Ta Keo Temple

• Opening hours: 7:30-17:30
• Recommended duration: 1-2 hours

 

Ta Keo Temple, also known as Ta Kao Temple and Ta Kao Temple, is located 300 meters east of the Victory Gate of Angkor City and northwest of Ta Prohm Temple. It was built in the late 10th to early 11th centuries and is a Hindu temple among the Angkor Wat monuments. Vajra throne tower temple dedicated to Shiva.

 

Ta Keo does not have much decoration, which makes it stand out among the richly decorated Cambodian architectural works. But it is also its simplicity that creates a certain architectural style, and its blueprint shows the development of the human spirit and appreciation of taste.

 

What can you see at Ta Keo Temple?

 

This temple was built by Jayavarman V but was abandoned halfway. The ruins of Tra Kio Temple can be seen on the altar of five square towers with dense eaves. It is the first Khmer sandstone building. Long hard bluestones are neatly stacked on a three-story platform. It is a fan mountain pyramid structure with five towers. The bottom platform of the Lotus Tower is 120 meters long and 100 meters wide, and the central tower is 50 meters high. Wat Tha Keo does not have much decoration, which makes it stand out among the exquisitely decorated Cambodian architectural works. But it is its simplicity of architecture that gives it a certain architectural status, and its blueprint shows the development of the human spirit and appreciation of taste. Climbing to the top of the Takeo Temple, you can see lush green woods all around, and you can also overlook the entire Angkor Thom.

 

How to reach Ta Keo Temple?

 

From the Victory Gate of Tongwang City, less than 1 kilometer east is the Chajiao Temple. There are four entrances to the temple: southeast, northwest, and east. The main entrance is on the east. There is a long approach road in front of the door, which is built on the moat, but the river has dried up. There are two levels of cloisters outside the temple, surrounding two levels of platforms. Entering from the east tower gate is a platform with a long hall on the north and south sides. Then walk forward and pass through the tower door to the second floor platform. The corridor here has windows and light can shine inside. There are also two long halls and two scripture collection pavilions in the second-floor cloister. Moving forward to the third platform, you will see a huge pyramid-shaped temple mountain with five temple towers on it. There are steps on all four sides of Temple Mountain, the east side is gentler and the west side is steeper. Climb the long steps to the top, so please save your energy.

 

Among the five temple towers, the middle one is taller, about 50 meters above the ground. Although the stones on the pagoda do not have any traces of carving and look very simple, you can understand the construction technology of Angkor monuments from this: first use stones to build the entire building, and then carve Buddha statues and reliefs on the wall surface.

 

Standing at the top of the Tra Kio Temple, surrounded by endless green forests, you can have a panoramic view of Tongwang City and Litchi Mountain in the distance on a clear day. It feels very good.

 

When is the best time to visit Ta Keo Temple？

In the morning, the temperature is lower and the light is soft, which is the best time to take pictures. At the same time, there are relatively few tourists, so you can visit more leisurely.

Avoid the high temperature at noon: The temperature is higher at noon, especially in the dry season. It is recommended to avoid this time period to avoid heat stroke.

 

The historical background of Ta Keo Temple

 

The Ta Keo Temple was originally a burial temple built by King Jayavarman V for himself. But during his reign, many temples were not completed. The Ta Keo Temple is one of them, and the work stopped during the decoration process. As an unfinished building, Ta Keo Temple records the construction technology of Angkor architecture: first use stones to build the entire building, and then carve Buddha statues and reliefs on the wall surface.

 

What is unique about this temple is that it is unfinished, and the reason for its unfinishment is yet to be ascertained. If completed, Ta Keo Temple will undoubtedly be the most beautiful temple in the Angkor Wat complex. The temple is an impressive 22 meters (72 feet) tall. The Takeo Temple is the first temple built entirely of sandstone and is therefore a milestone in the history of Cambodian architecture. Huge stones were cut to normal size and stacked. There is no exquisite decoration in the Ta Keo Temple, and the design is simple, which is very different from other temples.

 

The construction process of this temple spanned two dynasties, so among the four gates, only the east gate has carvings. Visitors can easily understand here that all the buildings in the Angkor Wat ruins were first piled with stones and then carved, proving that at that time The construction technology is "pile first and carve later".

 

The architectural layout of Takeo Temple

 

The layout of Ta Keo Temple is square, with five stone pagodas arranged on the top platform like five points on a dice, 12 meters (39 feet) high, and three-story stacked pagodas below. Takeo Temple symbolizes Mount Sumeru. The base is built very finely. The temple has two layers of walls and entrance stone towers in all four directions. There is an inscription on the stone pillar of the stone tower at the east entrance. The bottom two floors of the stacked tower form the base of the two courtyards. One courtyard is surrounded by a wall, while the other is surrounded by a gallery that is too narrow for pedestrians.

 

There is a passage at the east entrance of the Tra Kio Temple, which is built on the moat. There are stone lions and dividing stones on both sides. The entrance stone tower on the outer wall is made of sandstone and has a central stone tower and three paths. There is a long hall on both sides of the east wall, which probably served as a resting place for pilgrims. There is an arch with stone columns in the front.

 

The second platform has a well-paved red earth foundation, and above it are four sandstone entrance stone towers, one on each side. It is surrounded by a sandstone corridor with windows that allow light to shine inside. The gallery completely surrounds this platform, with openings on all sides. There are two long halls on the east side, the shape of which is the same as the other long halls on the first floor, and two sutra-secret pavilions facing west.

 

The central area is densely packed and square, built on stacked towers, with stone steps on each side. Most of the area is initiated by five stone towers with openings in the four positive directions, none of which are completed. Most of the temple is taller than other stone towers, and its arches and pediments add to its importance. Interior decoration of the central stone tower.

 

Practical travel tips about Ta Keo Temple

1.Dressing recommendations

 Comfortable clothing: Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for hot weather.

Sun Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from strong sunlight.

Suitable footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, as the temple grounds can sometimes be uneven.

 

2. Admission fee

Angkor Pass: The Angkor Pass is required to visit Ta Keo and other Angkor monuments. Passes are divided into 1-day, 3-day and 7-day passes. Please confirm that your pass is valid to avoid additional fees.

 

3. Cultural etiquette

Dress Code: Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering the temple. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Respect local customs: Please remain quiet and do not disturb other visitors or pilgrims.

 

4. Photography Advice

Photography tips: Morning and evening light are more suitable for taking pictures, avoid the strong light at noon. Try shooting from different angles to show the temple in its entirety.

Use a tripod: If you like to capture details, use a tripod to ensure clear photos.

 

5. Safety tips

Belongings: Keep personal belongings safe, especially in places with a lot of tourists.

Stay hydrated: Cambodia’s climate is hot, so be sure to drink plenty of water at all times.

 

6. Guides and information

Hire a tour guide: If you’re interested in Ta Keo’s history and culture, consider hiring a local tour guide who can provide detailed commentary and background information.

Prepare a map: Get a map of the Angkor heritage area to help you plan your visit.

 

7. Nearby attractions

Plan your trip: Ta Keo is nearby other important temples and attractions such as Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple. You can plan a day or several days trip to explore these attractions.

 

8.Transportation

Rent a bicycle or electric scooter: The Angkor ruins area is very large, and you can rent a bicycle or electric scooter for easy mobility.

Tuk-tuk service: traditional Cambodian mode of transport at reasonable prices, and the driver usually knows the route to the monuments and the best time to visit.