Ta Keo temple

Ta Keo Temple is a Hindu temple built in the 11th century in the ancient royal city of Angkor, Cambodia. It was built by King Jayavarman V, who reigned from 968 to 1001.
Ta Keo was considered a mountain temple, as it was built on a hill. It was also considered a temple of the medicine goddess, Prajnaparamita.
The temple was designed to resemble a mound of stones, with steps leading to the top. It was decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu deities, scenes from daily life and battle scenes.
Unfortunately, Ta Keo Temple was never completed. It was abandoned shortly after its construction due to political and economic problems. It was discovered by French archaeologists in the 19th century and was restored in the 1960s.
Today, Ta Keo temple is one of the most visited sites in Angkor. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures. It is also considered a symbol of Cambodia’s cultural and historical richness.

Architecture

The architecture of Ta Keo temple is characteristic of the Angkorian period and reflects the influence of Hindu architecture on Cambodian culture. It is built of gray and white stone, with terraced roofs and pyramidal towers.
It is made up of five terraces, each having steps that lead to the top. The terraces are separated by walls decorated with bas-reliefs representing Hindu deities, scenes of daily life and battle scenes.
The first terrace is decorated with statues of lions, monkeys and nagas (divine serpents). The second terrace is decorated with statues of protective genies and Hindu deities. The third terrace is decorated with bas-reliefs representing scenes of battles and daily life. The fourth terrace is decorated with statues of Hindu deities and protective spirits. The fifth terrace is the top of the temple, where there is a stupa (a Buddhist religious monument).
Ta Keo Temple is also notable for its lack of interior decoration, unlike other temples in Angkor. This shows that the temple was never completed and construction work was halted.
Despite this, the architecture of Ta Keo Temple remains impressive and is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of architects and artists of the Angkorian era. It is considered one of the finest examples of architecture from the Angkorian period and is a symbol of Cambodia’s cultural and historical richness.

Visit

Visiting Ta Keo Temple is a unique experience for visitors who want to discover the architecture and history of the ancient royal city of Angkor. It is located about 5 km northeast of Angkor Wat and can be visited along with other famous temples, such as Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre.
The tour will begin with a stroll through the temple’s gardens and exterior courtyards, where you can admire the exterior walls decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures. You will also be able to see the five main towers which form the heart of the temple.
Then, you can enter the interior rooms of the temple to discover the different rooms and interior courtyards. You will also be able to see the statues of Hindu deities that were once worshiped in the temple.
It is important to note that Ta Keo Temple is in ruins and some parts are difficult to access. There are also steep stairs to access the different levels of the temple. It is therefore recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the site.
It is also recommended to visit the temple with a guide to learn about the history and cultural significance of different parts of the temple.
In summary, visiting Ta Keo Temple is a unique experience for visitors who want to discover the architecture and history of the ancient royal city of Angkor. It is recommended to visit the temple with a guide to learn about the history and cultural significance of different parts of the temple and to wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the site.

Opening hours

Most temples are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• Angkor Wat : 5h – 17h30
• Baphuon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Banteay Srei : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bayon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bakheng : 5h – 19h
• Srah Srang : 5h – 17h30
• Pre Khan : 7h30 – 17h30
• Prè Rup : 5h – 19h
• Phnom Bakheng : 5h – 19h

Times given as an indication, but guides and tuk-tuks know them very well.

You will easily find restaurants and merchants that offer good meals with good Khmer recipes for your meals during your visit. On the site, you will also find where to stay during your stay in Cambodia.