Roluos Group, Siem Reap

The Roluos Group comprises four ancient monuments dating back to the Angkor era. These monuments are not situated within the main Angkor Park but are located near a small town called Roluos, which is approximately 12 kilometers east of Siem Reap. The four temples in this group are known as Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei, and Prei Monti.

Each Roluos Group temple offers unique features: Bakong Temple: A 5-tiered pyramid with stone lion stairways and 8 small sanctuaries at the base, similar to other Angkor temples. Preah Ko: Known as the "sacred bull" temple, it boasts well-preserved carvings and six small shrine towers. Lolei Temple: An island temple once surrounded by a now-dried-up reservoir, featuring four crumbling towers. Prei Monti: A hidden gem, this small temple is obscured by the village and overgrown by the jungle, making it a unique and secluded visit.

These temples hold historical significance as they are the last remnants of Hariharalaya, which served as the second capital of the Khmer Empire during the Angkor era. These temples were constructed under the rule of King Jayavarman II, who relocated the capital from Mahendraparvata to Roluos. Mahendraparvata, the original capital of the Angkor Empire, was situated on the slopes of Phnom Kulen, a mountainous jungle plateau with a rich historical background. At its peak, Mahendraparvata had a population similar to that of modern-day Phnom Penh.