Preah Ko
Archaeological Site Early Khmer temple complex with stone carved deities
Preah Ko, in the Roluos group east of Siem Reap, dates to the late 9th century; its brick towers and dedicatory inscriptions mark early Khmer state formation.
Preah Ko is an 9th-century Khmer temple in the Roluos group, east of Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was consecrated in 879 AD and is one of the earliest major temple complexes of the Angkor period.
The complex contains six brick towers set on a raised sandstone platform and arranged in two rows. The towers retain carved sandstone lintels and pediments with Hindu iconography that are the main visual highlights for visitors. The site is compact - most visitors complete a visit in 30-60 minutes - and is often paired with nearby Roluos group temples.
Construction was initiated by King Indravarman I; the monument was dedicated to members of the royal family and to Hindu deities. Over the centuries the brick towers suffered weathering and partial collapse and have undergone multiple conservation efforts to stabilise masonry and preserve carvings.
The temple sits in the village area of Roluos, roughly 13 km east of Siem Reap town, on flat agricultural land near other early Angkor temples. Access is by road from Siem Reap and it is typically visited as part of a short circuit of the Roluos group.
- Best time: Early morning light and fewer visitors make details on the lintels and pediments easier to photograph.
- How to combine: Commonly visited together with Bakong and Lolei - all three form the Roluos group about 13 km east of Siem Reap.
How to Get to Preah Ko #
Preah Ko is part of the Roluos group east of Siem Reap and lies about 12-15 km from Siem Reap town centre. It’s usually reached by tuk‑tuk or car (about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic) along the main road east out of Siem Reap; many visitors also cycle there (a longer ride).
There is a short on‑site walk from the roadside/parking area to the temple; most tourist transport providers in Siem Reap include a stop at the Roluos group.
Tips for Visiting Preah Ko #
- Visit Preah Ko and Bakong together in the same morning-both are part of the Roluos group and are within a short drive of each other, so combining them avoids returning later when central Angkor crowds build.
- Go early for the best light on Preah Ko's brick towers and fewer tour groups; the site is compact and quiet, which makes it easier to study the carved faces and inscriptions that many visitors miss in a cursory walk-through.
Best Time to Visit Preah Ko #
Visit in the dry season (Nov-Feb) and go early in the day to avoid heat and the largest tour groups.
Weather & Climate near Preah Ko #
Preah Ko's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1345 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm, feeling like 28°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (271 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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