In short
- Koh Ker is 120km from Siem Reap, requiring a 2.5-hour drive.
- Koh Ker features a 36-meter tall sandstone pyramid you can climb.
- Koh Ker requires a separate $15 ticket, not the Angkor Pass.
In this article
Choosing between these two Khmer Empire sites depends on your time and tolerance for crowds. While Angkor Wat is the heavily visited main attraction, Koh Ker is a remote archaeological park featuring over 180 monuments spread across 81 square kilometers.
How does the architecture of Koh Ker compare to Angkor Wat?
Koh Ker is dominated by a 36-meter, 7-tiered pyramid called Prasat Thom.
Unlike the gallery-style layout of Angkor Wat, Koh Ker resembles a step pyramid. You can safely climb to the top of Prasat Thom using a modern wooden staircase. The outer ring features brick towers like Prasat Pram, which are completely swallowed by strangler fig tree roots.
Are there fewer crowds at Koh Ker than Angkor Wat?
Yes, Koh Ker sees far fewer visitors than Angkor Wat.
The two-hour and 30-minute drive from Siem Reap deters most large tour groups. This leaves the overgrown ruins largely quiet. It provides a more atmospheric experience compared to the busy corridors of Angkor.
Is Koh Ker further from Siem Reap than Angkor Wat?
Yes, Koh Ker is 120 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap.
You will need 2.5 hours each way by private taxi, SUV, or tour bus to reach the site. In contrast, Angkor Wat is located right outside downtown Siem Reap. Visiting Koh Ker takes a full 8 to 10 hours.
Is Koh Ker included in the Angkor Pass?
No, Koh Ker requires its own separate entrance ticket.
The official standalone entry fee is $15 USD for adults. Children under 12 enter for free with a valid passport. You must buy this ticket in addition to your Angkor Pass if you plan to visit both sites.
What is the environment like at Koh Ker?
Koh Ker is located deep in the jungles of northern Cambodia.
Nature has reclaimed much of the ancient capital. Only about two dozen monuments are currently accessible, as the surrounding jungle is not fully demined. You must stay on the clearly marked paths when exploring the ruins.
When was Koh Ker built compared to Angkor Wat?
Koh Ker was built before Angkor Wat.
King Jayavarman IV moved the capital of the Khmer Empire to Koh Ker from 928 to 944 AD. Angkor Wat was constructed later in the 12th century. In September 2023, Koh Ker was inscribed as Cambodia's fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Questions travellers ask
Can I visit Koh Ker and Angkor Wat in the same day?
No, the 120km distance makes this impractical. Visiting Koh Ker requires a full 8 to 10 hour day trip from Siem Reap.
Is it safe to climb the pyramid at Koh Ker?
Yes. A modern wooden staircase allows you to safely climb to the top of the 36-meter Prasat Thom pyramid.
What is the dress code for Koh Ker?
You must dress modestly to enter the temples. Your shoulders and knees must be covered at all times.
