The ancient capital of Koh Ker, considered a forgotten capital, has become a unique and impressive beauty in the culture and history of the Cambodian people.

Ancient capital Koh Ker with mysterious pyramid in Cambodia

The ancient capital of Koh Ker is located in Preah Vihear province, about 140km northeast of Siem Reap city. This was the old capital during the Angkor dynasty governed by King Jayavarman IV. The most prominent highlight in this ancient capital is Prasat Thom temple, which stands tall in the middle of the green ancient forest.

The special point when mentioning this place is its mysterious image through the simile comments of many people, it is considered a “short-lived” capital, the explanation for this is that King Jayavarman IV built the palaces. architectural works for 23 years (from 921 – 944). Koh Ker includes 40 different temples, a 7-story pagoda and a giant lake. However, when everything was completed, the king decided not to stay and moved the capital to Angkor Wat.

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 or bustling, there are only a few small trading huts and it is not too expensive. The daily life of the surrounding people takes place slowly and peacefully. It can be said that Koh Ker is the most peaceful place when coming to Cambodia.

Coming here, you will feel the ancient beauty through the dilapidated walls, covered with dust and moss, with a sad and quiet look. Although nature and war have destroyed many buildings, some architectural details and lines still remain. The space around the temples is really beautiful with old trees. When the sun shines, it reflects on the rocks, dyeing the green grass, making the scene here become truly peaceful.

The ruin of this place is clearly visible in the auxiliary works surrounding the main temple Prasat Thom. The Cambodian government is trying to preserve the best architectural works in the history of civilization.

Attractive places to visit in the ancient capital of Koh Ker

Prasat Thom main temple area

The temple was built of bricks and its current state is still quite intact. From a distance, the temple resembles a small mountain because it is completely covered by forest. But this is actually a 35m high stupa built entirely of sandstone. Prasat Thom has a total of 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 entire beauty of the primeval forest and Dangrek mountain in the distance.

Neang Khmau Temple

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

Prasat Krahom Temple

This temple is built from bricks and shaped like a pyramid. Inside the temple is a 3m high statue of Shiva with four heads and eight arms. However, currently the statue has been seriously damaged in some parts.

Prasat Leung Temple

Although this structure seems quite small compared to other temples in the ancient capital of Koh Ker, it is shaped like a cube. This place attracts many tourists because of its large Shiva Linga statue.

Prasat Damrei Temple

Damrei means elephant and this temple is dedicated to the god Shiva as well as his son, the elephant god Ganesha. Currently, there is an elephant statue here that is quite intact, but the traces of time are still clearly visible.

Prasat Khnar Temple

Prasat Khnar is a temple containing many mysteries. Some scholars believe that this place once had a large pedestal with a 3m high Linga statue. However, due to severe ruins, it is impossible to imagine the original appearance.