Bakong Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gerd Eichmann

Located 13 km southeast of Siem Reap in the Roluos group of temples, Bakong is a remarkable structure built by King Indravarman I in 881. As one of the first monumental Khmer temples, it marks a pivotal point in the development of the classic temple-mountain style, which later influenced iconic structures like Angkor Wat. Although Bakong requires an Angkor ticket for entry, it is a worthy half-day excursion, often visited alongside the nearby Preah Ko and Lolei temples. A full-day tour could include a boat trip to the Tonle Sap stilt village or a visit to other eastern Angkor temples like Chau Srei Vibol and Phnom Bok.

Architecture and Layout

Bakong is surrounded by an impressive moat and enclosure, although much of the original outer wall has disappeared over time. The second, well-preserved moat near the entrance is still an awe-inspiring sight. Visitors access the temple via a causeway guarded by large seven-headed serpent Nagas. The inner enclosure features four cardinal gates called Gopurams, two chapels, and several square buildings, including later additions that testify to the ongoing use of Bakong even after the capital moved to Angkor. The temple’s layout and surrounding structures provide a glimpse into both the architectural innovations and religious practices of the Khmer Empire.

The Central Temple-Mountain

At the heart of Bakong stands the central temple-mountain, a pyramid-shaped structure built from sandstone blocks. With a base of 67 meters by 65 meters and a height of 14 meters, the pyramid’s tiers progressively narrow to create a sense of false perspective, making it appear taller than it is. Each tier is decorated with statues, including elephants and bas-reliefs that depict mythical figures and creatures such as Naga serpents, Garuda birds, and Rakshasa demons. The structure was designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe in Hindu cosmology, with each tier symbolizing a different level of divine beings.

Historical and Artistic Significance

Bakong's artistic and architectural contributions were groundbreaking for the Khmer Empire. The five levels of the temple correspond to the five realms of Mount Meru, with smaller sandstone towers once housing Lingams. The temple's most notable bas-reliefs are among the earliest examples of Khmer stone carving, depicting scenes such as Ashura demons in battle. The central Prasat, later added in the Angkor Wat style during the 12th century, replaced the original Prasat that housed a Shiva Lingam, a symbol of the king's imperial power. The Bakong temple not only marks the beginning of Khmer temple-mountain architecture but also served as a template for many future temples, including Angkor Wat.

Best Time to Visit

For an optimal experience, it is best to visit Bakong early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer, and the temple is less crowded. The site is part of the Roluos group of temples, and like the other temples in the area, requires an Angkor ticket for entry. A visit to Bakong provides an excellent introduction to the monumental architecture of the Khmer Empire and is a perfect way to begin a deeper exploration of Angkor.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,424)

Bakong Temples, set in the Roluos plains near Prasat Bakong, is an imposing early Khmer sandstone temple mountain with a stepped, five-tiered pyramid, ornate carvings and guardian sculptures; visitors praise its serene, atmospheric feel, often less crowded than larger Angkor sites, and note the surviving brick sanctuaries, laterite walls and nearby active Buddhist monastery that add to the sense of exploring the origins of Angkorian architecture as you wander causeways and terraces.

Dave Angelescu

2 months ago

"Bakong – The First Great Temple Mountain of the Khmer Empire Rising from the plains of Roluos just outside of Siem Reap, Bakong is where the story ofAngkor’s iconic temple-mountains truly begins. ** This is what Wikipedia and other sources would have you believe, but the oldest "Temple Mountain Pyramid" is Ak Yum Pyrimid Temple at West Baray, 7th century. ** Bakong was built in the late 9th century by King Indravarman I, this sandstone pyramid was the first state temple of the Khmer Empire and the spiritual heart of Hariharalaya, the empire’s early capital. Bakong is a massive stepped pyramid symbolizing Mount Meru, the cosmic center of the universe in Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. Its moats represent the oceans of creation, while its concentric walls echo the mountains of the divine realm. Even today, crossing the naga-lined causeway feels like a passage into another world. Wander through the surviving brick sanctuaries and you’ll reach the central pyramid, 65 X 67 meters wide and rising through five terraces to its summit shrine. Stone lions still guard the stairways, while sandstone elephants stand watch from the terrace corners, quiet echoes of an ancient empire asserting divine kingship through architecture. The layout and design of Bakong were groundbreaking for their time, and the temple later became the blueprint for Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup, and even Angkor Wat itself. Historians believe that its inspiration came from Java’s Borobudur, showing a remarkable cultural exchange between two great Southeast Asian civilizations. Restored in the 1930s, Bakong remains one of the most atmospheric temples in Cambodia, and less crowded than Angkor Wat, but just as powerful in presence. If you want to see where one of the Khmer architectural legacies was truly born, this is the place to stand in the footsteps of kings...."

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Garden Village Hostel

5 months ago

"As a local guide here in Siem Reap, I often recommend a visit to Bakong Temple, especially for those looking to delve deeper into the origins ofKhmer architecture and the Angkorian era. Bakong stands as a magnificent testament to early Khmer ingenuity. It's the first temple mountain of sandstone, marking a pivotal moment in the architectural evolution that would later define Angkor Wat. Built in the late 9th century by King Indravarman I, it was the state temple of the city of Hariharalaya, the first major capital in the Angkor region. What makes Bakong truly special is its sense of serene grandeur, often less crowded than its more famous counterparts. You can truly appreciate the intricate details of its five-tiered pyramid, representing Mount Meru, the sacred home of the gods. While some of the original stucco carvings have faded, you can still discern the beautiful guardian lions and devatas that once adorned its terraces. The surrounding laterite walls and the remnants of smaller brick temples at its base offer a glimpse into the earlier construction techniques. For visitors, Bakong provides a unique opportunity to co ect with the very foundations of the Angkorian empire. It's a place where history feels tangible, and the quiet atmosphere allows for reflection on the incredible civilization that flourished here. Don't miss the opportunity to see the active Buddhist monastery nearby, adding another layer to the site's living history. It's a truly rewarding experience for anyone interested in the rich heritage of Cambodia...."

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Chetra Yoeurn

a week ago

"Bakong Temple stands as one of the most exquisite historical sites in Siem Reap Province. Visiting this ancient sandstone temple mountain, builtduring the Khmer Empire, is truly remarkable as the witness of historical evidence. It is both breathtaking and magnificent...."

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The Bakong Temple appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting !

Moira & Andy

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