Bakong
The earliest large sandstone temple mountain of the Khmer Empire, built in the late 9th century at Roluos. Five stepped tiers rise to a central tower and are guarded by stone elephants.
- Where
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Grade
- Local gem
- Worth
- 10 points collected on site
- Coordinates
- 13.3360, 103.9741
Get the Bakong stamp
Open LOQAH when you are at Bakong. It checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp is yours: confirmed on site in gold and struck with the date. It goes into your Siem Reap volume with your photos and a note.
Near Bakong
Roluos Group 0.7 km
The ruins of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire, about 13 kilometres east of Siem Reap. Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei date from the late 9th century and mark the start of Angkorian temple building.
Preah Ko 0.9 km
The first temple built at Hariharalaya, dedicated in 879 by Indravarman I. Six brick towers stand on a low platform, with fine lintels and stucco decoration still visible. It lies about 15 kilometres southeast of the main Angkor group, close to Bakong and Lolei.
Lolei 1.9 km
The northernmost of the Roluos group of 9th century temples, built on an island in a baray that is now dry. Four brick towers stand in a row, with Sanskrit inscriptions on their doorposts.
Banteay Samre 12 km
A temple east of the East Baray, built in the reign of Suryavarman II in the style of Angkor Wat. It is compact and well preserved, with a moat around the central sanctuary.
Prasat Kravan 12 km
A small 10th century temple of five reddish brick towers on a shared terrace, south of Srah Srang. Its inner walls hold rare brick carvings of Vishnu. It is one of the smaller monuments in the Angkor group and takes only a few minutes to see.
Pre Rup 12 km
A Hindu temple mountain built in 961 or 962 as the state temple of King Rajendravarman. Its steep laterite and brick tiers and five towers make it a favourite place to watch the evening light.
Wat Damnak 13 km
A Buddhist pagoda in the city of Siem Reap, and one of the teaching monasteries of the town. Monks live and study in the compound, which sits in a quiet part of the city a short walk from the river.
The Royal Residence 13 km
A royal villa in Siem Reap used as the official residence of the King of Cambodia when he visits the area. It stands in a garden near the Siem Reap River. It is a working royal property rather than a regular sight, so access is limited.
More hidden gems in Siem Reap
Questions
Where is Bakong?
Bakong is in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The nearest other LOQAH stamps are Roluos Group (0.7 km), Preah Ko (0.9 km), Lolei (1.9 km).
How do I get the Bakong stamp?
Open LOQAH when you are at Bakong and get its stamp. The app checks where you are once, at that moment, and the stamp goes into your Siem Reap volume, confirmed on site, with the date.
I have been to Bakong before. Can I still have the stamp?
Yes. Add it from Earlier trips in your Siem Reap volume, with the date if you know it, or import your Google Timeline and LOQAH matches the places you were.
Collect your first stamp.
LOQAH is free on iPhone and Android, in India and 40 more countries, with more countries on the way. Stand at a place, collect its stamp, and keep every trip in a passport that grows.