A map and list of ancient sites at Koh Ker, an ancient capital of the Khmer Empire (believed to be from 928–944 AD).
The most iconic temple at the site is the famed stepped pyramid, known as Prang which is enclosed within and fronted by another sanctuary known as Prasat Thom.
See the intro to Koh Ker Archaeological Site for info on getting there, tickets, highlights, and where to stay.
Ancient basin with sandstone capping, 50 m x 25 m. Henri Parmentier’s description from L’Art khmèr classique , monuments du quadrant Nord-Est, 1939 Andón Prén 273 (M. H. 263). I also borrow in part the description of I. de Lajonquière for the Andón Prén by correcting it or completing it in italics: It is a basin … Read more
Also recorded as Rahal. Whilst there is not much to see today, in the heydey of ancient Koh Ker this large basin (baray) would have been a pivotal feature at the center of Koh Ker group measuring approx. 1200 m long and 600 m wide. It is noted by researchers that the outlying streams and … Read more
Prasat Banteay Pir Choan is one of the must-see temples at Koh Ker. The site featured an outer laterite enclosure wall with entrance gopura (gate) on the east and west inside of which was another enclosure wall that surrounded the shrines being a single grand shrine surrounded by eight smaller shrines. The layout of the … Read more
One of the iconic temples of the ancient Khmer Empire, Prasat Prang is a giant seven-level stepped pyramid temple attributed to the reign of King Jayavarman IV and the 10th century. It is the highlight of the Koh Ker group of temples that was, for a brief period, the ancient capital of the empire before … Read more
Prasat Chen, or Chen Temple of Koh Ker is a group of three laterite temples on a common terrace that was fronted and flanked by two brick “library” buildings, an enclosure wall of laterite with brick entrance gopura to the east and west followed by another laterite enclosure wall that featured a long laterite terrace. … Read more
Prasat Damrei of Koh Ker, also recorded as Damrei Kandoeng, features the remains of a square brick temple fronted by two brick “library” or annex buildings which are all enclosed by a laterite wall. Whilst today the site is entered by a platform that crosses the south wall, this laterite enclosure originally opened to the … Read more
Also known as Prasat Khnar, the temple once featured a massive linga recorded as being 7 m high and 4 m wide that was supported by an equally massive pedestal measuring 3 m high and 7 m wide. The temple lies on the centerline axis of the large Rohal Baray, and working in concert with … Read more
Prasat Thom is the principal temple complex of the Koh Ker group and also encloses some 21 shrines and the iconic pyramid, Prasat Prang on its western side behind which is the great mound, known as the Tomb of the White Elephant, whilst on its far eastern side are the remains of two structures connected … Read more