Koh Ker

120 KM from Siem Reap

Koh Ker is mainly known for its seven tiered layered pyramid with the name Prang, but it’s actually the name of a complete archaeological site. The whole site is around 80 square kilometers in which more than 180 monuments can be found. Only 23 of these monuments are accessible by the public due to accessability of the jungle and the fact that not all areas have been fully demined.

What to do and see at Koh Ker?

There are a number of interesting sites in Koh Ker, but the most important one is Prang, the seven-layered temple. There is only one road that goes through the whole archaeological site and the Prang pyramid is the last monument of the route.

If you fully want to understand the historical meaning of this ancient place of worshiping, we recommend you visit the site with an official guide. There is not much information given at the sites itself. If you’re only there to visit the pyramidal temple, we suggest you drive past all monuments and head straight to the end of the route.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TEMPLE RULES?

READ THEM HERE

How to get to Koh Ker?

Koh Ker is one of the few archaeological sites on our website that is NOT located in the Siem Reap province, but in the Preah Vihear Province. A car or van will take you there in about 2,5 hours and by motorbike it will take you 3 hours. As always, we visited the site by motorbike and must say, we we’re wrecked when we arrived back at Siem Reap.

How much will Koh Ker cost?

Koh Ker is not part of the Angkor Archaeological park and your Angkor Pass is therefor not valid. You need to buy a separate ticket, which will cost you $10. The entrance ticket is valid for one day and grants you full access to all sites within the Koh Ker Archaeological site.

Accommodations

If you are travelling with a group, with small children or just don’t want to get rushed by a tight schedule, you may want to consider spending a night at the Jungle Lodge or the Mom Morokod guesthouse, located in the village of Seyiong, 10 kilometers from teh ancient site’s location.

Prang, Koh Ker or Koah Ker

The archaeological site Koh Ker is mostly know for its seven-layered temple. The name of the temple, however is Prang.

Koh Ker, sometimes spelled as Koah Ker, is the name of the whole area with multiple archaeological monuments.

Can I climb the Prang?

Yes, it is possible and allowed to get to the top of the seven layered Prang temple. There is a wooden staircase that will bring you to the top.

Be careful with your steps, though. It’s a steep climb and some of the steps are a bit loose, which can throw you off balance. Your reward at the end of the climb, is a magnificent view of the Koh Ker area and far beyond.

Tour Options

There are different tours available when you want to visit this archaeological site. The most recommended tour for visitors who stay in Siem Reap is the Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Temples Tour.

It’s a full day tour and will take you to all the important sites. Fresh water and a qualified guide are included, but lunch and the entrance fee are not.

What you should do!

If you really want to know everything there is to know about Koh Ker, you should visit the site with a guide. There is not much information at the different monumental sites and a guide will definitely make your visit more valuable.

If you are travelling on a small budget, keep in mind that the two restaurants charge around $6 for a meal and there are not many cheap restaurants along the road.

What you shouldn’t do!

As with any visit to a temple or other Buddhist monument, knees and shoulders should be covered. Smoking and eating at all the monumental sites is not allowed. There are enough garbage bins on the site, so keep your trash with you, until you pass one of them.