Koh Ker vs Angkor: Is Koh Ker Worth it?

very much depends on you and what your priorities are and what else you might do with the time - have a look at what is there and make up your own mind

I haven't been there, but I would imagine that on any given day there would be only 0.01% the amount of tourists there than any of the main temples near Siem Reap and that alone would be a considerable attraction.

Definitely less tourists and there are several nearby smaller shrines well worth a look as well. Koh Ker itself is quite different from most temples in the Angkor area and looks a little like an Aztec temple. We were not allowed to climb up to the top to see the reported Garuda statue that resides there because the ladder up had partially collapsed years ago. You can hit Beng Mealea on the way and it also is well worth a look around. Are they a "must see"?.. it all depends on how well you like ancient temples. Do not miss Angkor and surrounding temples, but try to get to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea as well if you enjoy temple viewing. If temples are only slightly interesting then skip, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea.

This fall I went to the major temple complexes beside Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk. I hit Preah Khan (not the PK of Angkor), Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, Prasat Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar. My favorite was PPV. It's very spread out so crowds are easily managed. I saw it on a Cambodian holiday and despite the large numbers of locals I did not feel that the crowds were overwhelming. My next favorite was BC which has excellent wall carvings including faces like the Bayon. KK has the large Aztec type temple and several what I call small temples which are not terribly dramatic. BM is nice but the crowds have found their way and you see it from a wooden walkway which gets very congested which kind of ruined it for me. Great if you can beat the other tourists from SR there.

Let's put it that way : all depends how many days you spend in Siem Reap ; it takes 3 days just to see the main temples near Siem Reap ; out of them, you can spend a superb day going to the famous temple of Banteay Srei and the 1000 Linga River in the Kulen Massif ; you may also want to visit the curious village of Kampong Phluk close to the Tonle Sap or Kampong Khleang on the lake (but not Chong Kneas, which has become a tourist zoo)

Poster number 5 mentions Beantey Sri. Although farther away from most of the Angkor temples I still consider it a worthwhile stop that is still within the Angkor complex as a whole. The carvings are unparalleled at this temple and are not to be missed. But it's only a half a day trip leaving plenty of time for temples further afield. Definitely a must see despite the rope lines that distance you from the sculptures. They had just put them up in 2001 when I went which was a bummer but if it protects the temple I understand. Definitely include this temple in your ".must see" category.l

Hi,

You guys have been great. Yes, there are a LOT of temples to visit. I made note of all those you guys recommend. I guess what I am trying to ask is whether I should make Koh Ker a priority, considering just how much the area offers. In other words, how impressive is it compared to these other areas you are recommending?

That is hard to list out since they all have their merits and as mentioned it really depends on how much time you have and how much interest you have in ancient architecture as to what order I would list them, but if I had to guess:
1. The large and small circuit of the main Angkor temples.
2. Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre (great as the light of day fades) and river carvings at Kbal Spean. I am listing them 2nd because they are nearby.
3. Prasat Preah Vihear for amazing setting and atmosphere. Takes most of a day to see it as a day trip from Siem Reap, but I have heard of others seeing it, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea in one really loooooooong day. I can't image they would have more than 30 minutes at each temple and it is not my style of travel at all.
4. Koh Ker and Beng Mealea (yes, the walkways ruin the original Indiana Jones experience)
5. Banteay Chhmar for the amazing bas reliefs and 4-faced towers.
6. Wat Bo right in Siem Reap for fantastic murals, if you like them as I do. Not as old, but quite interesting and atmospheric in the golden light of late afternoon/sunset.

I guess I am suggesting you see the main temples in and near Siem Reap and then depending on time and interests, head for the others. We spent the night near Prasat Preah Vihear which allowed for a sunset viewing... fantastic! Then we headed on to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea the second day. It was also 10 years ago when car/driver hire was still cheap. It might be a bit difficult to do with public transport. But, I know people do it. The list also ignores the other non-temple interests in and around Siem Reap. We spend 7-10 days in Siem Reap each time we go (5 times now since 1997) and I am never bored. Others I've talked to were bored after 2 days.

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