Srei / Banteay Samré

    Time: 5 hours

    Description: Two smaller complexes with multiple towers connecting with catwalks. A very cool experience for those who’ve been to Siem Reap a few times.