Bakong is the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor near modern Siem Reap in Cambodia. Bakong is located at Roluos south of Preah Ko. Enter and leave the temple at the east. A modern Buddhist temple is situated to the right of the east entrance to Bakong. It was build in late ninth ...
The most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Angkorian capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850m at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick. Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. Picturesque moat and vegetation surround Bakong.
Bakong (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបាគង) is the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor near modern Siem Reap in Cambodia. In the final decades of the 9th century AD, it served as the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the ancient city of Hariharalaya, located in an area that today is called Roluos.
The structure of Bakong took shape of stepped pyramid, popularly identified as temple mountain of early Khmer temple architecture. The striking similarity of the Bakong and Borobudur temple in Java, going into architectural details such as the gateways and stairs to the upper terraces, suggests strongly that Borobudur was served as the prototype of Bakong. There must have been exchanges of travelers, if not mission, between Khmer kingdom and the Sailendras in Java. Transmitting to Cambodia not only ideas, but also technical and architectural details of Borobudur, including arched gateways in corbelling method.
In 802 AD, the first king of Angkor Jayavarman II declared the sovereignty of Cambodia. After ups and downs, he established his capital at Hariharalaya. Few decades later, his successors constructed Bakong in stages as the first temple mountain of sandstone at Angkor. The inscription on its stele (classified K.826) says that in 881 King Indravarman I dedicated the temple to the god Shiva and consecrated its central religious image, a lingam whose name Sri Indresvara was a combination of the king's own and the suffix "-esvara" which stood for Shiva ("Iśvara"). According to George Coedès, the devarāja cult consisted in the idea of divine kingship as a legitimacy of royal power, but later authors stated that it doesn't necessarily involve the cult of physical persona of the ruler himself.
Bakong enjoyed its status as the state temple of Angkor for only a few years, but later additions from the 12th or 13th centuries testify that it was not abandoned. Toward the end of the 9th century, Indravarman's son and successor Yasovarman I moved the capital from Hariharalaya to the area north of Siem Reap now known as Angkor, where he founded the new city of Yaśodharapura around a new temple mountain called Bakheng.
The site of Bakong measures 900 metres by 700 metres, and consists of three concentric enclosures separated by two moats, the main axis going from east to west. The outer enclosure has neither a wall nor gopuram and its boundary is the outer moat, today only partially visible. The current access road from NH6 leads at the edge of the second enclosure. The inner moat delimits a 400 by 300 metres area, with remains of a laterite wall and four cruciform gopuram, and it is crossed by a wide earthen causeway, flanked by seven-headed nāgas, such as a draft of nāga bridge . Between the two moats there are the remains of 22 satellite temples of brick. The innermost enclosure, bounded by a laterite wall, measures 160 metres by 120 metres and contains the central temple pyramid and eight brick temple towers, two on each side. A number of other smaller buildings are also located within the enclosure. Just outside the eastern gopura there is a modern buddhist temple.
The pyramid itself has five levels and its base is 65 by 67 metres. It was reconstructed by Maurice Glaize at the end of the 1930s according to methods of anastylosis. On the top there is a single tower that is much later in provenance, and the architectural style of which is not that of the 9th century foundations of Hariharalaya, but that of the 12th-century temple city Angkor Wat.
Though the pyramid at one time must have been covered with bas relief carvings in stucco, today only fragments remain. A dramatic scene-fragment involving what appear to be asuras in battle gives a sense of the likely high quality of the carvings. Large stone statues of elephants are positioned as guardians at the corners of the three lower levels of the pyramid. Statues of lions guard the stairways.
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Nº 498, Salakomroeuk, N/A Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.
Sala Lodges provides accommodation in authentic traditional Khmer-style wooden houses on stilts away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features a saltwater swimming pool equipped with a poolside bar overlooking panoramic views. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The vibrant Pub Street, Old Market and Angkor Night Market are conveniently about 1.6 km away. Sala Lodges Siem Reap is located 9 km from Siem Reap International airport and 8 km from Angkor Wat Temple. Wat Damnak Pagoda is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The Resident Royal Palace, the Post Office and the Angkor National Museum are a 15-minute walk away.
Each house offers an individual history, with the oldest house dating back to the late 1950s. Houses are decorated with artisan art pieces, with carefully-restored furnishings. Rooms are fully air-conditioned with a fan option and feature a private balcony. The seating area is equipped with a safe and a minibar. En suite bathrooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Complimentary use of bicycles are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
The Sala Lodge Restaurant serves Khmer (local) dishes, as well as, Western dishes. The pool bar serves a selection of refreshing beverages.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
ICF Rd, Phum Krous, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap! Nestled within stunning tropical garden, PM Angkor Resort offers peaceful and elegant accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. Guests enjoy access to the property's large outdoor pool and a sauna. Free WiFi is available in all areas of the resort.
The resort is 1.5 km away from the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. It is 7 km to the Angkor Archaeological Park - UNESCO World Heritage site. Siem Reap International Airport is a 10-minute drive away. The property offers complimentary pick-up service from the airport or bus station and daily shuttle services to the city centre.
All villas have a terrace or patio overlooking views of the garden and pool, air conditioning, parquet floors, work desk, wardrobe, cable TV, safe and seating area with sofa. A private bathroom comes with separate bathtub, rain shower, bathrobes and free toiletries. Extra amenities include an electric kettle and a fridge.
At the 24-hour front desk, guests can book tickets, arrange tours and use the concierge services.
The resort's restaurant serves local and Western dishes. On request, food and drinks can be delivered to the villa.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Teuk Vil commune, National Road 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Set in Siem Reap, La Renaissance Boutique offers 4-star accommodation with water sports facilities, free bikes and an outdoor swimming pool. With a fitness centre, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Chinese cuisine is served at the restaurant.
All guest rooms at the hotel feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, DVD Player, and a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries. Some rooms are fitted with a kitchen with a fridge. The rooms are equipped with a seating area.
A continental breakfast is available every morning at La Renaissance Boutique.
The accommodation offers a terrace. Cycling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near La Renaissance Boutique.
A business centre and a bicycle rental service are also offered by the hotel. Staff at La Renaissance Boutique are always available to provide advice at the reception.
Pub Street is 9 km from the accommodation. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 3 km away.
We speak your language!
Sala Kamreuk Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Price!
Resort D' Popular is offering accommodations in Siem Reap. Featuring a fitness center, this 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The property has a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available.
All rooms at the hotel come with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Resort D' Popular provides certain units that feature a terrace, and every room is equipped with an electric tea pot. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
A buffet breakfast is served every morning at the property. Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, which serves a variety of French, European and Asian dishes.
The accommodation has an outdoor pool.
King's Road Angkor is 2.3 km from Resort D' Popular. The nearest airport is Angkor International Airport, 14.5 km from the hotel.
We speak your language!
National Road No. 6, Chong Kaosou Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Located 2 km from the city centre of Siem Reap, Smiling Hotel offers accommodations with just a 20-minute drive to Angkor Wat. The hotel features free WiFi and an outdoor pool.
Fitted with a balcony, rooms are equipped with a cable TV, minibar and personal safe. En suite bathroom comes with bathtub and shower facilities.
The hotel offers a business centre, hot tubs, bicycle rentals and meeting rooms. Other facilities include a tour desk and currency exchange. Massage services are available at Smiling Hotel.
The Old French Quarter and Old Market are within a 10-minute drive from Smiling Hotel, while Siem Reap International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. The property offers complimentary one-way airport transfers.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Wat Damnak, 150 meters from Old Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
An outdoor pool resides in the middle of Wheel Garden Riverside, which features traditional Khmer-style and colour-themed rooms with free WiFi. Located in Siem Reap, the property has its own restaurant and provides free airport pick-ups.
Offering views of Siem Reap River, Wheel Garden Riverside is 150 m from the Old Market Area, Pub Street and the night markets. Angkor National Museum is 1.5 km away while Angkor Wat and Siem Reap International Airport are both 7 km from the villa.
All rooms are air-conditioned and have a flat-screen cable TV, desk and refrigerator. Private bathroom includes a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. A free fruit basket and bottled water is provided.
Guests are served a welcome drink upon arrival at Wheel Garden Riverside. A 24-hour front desk, daily room service, tour desk and ticket service is available.
An American breakfast is served every morning at the poolside restaurant, which features an a la carte menu, drinks and cocktails.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Mrs. Aleksandra Godawa-Hodge
Country: Poland
City: Warsaw
N.of Person: 5 pax
Travel date: 2025-04-30
Booked: Angkor Wat Tour with Lunch, Temple Pass & evening Apsara Dance Show
Tour Style: Day Trip Tours
Duration: 1 Day
