Krol Ko Temple, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple near Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Krol Ko Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built at the end of the 12th century in the Bayon style under the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181-1218 AD), it lies to the south of the famous Neak Pean island temple, situated in the Jaytataka Baray.

The site features remnants of an outer wall, with an eastern entrance leading to what appears to be a cruciform terrace that connects to a gopura and another outer enclosure wall. Surrounding the site is a moat on three sides and a permanent basin to the northeast. Within the enclosure, you can find the remains of a library building and the central shrine, which is connected to the entrance gopura via its own laterite cruciform terrace.

Notable highlights at Krol Ko include pediments on the ground, such as one depicting Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus, flanked by devotees, and another showing Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana to protect the shepherds. The site also features devata bas-reliefs and interesting roundels or medallions that enclose figurines, similar to those found at Preah Khan and other late 12th-century temples. Additionally, several niches at Krol Ko retain their original idols, which were often removed or defaced during later periods of religious change.

The temple does not have an inscription to mark its foundation but is dated based on its architectural style.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (102)

Krol Ko Temple, located in the Angkor Archaeological Park near Neak Pean, is a small, quiet 12th-century Buddhist site whose modest buildings — a central tower and a so-called “library” within double walls — invite calm reflection away from the larger circuits; visitors note its peaceful, leafy setting, restored ground pediments depicting figures like Avalokitesvara and Krishna, a relaxed atmosphere with few tourists but sometimes local visitors, and that it can feel a bit neglected or only partially restored, making it a worthwhile short stop if you have extra time and seek solitude.

Seng Pheng

6 months ago

"Krol Ko ប្រាសាទក្រោលគោ is a small Buddhist temple from the 12th century. Its name means “Park of the Oxen” and lies about a hundred meters north fromthe artificial island Neak Pean nearby the grand circuit. The Temple Krol Ko was erected by the King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. Architecture of Krol Ko The temple buildings – a tower and a so-called “library” – are surrounded by two walls. The purpose and function of “library”-buildings, which are quite common in Khmer architecture, are unknown. The main temple tower of Krol Ko is built in the middle of a cross-shaped terrace. The most interesting items at Krol Ko are the pediments on the ground. Some of them are restored, like the triangular pediments with Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus surrounded by devotees or the one with Krishna who lifts Mount Govardhana with his little finger to give shelter to the shepherds...."

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Hem Nimeith

5 months ago

"Visiting Krol Ko Temple, I was moved by its quiet, humble beauty. The ancient ruins, surrounded by lush greenery, whispered stories of devotion andresilience. The peaceful atmosphere invited deep reflection, filling me with awe and a heartfelt co ection to Cambodia’s sacred past...."

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A.C

a year ago

"Very small and quiet with no crowds. It's the perfect place to relax after visiting busier temples, offering a peaceful atmosphere that's hard tofind elsewhere. The serene surroundings make it an ideal spot to unwind and take in the tranquility. However, if you're short on time and prioritizing the more famous temples, you might consider skipping this one. But for those who appreciate calm and solitude, this small temple is a hidden gem worth discovering, offering a unique experience that contrasts with the more popular tourist sites...."

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The Krol Ko Temple appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

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