Koh Ker - Discovering Cambodia

Travelling to Koh Ker

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Koh Ker, a pretty good destination in Cambodia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Koh Ker and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Koh Ker, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Cambodia, here's everything to know about Koh Ker for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Koh Ker

Koh Ker is an ancient city located in the north-east of Cambodia, about 120 kilometers from Siem Reap. The city was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period in the 10th century, and it is renowned for its impressive temples and other ancient structures embedded in the jungle. Some of the most famous structures in Koh Ker include Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid, Prasat Krahom, a temple made entirely of brick, and Prasat Pram, an intricate temple with a jungle backdrop. Koh Ker is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.

What to visit in Koh Ker

Koh Ker is known for its stunning ancient ruins and temples. Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Koh Ker, Cambodia, along with some information about each of them: 1. Prasat Thom: This is the biggest and most famous temple in Koh Ker. It has seven tiers, stands 108 feet tall, and is primarily made of sandstone. It was built by King Jayavarman IV, who is said to have ruled Koh Ker from 928 to 944 AD. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and contains several impressive sculptures.
2. Prasat Krahom: This temple was built around the same time as Prasat Thom, and is also made primarily of sandstone. It has a distinctive red color due to the bricks used in its construction, and is also known as the "Red Temple" as a result. The temple is thought to have functioned as a royal palace as well as a religious monument.
3. Prasat Pram: This temple is one of the smaller, more intimate structures in Koh Ker. It is thought to have been built as a funerary temple for King Gajendra, who is believed to have been Jayavarman IV's successor. The temple has a pyramidal shape and several impressive sculptures.
4. Linga templers: These are a group of small brick structures that contain lingam-yoni stones, which are phallic symbols that represent the Hindu god Shiva and his consort. These structures were likely used for fertility rituals in the past.
5. Baray: Koh Ker's baray is a massive man-made reservoir that was likely used to irrigate crops and supply water to the city. It measures approximately 1.2 miles by 0.8 miles and is surrounded by several smaller temples and shrines.
Overall, Koh Ker's temples and ruins are a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia's rich history and culture. Visitors to the area can expect to be awed by the incredible artwork, architecture, and engineering that went into these ancient structures.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Cambodia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Koh Ker.

When to go on holiday to Koh Ker

The best time to visit Koh Ker is from November to February when the weather is dry and cool, making it comfortable to explore the temples and ruins. Cambodia's rainy season typically runs from May to October, so it's best to avoid these months as the roads can become impassable and some areas may flood. March and April can get very hot and humid, but if you can tolerate the heat, it can be a good time to visit as there are fewer tourists around.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Koh Ker

Koh Ker is a remote ancient temple complex located in the northern part of Cambodia, about 120 km away from the Angkor Archaeological Park. There are a few ways to get to Koh Ker: 1. By private car: You can hire a private car with a driver in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to take you to Koh Ker. The journey from Siem Reap takes around 3-4 hours, and from Phnom Penh, it takes around 6-7 hours.
2. By motorbike: If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike in Siem Reap and ride to Koh Ker yourself. The journey takes around 3-4 hours each way.
3. By joining a tour: There are several tour operators in Siem Reap that offer day trips to Koh Ker. This is a good option if you don't want to worry about transportation and prefer a guided tour.
4. By public bus: It is also possible to take a public bus from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear, a town near Koh Ker. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to the temples. However, this option may not be the most convenient, as the bus services can be unreliable and the journey can take up to 6-7 hours.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Koh Ker, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Koh Ker

Koh Ker is an ancient temple city located in the north of Cambodia. As it is a historical site, there isn't exactly a type of food specific to Koh Ker. However, there are some traditional Cambodian dishes that can be found in the surrounding areas. Here are some examples: 1. Amok - This is a popular Cambodian dish that typically features fish, cooked with coconut milk and various spices. It is typically served with rice and can be found throughout Cambodia.
2. Kuy Teav - This is a noodle soup made with pork or beef, along with a variety of herbs and often served with fried garlic and scallions on top.
3. Bai sach chrouk - This dish typically consists of sliced pork that has been marinated in a variety of Cambodian spices and then grilled. It is served over steamed rice with a side of pickled vegetables.
4. Num Banh Chok - This dish features a type of thin, round rice noodle that is topped with a fish-based coconut curry sauce along with various herbs and vegetables.
5. Lok Lak - This dish typically features stir-fried beef served over a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. It is often served with a side of rice and a fried egg.
You can find general info about typical foods in Cambodia here.

Is Koh Ker an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other popular tourist destinations in Cambodia such as Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, Koh Ker is relatively less expensive. However, it is also worth noting that Koh Ker is a remote and less-developed area, which can result in higher prices for certain services and products. Accommodations and tours may cost more than in other areas due to limited options and transportation might be more difficult and expensive. It's recommended to plan accordingly and budget for transportation and accommodations in advance.

Where to find accomodation in Koh Ker

The best areas to find accommodation for visiting Koh Ker in Cambodia would be: 1. Siem Reap - This is the most popular gateway to Koh Ker, and it's about a two and a half hours drive from Koh Ker. Siem Reap is packed with hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and resorts of every budget.
2. Sra Em - This is a small town that is just 10 minutes away from Koh Ker. The benefits of staying here are that it's very close to the temples, and it offers a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere. However, there are fewer accommodations available here than in Siem Reap.
3. Preah Vihear - This town is about two hours drive away from Koh Ker. It's a little bit off the beaten track, but it's a great place to stay if you're planning to explore multiple temples in the area. There are a few hotels and guesthouses here. Overall, Siem Reap is probably the best place to find accommodation, especially if you want to be close to other tourist attractions and have more options to choose from.
You can check hotel prices at Koh Ker here:
Booking.com

Is Koh Ker a safe destination for tourists?

Koh Ker is considered safe for tourists, and there have been no major security issues reported in recent years. However, as with any travel destination, you should still exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. It is always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone at night, and keep belongings secure. Additionally, be sure to follow the local customs and laws to avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Cambodia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Koh Ker.

What type of travelers will enjoy Koh Ker the most?

Koh Ker is a remote archaeological site located in northern Cambodia, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Siem Reap. It is famous for its ancient temples and ruins, including the iconic Prasat Thom pyramid temple.
Koh Ker can be enjoyed by a variety of traveler types, including couples, families, and those interested in history and culture. It might not be the most suitable destination for young people looking for fun, as it is not a party destination but rather a cultural and historical site.
Couples can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Koh Ker, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the temples are bathed in beautiful hues of orange and pink. Families with children can explore the temples and ruins together, learning about ancient history and culture. The site is relatively quiet compared to more popular destinations like Angkor Wat, making it an ideal place for travelers seeking a more peaceful and reflective experience.
Overall, Koh Ker is suitable for travelers who are interested in history, culture, and picturesque scenery.

How to get around Koh Ker

The most common way to move around Koh Ker, Cambodia is by using a tuk-tuk or a motorbike taxi. Some visitors also opt to rent a motorbike or a bicycle to explore the area. However, it is important to note that the roads in Koh Ker can be bumpy and uneven, so caution should be taken when driving. Additionally, some of the temples are quite far apart from each other, so a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi may be more efficient for those looking to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time.

What to see around Koh Ker

Sure, here are some nice places you can visit on a day trip from Koh Ker: 1. Beng Mealea Temple: Located about 50 kilometers away from Koh Ker, this beautiful temple is also a part of the Angkor temple complex and offers a unique experience to visitors.
2. Preah Vihear Temple: About 100 kilometers away from Koh Ker, this stunning temple is located on a cliff that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Kulen Mountain National Park: About 60 kilometers away from Koh Ker, this park is famous for its waterfalls and offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
4. Banteay Srei Temple: About 80 kilometers away from Koh Ker, this temple is famous for its intricate carvings and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia.
5. Tonle Sap Lake: About 100 kilometers away from Koh Ker, this lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and offers visitors a chance to experience local life and culture.
For every travel information about Cambodia you can click here.

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