PREAH KO

15 KM from Siem Reap

Preah Ko was build during the reign of king Indravarman I to honor the members of his family. The temple was build in the first capital city of the Khmer empire, Hariharalaya near a small village called Roluos. Preah Ko and three other nearby temple sites are know as the Roluos group and are not located inside the Angkor Archaeological Park.

What to do and see at Preah Ko?

There are six towers at Preah Ko, three on both sides of the road and each tower is build on a sandstone platform. Each tower is dedicated to the forefathers of king Indravarman I.

The front tower is dedicated to his uncle Jayavarman II, who was the founder of the Khmer empire. The tower on the left to the kings’ father and the tower on the right to his grandfather. The other three towers are dedicated to the wives of these men. Preah Ko translates to Sacred Bull and is related to the statues of Nandi, the white bull located at the site.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TEMPLE RULES?

READ THEM HERE

How to get to Preah Ko?

There are different tours available that will take you to all the temples at the Roluos Group. A tour is always guided by a quilified guide who can tell you everything you need to know about the history of the site. If you prefer to visit Preah Ko and surrending temples by yourself, it’s possible to take a tuktuk. It’s also possible to visit Preah Ko by motorbike, elctric bike or bicycle. The site is 15 kilometers from the center of Siem Reap.

You need an Angkor Pass!

Although Preah Ko and all the other temples at the Roluos group are not located inside the Angkor Archaeological Park you do need an Angkor Pass to visit these temple sites.

You can buy an Angkor Pass for 1 day ($37), three days ($62) or 7 days ($72) and need to bring a photo with you whne you purchace the Angkor Pass.

What you should do

If you plan to visit this site, make sure you also include some nearby sites. Especially the nearby Bakong temple is probably more interesting than the other two sites, Prei Monti and Lolei. Bring your camera with you, because the area is very suitable for taking beautiful photos or shoot videos.

What you should not do!

The basic rule (for all temples) is to cover your knees and shoulders. Tank tops for men and halter-neck tops for ladies are not allowed. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. The temples are not for climbing, touching or scratching. Smoking is not allowed and the ‘no entry’ signs should be taken seriously. Read all the temple rules here

Tours to Preah Ko