Bakong - Pyramid of the Lost Kings

Long before the iconic towers of Angkor Wat pierced the Cambodian skyline, another monument stood at the cradle of Khmer imperial ambition. Built in 881AD by King Indravarman I, Bakong Temple is considered the first large scale sandstone pyramid of the Angkorian period and the spiritual prototype for the grandeur that would come centuries later. Rising from the lush plains of Roluos, Bakong marked a bold shift in architectural scale and symbolism, its tiered structure evoking Mount Meru, the sacred axis of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Here, the foundations of empire were not only laid in stone but in sacred geometry and divine kingship.

Located in the Roluos Group just east of Siem Reap, the spiritual axis of this temple complex was brought to life through Bakong’s tiered pyramid design, each level rising closer to the divine. At its base, a series of brick towers once housed statues of powerful Hindu deities, their presence imbuing the temple with a sense of cosmic order. A procession of stone lions and elephants, eternal sentinels, stand watch at each corner, their weathered silhouettes offering a glimpse into the sacred guardianship that once defined this monumental site.

The towering temple rises in five tiered levels, crowned by a central sanctuary that originally enshrined a linga dedicated to Shiva. Within some of the smaller sanctuaries, faded traces of bas-reliefs remain with depictions of divine battles, celestial dancers and mythic tales carved into stone. Encircling it all is a wide moat, now a lotus pool, which mirrors not only the temple’s silhouette but the weight of an empire in its infancy.

Though Bakong is largely historical in focus, local folklore still surrounds the site. One story tells of the "Shadow Guardian", an ancient spirit of a royal priest entombed within the central tower during the temple’s dedication. It is thought he was buried alive within the central sanctuary, either in sacrifice or punishment, and his spirit is unable to leave the upper tiers. Night guards have reported hearing chants in an unknown tongue and visitors claim to feel an inexplicable heaviness on the stairs leading to the sanctuary tower.

Standing atop Bakong, with the Roluos plains stretching into haze, it’s easy to feel both alone and watched. The wind moves through the ancient stone like a whisper, as if the temple itself still listens. Time feels thick here, layered in every worn step, every guardian statue and every quiet shadow.

Location : Angkor Archaeological Park, Prasat Bakong, Siem Reap Province, Kingdom of Cambodia

How to get there : Bakong is located 13 km's from Siem Reap at takes around 25 minutes to reach by tuk-tuk. The Roluos Group of Temples can be part of the Grand Circuit tour, a tuk tuk driver can be negotiated for about $50 USD per day.

Attraction Info : Admission is included with the Angkor temple pass and the grounds are open between 7:30am - 5:30pm daily. Entrance fees are structured to accommodate various itineraries. A 1-day pass is $37USD, a 3-day pass is $62USD and a 7-day pass at $72USD. Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor Ticket Office or online. Generally 3 days is sufficient time to explore the whole area. The Roluos Group of Temples is a very rewarding stop, especially for those looking to explore beyond the main Angkor circuit, away from the huge crowds. The best time to visit any of the temples is in the early morning or afternoon when it is a bit cooler.

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Official Website : https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/

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Image sourced from the internet, showing an overview of this ancient temple complex