Roluos, Archaeological temple complex in Prasat Bakong District, Cambodia

Roluos is an archaeological site 13 km east of Siem Reap along National Highway 6, made up of the temples Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei and the smaller Prei Monti. Preah Ko has six brick towers in two rows; Bakong is a pyramid with a central sandstone tower ringed by eight towers; Lolei has four of a planned six towers. The towers are built of brick with sandstone elements, and the central tower of Bakong is entirely sandstone.

Hariharalaya, at today's Roluos, was the Khmer capital before Angkor. Jayavarman II made it his seat, and his successors built here: Preah Ko was consecrated in 879 and Bakong in 881 under Indravarman I, who also ordered the Indratataka baray. Lolei, the island temple in that reservoir, was completed in 893 under Yasovarman I, who moved the capital to Phnom Bakheng around 900.

The temples demonstrate the evolution from pre-Angkorian to Angkorian architectural styles through their structural design and religious symbolism.

The site lies east of Siem Reap and is reachable by tuk-tuk or bicycle, with fewer crowds than the temples in central Angkor. You can walk between the different temple areas at a relaxed pace and take time to explore each structure without rushing.

The Bakong temple displays a central mountain structure representing the mythical Mount Meru, surrounded by smaller sanctuaries. This layout reveals how Khmer builders translated cosmic ideas into physical temple designs that visitors can still see and walk around today.