Koh Ker
Koh Ker is a remote archaeological site set in the jungle in Preah Vihear Province in northern Cambodia. It is about 120 km away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. Since 1992, the site of Koh Ker is on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list.
About 120km away from Siem Reap, Koh Ker is a 10th-century Angkor temple nestled in the jungle of Preah Vihear Province. The temple of Koh Ker is located between the southern slopes of the Dangrek Mountain range, the Kulen Mountain in the southwest and the Tbeng Mountain in the east. Today, the site is remote and most parts are heavily forested; but most of the trees shed their leaves seasonally.
The seven-tiered pyramid of Koh Ker
In inscriptions the town is mentioned as Lingapura (city of the Lingas) the capital of the Khmer Empire for a very short period from 928 to 944, under the reign of King Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II. In this period of time, the style of Koh Ker was developed and the art of sculpture reached a pinnacle. Also, many sanctuaries were built and a spectacular seven-tiered pyramid was constructed. In 1992, Koh Ker temple is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage.
The seven-tiered pyramid called Prang was considered the state temple of Jayavarman IV and also the most prominent temple-complex, which contains many linga-shrines, temples and a huge baray, aside from the unique seven-tired pyramid. Due to the remoteness and the plunder by looters, none of the immense and expressive sculptures remain at the site.
Some of them can be found not only in museums but also in private collections. More than 180 ruined temples have been found in an area of 81 km2, most of them are built of different materials including brick, sandstone and laterite.
Prasat Neang Khmao in Koh Ker temple-complex
Today, few monuments are allowed to visit because most of the sanctuaries are hidden in the forest and the whole area is not fully demined. In the National Museum, many impressive sculptures are from Koh Ker, including the huge garuda that greets visitors in the entrance hall and a unique carving depicting a pair of wresting monkey-kings.
The jungle temple of Koh Ker
From Siem Reap, it takes about 2.5 hours to follow Hwy 6 till Dam Deik and reach the temple site of Koh Ker. From the border of Thailand, it’s possible to get to the temple of Preah Vihear via Anlong Veng, and stop at Koh Ker on the way back. Note that there’s no public transport around the area, you have to use your own transport or hire a taxis to visit the temples. The entrance fee is USD $10 payable at the ticket office, 3km south of the parking area.
