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The Roluos Group is located just outside of Siem Reap and is home to four temples – Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei, and Prasat Prei Monti.
Although not visited as much as the main temples near Angkor Wat, this group of temples are very popular with visitors. Some of the earliest temples built during the Khmer empire were built here and they predate Angkor Wat by a few hundred years.
The location makes it a nice escape from the crowds and there is an enjoyable cycle ride through the countryside to reach the area. If you’re taking a tuk tuk or a taxi, it’s likely that you will take the main road which you want to avoid if you’re cycling.
Temple Facts
Late 9th century AD
Hinduism
Jayavarman II
Unknown
Preah Ko
Anytime
1 - 2 Hours
Required
More information about the Angkor Temple Pass.
Location
The Roluos Group is located about 13km from Siem Reap town in Roluos village, Bakong Commune.
Getting There
If you are going by tuk tuk or taxi, you’ll probably take the most direct route which is along National Road 6 going towards Phnom Penh.
Alternatively, if you’re cycling then you can take the back roads to the temple. If you head south east out of Siem Reap along Sala Kamreuk Road, then keep heading to the east, you’ll eventually come across Roluos. This is a more fascinating route as you will get to experience the Cambodian countryside.
Coordinates
13.369031,103.863243
Distances
Siem Reap: 14.1km
Angkor Wat: 19.3km
Ta Prohm: 22.7km
Chau Srei Vibol: 14.6km
Tours
There are many tours which incorporate the Roluos group. The four temples won’t be enough for a full day tour, so it’s common to combine the temples with other temples or attractions. Popular combinations include Beng Mealea and Floating Village Tours.
If you’re planning on cycling to Roluos, then you can enjoy the countryside along the way and make a full day out of it.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to do a half day tour, then visiting the Roluos groups would be perfect. You can easily spend three or four hours at the temples here, stop for a bite to eat and do a little souvenir shopping.
Accommodation
Most people visiting the Roluos Group will stay in Siem Reap town. There are many hotels of all sizes and prices to suit most tourists. There are some smaller local style guest houses in the area and there is also a yoga and meditation retreat near Bakong temple.
Why Visit Roluos Group?
You should visit the Roluos group because they are not as crowded as the other temples near Angkor Wat.
Moreover, the Roluos Group is also historically significant and most of the temples here are in excellent condition.
History
The area was once called Hariharalaya and was once the capital city of the Khmer Empire. The temples here were built in the 9th century. The capital city was briefly moved to Koh Ker between 928 – 944 AD by King Jayavarman IV before it was moved back to Hariharalaya.
The capital city was then moved to Yasodharapura by King Yasovarman. Hariharalaya was still an important area in the Khmer empire, but was never to be the capital again. The last capital city of the Khmer empire was at what is today called Angkor Thom.
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