Hemmed in the forest of Preah Vihear province, Koh Ker (Chok Gargyar in Khmer), also known as Island of Glory expresses the magnificence of a civilization that once flourished during the halcyon days of Jayavarman IV. Today, the temple complex has largely been unnoticed, collapsing right in the heart of northwestern Cambodia.
Prehistoric carvings and bas-relief are abundant in this forgotten capital, but it was only recently that they were unearthed by a few hardy adventurers. Now tourists and adventurers crowd the site in the hope of uncovering more of its hidden splendor. Its remoteness in itself is captivating. Though people often highlight its resemblance to the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Koh Ker offers tourists a different experience.
Koh Ker is believed to have beeen the home of some great kings and feudal landlords such as Jayavarman IV and Hasavarman II. Various scholars argue that the temples are all dedicated to Shiva; however, the large series of rock bed bas-relief representing all the major gods in Hindu (from Vishnu, to Indra to Brahma) located near the small pond of Trapeang Ang Khnar disprove that argument.
In addition to the scholars and historians, time and thieves have taken their toll on some of the carvings at Koh Ker. Nonetheless, they are still well worth a quick detour to see them. They also provide the opportunity for a nice walk through the forest of Prasat Damre where impressive carving of devadas and of various goddesses at the summit of the hill amid the exquisitely carved elephants (reputedly Ganesha) is found.
Koh Ker is not an easy site to get to. There are no towns in the area, no electricity, only one small village, and a handful of open air food stands. The traveler is advised to make sure that essential things are packed beforehand.
