Koh Ker Temple Group

Located in the large Srayang Commune of Preah Vihear Province, Koh Ker Archaeological Site is an ancient capital city dating to the 10th century featuring over 50 recorded temples and over 100 archeological sites along with being home to Cambodia’s famed pyramid temple, Prasat Prang.

Known in old Khmer inscriptions as Chok Gargyar and Lingapura in Sanskrit inscriptions, it is where Jayavarman IV would establish his capital, some 80km to the northeast of Angkor (present-day Siem Reap). On the 17th of September 2023, Koh Ker received a UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Visiting Koh Ker

The temple group is located on the western side of Preah Vihear province around 20km east of the border with Siem Reap Province. The small town that supports Koh Ker Archaeological Site is Srayang Village which features a traditional market, gas station, and several stalls serving the local community. There are several guesthouses in the village with Koh Ker Heng Heng Guesthouse featuring clean modern-style rooms with AC and superb bedding.

From Siem Reap, it takes just over two hours by car covering just over 100km along good sealed roads that are passable in all weather. If you have time, several ancient sites can be visited along the way, including Beng Mealea, Svay Leu Temple, and Prasat Pram to name a few that offer easy access.

Coming from Phnom Penh takes over six hours and you may like to include a stopover in Kampong Thom and visit the temple group of Sambor Prei Kuk.

Tickets

Entry to the Koh Ker Archaeological Site is $15 USD and is a single entry giving you from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm to explore the complex of sites.

Foreigners who have been staying in Cambodia for over two years may apply for a “Special Pass” in advance, via the official site angkorenterprise.gov.kh or at the Angkor Ticket Office in Siem Reap.

Food

In Koh Ker, near the T junction that joins the main road to the temple site there are several large Khmer street stall/restaurants. They cater to tourists and travellers passing by. Mostly Khmer food.

Inside the ticketed area the only food and drinks are clustered around the entry to Prasat Thom, there are two Khmer street food/restaurants. Otherwise, there is a snack stall to the left as you enter which has a decent array of instant noodles (with hot water for you) and loads of snacks etc all reasonably priced.

Navigating the sites

Following the main entry road after the ticket station, this road conveniently leads around the highlights of the Koh Ker group of temples and a map is available at the ticket office. It is quite easy to stop at each one and then wander in and around the sites on foot. Beyond this main circuit which covers the main highlights, some satellite sites are best visited with a local guide unless you are comfortable with navigating Cambodian trails.

At the entry to Prasat Thom/Prasat Prang, there are several drink stalls also selling snacks plus two stalls preparing meals. There are also toilets nearby.

Koh Ker Temple Map

The Sites of Koh Ker Temple Group

The most iconic sight of Koh Ker is Prasat Prang, the 30 m high stepped pyramid with seven levels which is the highlight of a trip to the Koh Ker temple group. Prasat Prang is connected with the larger Prasat Thom. Another highlight not to be missed is Prasat Pram, an iconic photo spot featuring a group of temples whose towers are spectacularly overtaken by trees.

All the temples and archaeological sites within Koh Ker

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..