Preah Ko

Preah Ko was the first temple built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, located in the present-day Roluos area southeast of Angkor. King Indravarman I dedicated the structure in 879 AD to honor his ancestors and the Hindu deity Shiva. The complex features six brick towers arranged in two rows on a single sandstone platform, representing a significant shift in Khmer architectural scale. It is renowned for its remarkably preserved stucco carvings that depict mythological figures and intricate floral patterns on the exterior walls. The name Preah Ko translates to Sacred Bull, referring to the three statues of Nandi, Shiva’s mount, positioned in front of the central towers. As part of the Roluos group, this temple serves as a fundamental example of early Khmer art, predating the massive stone structures of the Angkor Park. The integration of brick construction with highly detailed sandstone lintels showcases the advanced craftsmanship of the late 9th century. Visitors today can still observe the distinct layout that influenced centuries of subsequent temple design in the region.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Lolei

A small temple of the Roluos Group that originally stood on an island in the historical Indratataka reservoir.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

East Mebon

A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

Kbal Spean

A sacred river in the mountains, whose riverbed is intricately carved with numerous reliefs and Hindu symbols.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

Terrace of the Elephants

An impressive viewing terrace decorated with life-sized elephant reliefs, once used for royal ceremonies.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Roluos Group (Bakong)

Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

This interactive centre showcases a vast variety of native butterflies in a tropical netted enclosure.

Banteay Srei

A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.

Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Located near Siem Reap, the ACCB is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Cambodia's threatened wildlife.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.