Preah Ko: The Sacred Bull Temple

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Discover Preah Ko, an ancient Khmer temple with intricate carvings, dedicated to Shiva and royal ancestors, predating Angkor Wat.

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Preah Ko Temple

Preah Ko, or the 'Sacred Bull' temple, is a 9th-century Hindu temple constructed by King Indravarman I in 879. Located in the Roluos group, about 15 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap, it's one of the earliest major temples of the Khmer empire and predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. Dedicated to Shiva and King Indravarman's ancestors, the temple features six brick towers adorned with intricate carvings.

A brief summary to Preah Ko Temple

HX22+X9W, Thala Barivat District, KH

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven paths.
Bring a camera to capture the intricate carvings and architecture.
Combine your visit with other temples in the Roluos Group, such as Bakong and Lolei.

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Getting There

Tuk-tuk

From Siem Reap, hire a tuk-tuk for a 30-minute ride to Preah Ko, located approximately 15 km southeast of the city. The ride will cost around $15-$20 for the day, including visits to other Roluos temples. Negotiate the price beforehand. The driver will take you along National Road 6, turning right before Bakong High School, then continue for about 500m.
Taxi

A taxi from Siem Reap to Preah Ko takes about 25 minutes. Expect to pay around $25-$35 for a round trip, including stops at other temples in the Roluos Group. Agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Note that you'll also need to purchase an Angkor Pass to enter the archaeological park.

Discover more about Preah Ko Temple

Preah Ko, meaning 'Sacred Bull,' stands as a testament to early Khmer architecture and artistry. Built in 879 by King Indravarman I, it was dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and served as a memorial to the king's ancestors. The temple was the first to be built in Hariharalaya, an ancient city that is now part of the Roluos group of temples.The temple complex features six brick towers arranged in two rows of three on a sandstone platform. Each tower faces east, with the central tower slightly taller than the others. The towers are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and scenes from mythology. The name 'Sacred Bull' comes from the statues of Nandi, Shiva's mount, which are positioned in front of the towers.Originally, the temple was enclosed by a large moat and several enclosure walls. While much of the outer structures have disappeared, the six towers remain as remarkable examples of Preah Ko style architecture. Restoration efforts, including those financed by the German government in the early 1990s and ongoing in 2024, help preserve this important piece of Khmer history. Visiting Preah Ko offers a serene experience, away from the crowds of the more famous Angkor temples, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate details and historical significance of this ancient site.