Ta Keo
តាកែវ
A sandstone pyramid temple begun around 1000 AD but never completed. It is plain, without decoration, and was restored by a team aided by the Chinese government.
Ta Keo is the state temple that King Jayavarman V began building around 1000 AD. It is the first mountain-shaped temple in Angkor built entirely of sandstone. Its five-tiered base rises about 22 metres, with five towers on top arranged in a quincunx pattern. Construction stopped, because the king died or, according to legend, because lightning striking the temple was considered an ill omen. As a result, the walls are almost undecorated, and the stone structure of Khmer architecture is clearly visible.
From 2010 to 2018, the Angkor conservation team, supported by the Chinese government, completed its restoration. It is a flagship project of China's foreign aid for heritage conservation, and there are Chinese-language information signs on site. The steps are extremely steep, so climbing requires using both hands and feet.
The temple lies east of Victory Gate on the Small Circuit and requires an Angkor Pass (US$37 for 1 day, US$62 for 3 days, US$72 for 7 days).
Opening hours
07:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Chau Say Tevoda
- Thommanon
- Ta Prohm
- Preah Khan
- Banteay Kdei & Srah Srang
- Neak Pean
- Bayon Temple / Angkor Thom
- Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King