Koh Ker Pyramid Temple
Seven-tiered sandstone pyramid rising above the jungle, once flanked by carved combat scenes.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to the Koh Ker Pyramid Temple, deep in the forest northeast of Siem Reap, follows King Jayavarman the Fourth's decision around 928 to abandon Angkor and build a new capital here, raising a seven-tiered sandstone pyramid a century before Angkor Wat existed. It traces the temple's break from tradition at the nearby shrine of Prasat Chen, where sculptors carved two duels fully in the round: rival monkey kings Valin and Sugriva trading blows, and Bhima and Duryodhana locked in a mace fight watched by seven helpless relatives who could not stop it. Climb the steep steps in front of you and you are standing near the gates those statues once guarded.
This audio guide was created using AI.
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