Koh Ker
កោះកេរ
The ruins of a short-lived 10th-century Khmer capital. The seven-tier pyramid temple Prasat Thom rises from the jungle, and the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
Koh Ker lies about 120 km northeast of Siem Reap, roughly 2.5 hours by car. From 921 to 944, King Jayavarman IV established a separate capital here and built dozens of temples in just over twenty years. The centrepiece is Prasat Thom, a seven-tier stepped pyramid about 36 metres high that resembles a Mayan pyramid. Visitors can climb to the top for views over endless jungle, though access depends on conditions on the day. Most of the other temples are hidden in the forest. Visitor numbers are low, so the site has a real sense of adventure. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Entry costs about US$15 (not covered by the Angkor Pass). Hire a car and set off early, and combine it with Beng Mealea for a day trip. The surrounding area was once a minefield, so stay on the marked paths.
Opening hours
07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Beng Mealea
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Kbal Spean
- Banteay Srei
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
- Preah Vihear Temple
- Banteay Samré
- Ta Som