Bakong: The First Mountain Temple of the Khmer Empire

Bakong temple marks a major advancement in Khmer temple construction. It was the first temple to integrate the mountain temple concept with a sandstone structure atop a brick base, setting a precedent for future Angkor temples. The design symbolizes Mount Meru, with the central tower representing the mountain’s peak surrounded by smaller towers and walls.

King Indravarman I commissioned Bakong as his state temple and capital monument around 881 AD. The temple was part of the Roluos group, which includes other early Angkor temples like Preah Ko and Lolei, each illustrating the evolution of Khmer religious architecture. The temple’s layout and reliefs offer valuable insights into the religious beliefs and political authority of the time.

Bakong temple is approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap town and about 5 kilometers from the Roluos group temples. The journey from Siem Reap takes around 30 minutes by tuk-tuk or motorbike. Hiring a tuk-tuk for the day, which typically costs between $15 and $20, is an easy way to visit Bakong along with nearby temples like Preah Ko and Lolei.

For those renting motorbikes, daily rates range from $5 to $10, and bicycles can be rented for $2 to $3 per day, though the distance and heat might make cycling challenging. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and access requires an Angkor pass, which costs $37 for one day, $62 for three days, or $72 for seven days, available only at the ticket office near Angkor Wat.

The layout of Bakong temple follows a pyramid shape with five stepped levels culminating in a central sanctuary tower. The temple's base is constructed primarily of laterite and brick, while the upper parts and decorative elements are sandstone. This combination reflects the transition from earlier brick temples to the more durable sandstone constructions seen in later Angkor temples.

Visitors can admire the intricate carvings on the lintels and doorways, which depict Hindu mythology and religious iconography. Unlike the more crowded Angkor Wat or Bayon Temple, Bakong provides a more relaxed setting to appreciate early Khmer craftsmanship and temple design principles.

If you plan to visit Bakong temple, consider arriving early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. The site is relatively quiet compared to the main Angkor complex, but mornings still offer the most comfortable conditions. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as the temple involves some climbing and uneven surfaces.

Combining Bakong with nearby temples like Preah Ko and Lolei makes for an interesting half-day itinerary. These temples are all part of the Roluos group and showcase early Khmer architecture. For a fuller day of temple visits, you might consider the more extensive Angkor circuit, which includes well-known sites such as Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

Access to Bakong temple requires a valid Angkor pass. The one-day pass costs $37, while three-day and seven-day passes are $62 and $72 respectively. These passes allow entry to all temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park, so purchasing a multi-day pass can be cost-effective if you plan to visit larger temple complexes including Ta Prohm or Preah Khan.

The temple grounds are open daily from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with sunrise visits possible throughout the park. Entrance tickets can only be purchased at the official ticket office near Angkor Wat, so plan to buy your pass before heading out. There are no entrance fees specific to Bakong beyond the general Angkor pass.

Bakong temple is part of the Roluos group, which includes Preah Ko and Lolei temples just a few kilometers away. These early temples provide valuable context for understanding the development of Khmer architecture before the grander Angkor period temples. Visitors often combine these sites with a visit to Banteay Srei, known for its pink sandstone and elaborate carvings, located about 25 kilometers northeast.

For those interested in sunset views, consider finishing your day at Pre Rup, which is about a 20-minute drive from Bakong. The relatively less touristy atmosphere at Bakong temple makes it a good starting point before moving on to the more famous sites like Angkor Wat and Ta Keo.