Ancient Capital Koh Ker - the 'unlucky' capital forgotten in the deep forest

The ancient capital of Koh Ker, which is considered as the forgotten "fatal" capital, has become a unique and impressive beauty in the culture and history of the Cambodian people. Existing for thousands of years in an ancient old forest, completely separate from the city, Koh Ker is quiet and mysterious in the eyes of tourists. Attached to Koh Ker is the story of an ancient capital "unfortunately" that makes anyone who chooses the Cambodia tours feel nostalgic.
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Ancient capital Koh Ker with mysterious pyramids in Cambodia

Where is the Koh Ker pyramid?

The ancient capital of Koh Ker is located in Preah Vihear province, about 140 km northeast of Siem Reap city. Previously, Koh Ker was once the ancient capital under the Angkor dynasty ruled by King Jayavarman IV. Prasat Thom - Sitting prominently in the middle of the verdant old forest. A place that everyone will visit on the Cambodia tour.

A special feature when referring to this place is its mysterious image through the simile comments of many people, considered as the "unlucky" capital, the explanation for this is that King Jayavarman IV built the temples. architectural works during 23 years (from 921 to 944). In Koh Ker, there are many different temples, namely 40 temples and a 7-storey pagoda, in addition there is a large lake. However, when the work was completed, the king chose Angkor Wat as the capital and left Koh Ker.

The beauty of Koh Kor

The ancient capital of Koh Ker in the past was the cultural center of the Angkor civilization but had a very short life. This place is not too noisy, bustling, only a few small trading huts and not too expensive. The daily life of the people around is slow and peaceful. It can be said that Koh Ker is the most peaceful place in the journey to Cambodia.

You will feel the ancient beauty through the ruined walls, covered with dust and moss, with a melancholy and contemplative look. Although nature and war have destroyed many works, the details and architectural lines are still partially retained. The space around the temples is really beautiful with old trees. When the sun shines on it reflects on the rocks, dyeing the green grass makes the scenery here become so peaceful.

The ruins of this place are clearly visible in the auxiliary works around the main temple of Prasat Thom. The Cambodian government is trying to preserve the most outstanding architectural works in the history of civilization.

Move to the ancient capital Koh Ker

The road to the ancient capital Koh Ker is relatively easy because the roads are mostly paved. However, according to Cambodia tour experience, you should go early to return to Siem Reap in time for the day. There is no public transport to get here, but it is easy to catch a taxi to take you to the foot of Koh Ker.

The road to Koh Ker will take you through one of the poorest regions of Cambodia. The forests here were previously under the control of the Khmer during the civil war. Due to indiscriminate logging, today the land is like a primeval forest in a barren, poor state.

The fascinating attractions of the Ancient Capital of Koh Ker

There are 20 temples in Koh Ker open to visitors, most of them located near the ring road surrounding the reservoir formerly known as Rahal Baray. There are many other temples around, a total of more than 180 structures, but you can't get to it or anyone until Koh Ker is located in the center of the former civil war area, so there are quite a few left landmines.

The main temple of Prasat Thom

The temple was built of bricks and is still quite intact. From a distance, the temple is quite like a small mountain because it is completely covered by forest. But this is really a 35m high stupa built entirely of sandstone. Prasat Thom has all 7 floors, each floor is 5m high, the top terrace is 2m wide and has 55 steps leading to the top. From the top of Prasat Thom temple you can admire the whole beauty of the primeval forest and Dangrek mountain in the distance. This is the most famous temple in Koh Ker tour.

Neang Khmau Temple

Located in the Neang Khmau complex located along a 3km long trail. Neang Khmau is the first temple, located on the top of a hill facing the city of Angkor in the west. The temple is about 20m high and resembles a stupa, surrounded by a rampart built from laterite 2m high and 44m wide.

Prasat Leung Temple

Just 1km northeast of the main temple of Prasat Thom, Prasat Leung seems small compared to other temples in Koh Ker and is shaped like a cube. However the temple has become the most tourist attraction in Koh Ker tour due to it having the largest statue of Shiva Linga.
Moreover, the surrounding atmosphere drifts very slowly as if to bring everyone back to the old glorious days.

Prasat Pram Temple

Prasat Pram is a complex with a total of 5 towers surrounded by a rampart. However, a quarter of the buildings are covered by ancient trees over thousands of years. The two towers facing the west are a library in the past, the three towers facing the east are the temples.

Prasat Krahom Temple

Compared to the relics in the ancient capital of Koh Ker, Prasat Krahom is the second largest. This temple was built from bricks and shaped like a pyramid. Inside the temple is a 3m high statue of Shiva with four heads and 8 arms. However, now that statue has been seriously damaged in some parts.

Temple of Prasat Damrei

Damrei means elephant and this temple is dedicated to the god Shiva as well as his son the elephant god Ganesha. Currently, there is a fairly intact elephant statue, but the vestiges of time are still clearly visible.

Prasat Khnar Temple

Prasat Khnar is a hidden temple with many mysteries. Some scholars believe that this place used to have a large pedestal with a 3m high Linga statue. However, due to severe damage, the original shape could not be imagined.

Beautiful natural scenery at Koh Ker when traveling to Cambodia, to visit the ancient capital of Koh Ker, you can use a tuk tuk. You depart from Siem Reap and reach Koh Ker will take 3 hours. If you want to go faster, you can go by car and the travel time only takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. When you come here, you can walk to explore the places you want.

Hopefully the above information will help you have an interesting trip when traveling and visiting Koh Ker. You can refer to a cheap Cambodia tour to choose the best tour for yourself and get ready for your trip.