Bakong

Bakong is a late 9th-century Khmer temple in the Roluos group near Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is regarded as one of the earliest temple-mountain constructions of the Angkor period. It served as a state temple and was among the principal monuments of the early Khmer capital at Hariharalaya.

The monument is dominated by a stepped pyramid core built in laterite and sandstone, surrounded by concentric enclosure walls and ceremonial approaches. Visitors can walk the causeways and enter through gopura gateways to view the central sanctuary and surviving relief work. The site is larger than nearby Preah Ko and typically takes 45-90 minutes to explore.

Bakong was commissioned by King Indravarman I in the late 9th century as a state temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and royal ancestors. The complex has undergone restoration and archaeological work to stabilise the laterite and sandstone masonry and to reconstruct parts of the approach and gateways.

The temple lies in the Roluos area about 13 km east of Siem Reap, set on low agricultural plain with other early Angkorian monuments within short driving distance. It is accessible by road and commonly visited as part of a half-day circuit of Roluos temples.

• Viewpoint: Climbing the central pyramid provides elevated views across the surrounding Roluos plain and nearby temples.
• Combine with: Often visited in the same itinerary as Preah Ko and Lolei as part of the Roluos group of early Angkorian sites.

What to See #

• Central pyramid: The main stepped pyramid temple mountain built of laterite and sandstone with a central sanctuary and surrounding enclosure dating to the late 9th century.
• Enclosure and approach: Surrounding causeways, gopura gateways and outer enclosure walls that mark the temple precinct and lead to the central monument.