Koh Ker: A Guide to Cambodia's Pyramid & Lost Capital
NEW UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Approx. 120 km (2.5 - 3 hours) northeast of Siem Reap.
$15 for foreigners. (Separate from the main Angkor Pass).
Comfortable shoes for walking and climbing. Respectful attire is advised.
Deep in the Cambodian jungle lies a place of myth and legend: Koh Ker. For a brief, brilliant period in the 10th century, this was the capital of the mighty Khmer Empire. Now a **UNESCO World Heritage site**, it offers a remote, adventurous, and unforgettable alternative to the crowds of Angkor Wat, crowned by a spectacular seven-tiered pyramid.
The Lost Capital of King Jayavarman IV
In 928 AD, King Jayavarman IV broke from tradition, moving his capital from Angkor to this remote site. For 16 years, he embarked on an ambitious building campaign, leaving behind a complex of dozens of unique temples. After his death, the capital returned to Angkor, and Koh Ker was reclaimed by the jungle for nearly a thousand years.
The Expedition
The Main Attraction: Prasat Thom
The undisputed centerpiece of Koh Ker is Prasat Thom, a stunning 36-meter-high pyramid that looks more like a Mayan ruin than a typical Khmer temple. A modern wooden staircase allows you to climb to the very top, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views over the endless jungle canopy.
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Exploring the Wider Complex
Beyond the pyramid, a circuit road leads to over a dozen other satellite temples. While many are heavily ruined, exploring them feels like a true discovery. You'll find unique linga shrines (Prasat Linga), crumbling gateways, and beautiful ruins being slowly reclaimed by nature, offering a sense of adventure that is hard to find at the main Angkor temples.
Plan Your Koh Ker Adventure
Due to its remote location, the best way to visit Koh Ker is on a full-day trip from Siem Reap. Booking a private car or a guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace and often includes a stop at the jungle temple of Beng Mealea along the way.
Book a Day Trip to Koh Ker