Koh Ker Temple Complex

Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief but remarkable period between 928 and 944 AD under King Jayavarman IV, who moved the seat of power 100 kilometers northeast of Angkor before it returned under his successor. The complex encompasses over 180 catalogued temple structures spread across a large forested area in Preah Vihear province, making it one of the largest concentrations of Angkor-era monuments outside of Siem Reap. The site was heavily mined during the civil war and has only been systematically cleared and opened to visitors relatively recently. The jungle setting, relative remoteness, and near-absence of other tourists gives Koh Ker an adventurous character distinct from the well-visited temples of the main Angkor Archaeological Park.