Koh Ker
About Koh Ker
Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Angkorian Empire during the 10th century (928 to 944 AD) during the reign of Jayavarman IV. Once inaccessible to tourists, a tollroad makes the journey quite manageable from Beng Mealea. There are an estimated 130 buildings in the area (spread out over approximately 35 sq. km), but many are off-limits due to mines. The jungle has overgrown many of the buildings as well, but restoration and de-mining activities should increase the number of viewable temples (which stand at around 20 currently(. The main structure is called Prasat Thom (“Big Temple”) which is a 40 meter tall and seven-level steep sandstone pyramid. There is a ladder to help you get to the top where the views are spectacular. Other temples of note include the red-bricked and overgrown Prasat Krahom and the imposing, but mostly ruined Prasat Chen. There is also a rockface known as Ang Khna that has a collection of small carvings of deities.
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Getting there:
To get here hire a car from Siem Reap.
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First To Review:
Apr 26, 2009
Koh Ker, the rival capital to Angkor, was carved out of the jungle in the 10th century. It was left almost abandoned for a long time due to its remoteness and inaccessibility. This has now completely changed due to recent de-mining and the opening of a new toll road, which makes it easily accessible in a day trip from Siem Reap.
With your own transport it's easy to get around the site, but you won't be able to see all of it as a large portion of it is still inaccessible. Still there is plenty here to make it a thoroughly worthwhile trip, although don't expect to see as much detail left as in Angkor. Most of the big impressive statues are now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
This place has a really different feel to it and as a matter of fact the main temple of Prasat Thom looks more like a Mayan pyramid than an Angkorian temple. Unfortunately it is no longer possible to climb up to the top of it.
I found it a fascinating place to visit especially if you have seen all of the main Angkorian temples and are keen to see something slightly different.
With your own transport it's easy to get around the site, but you won't be able to see all of it as a large portion of it is still inaccessible. Still there is plenty here to make it a thoroughly worthwhile trip, although don't expect to see as much detail left as in Angkor. Most of the big impressive statues are now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
This place has a really different feel to it and as a matter of fact the main temple of Prasat Thom looks more like a Mayan pyramid than an Angkorian temple. Unfortunately it is no longer possible to climb up to the top of it.
I found it a fascinating place to visit especially if you have seen all of the main Angkorian temples and are keen to see something slightly different.
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