The Roluos Group comprises four Angkor-era monuments situated 12km east of Siem Reap, not within the main Angkor Park, near a small town called Roluos. The temples, Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei, and Prei Monti, are significant as they are the last remnants of Hariharalaya, the second capital of the Khmer Empire during the Angkor era. King Jayavarman II constructed these temples after he moved the capital to Roluos from Mahendraparvata, the original capital of the Angkor Empire, which had a population equivalent to that of modern-day Phnom Penh.

Located on the slopes of Phnom Kulen, a jungle plateau with a rich history, Mahendraparvata was the center of the empire until King Yasovarman I built the first major temple at Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, in 905 CE, and moved the capital there.

How To Get There

Roluos Group is located a mere 12 km east of Siem Reap, just off of National Road 6. This is the same direction as Phnom Penh, therefore you should expect heavy traffic on the road. The road is sealed and smooth, so cycling is possible, however due to the traffic, it’s recommended that you arrange for a tuk-tuk to take you there and back. This can be set up by your hotel staff or directly with the seemingly thousands of idle tuk-tuk drivers that line the streets throughout Siem Reap.

Entrance Fee

It is important to note that even though the Roluos Group is not situated within the Angkor Archaeological Park, visitors are still required to obtain a temple pass to enter these monuments. It is advisable to purchase a temple pass beforehand from the official ticket office on Road 60 near the entrance to the park, as passes cannot be obtained at the Roluos site.

Time to Visit

To explore the Roluos group, it’s recommended to take a half-day tour from Siem Reap and plan to visit in the morning. Before heading to the temples, consider stopping at Phsar Leu Market, the largest market in Siem Reap, located en route. It offers a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and see a wide variety of goods and produce. While English may not be widely spoken, the market’s vibrant atmosphere more than makes up for it.

A suggested itinerary for a morning visit to the Roluos Group and Phsar Leu Market, and an afternoon visit to Wat Athvea at Phnom Krom, is highly recommended. The latter is a great location to catch a sunset. Don’t forget that a temple pass is required to visit the Roluos Group, which must be purchased beforehand at the official ticket office on Road 60, located near the entrance to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Roluos Group Temples

The Roluos Group is composed of four Angkor-era temples, each with its own unique features and history.

Bakong

The Bakong temple is the main attraction of the Roluos Group and is a striking example of the temple mountain architectural style. It has five levels, a central tower, and stands at an impressive height of 15 meters. It served as the state temple at the heart of Hariharalaya, but at some point, it collapsed. However, the temple was reconstructed by the French from 1937 to 1945.

Additionally, the modern Bakong Pagoda, located on the temple grounds, is a beautiful structure adorned with interesting murals. The pagoda remains in excellent condition and is still used today.

Preah Ko

The temple named Preah Ko has an interesting feature, as its name suggests. The temple is surrounded by statues of sacred bulls, and it has beautifully preserved carvings and six towers. Each of these towers contains a small, active shrine.

Lolei

Lolei temple is situated on an island in the middle of a dried-up baray, which is a man-made reservoir in Khmer language. It has four towers in a square shape, each of which contains beautifully detailed carvings. The temple was built by Yasovarman I, the last king of Hariharalaya, before he relocated the capital to the Angkor region. Today, Lolei temple is a peaceful and serene location that is well worth visiting.

Prei Monti

Located off the beaten path and often overlooked by visitors, Prei Monti is the most secluded and least-visited temple of the Roluos group. Its small size and remote location make it a hidden gem, tucked away from the main road and obscured by the surrounding village. Although the temple is now in ruins and overgrown by the jungle, its obscurity and mysterious appeal make it a worthwhile destination for adventurous travelers seeking to uncover lesser-known historical sites.