Koh Ker
កោះកេរ្តិ៍
Jayavarman IV's brief capital, dominated by a seven-tier pyramid that once held an enormous linga.
Quick facts
- Pass Type
- Separate Ticket
- Entry Fee USD
- $15
- Opening Hours
- 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Commissioning King
- Jayavarman IV
- Century Built
- 10th Century
- Religion & Primary Deity
- Hindu · Shiva
- Circuit
- Outer Temple
- Distance from Siem Reap
- 120 km
- Best Time to Visit
- Morning. Pair it with Beng Mealea on the drive back if the day starts early.
Nicknames and famous highlights
History and architecture
From 928 to 944 the Khmer capital stood at Koh Ker, not Angkor. Jayavarman IV built Prasat Thom, a seven-step pyramid, as the state temple of Shiva, and a linga of unusual size stood in the sanctuary. The style is heavier than the temples that came before: long causeways, large sanctuaries, and sculpture with broad bodies and powerful legs. Dozens of smaller prasat still stand in the forest. UNESCO inscribed Koh Ker in 2023. Angkor Enterprise sells it as a separate one-day park ticket. The Angkor Pass does not cover the gate. The drive from Siem Reap is about two and a half to three hours.
How to get to Koh Ker
| Origin | Distance | Duration | Modes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 120 km | 2.5 h–3.5 h | Private car, Shared tour |
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to visit Koh Ker?
Koh Ker charges a separate ticket of $15. The pass recorded here is Separate Ticket.
What are the opening hours of Koh Ker?
Koh Ker is listed as open 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM. Best time to visit: Morning. Pair it with Beng Mealea on the drive back if the day starts early..
Who built Koh Ker?
Commissioned under Jayavarman IV, 10th Century, 928–944, dedicated to Shiva. The religion recorded here is Hindu.
What is Koh Ker known for?
Also called Pyramid Temple. Known for Prasat Thom seven-tier pyramid, Giant linga, Scattered forest sanctuaries, UNESCO listing in 2023. Filed under Pyramid Temples