Pre-Angkor Preservation at Roluos
Pre-Angkor Preservation
at Roluos
Historically of immense importance, the pre-Angkorian temple group of Roluos has all the characteristics
that this was once the cradle of ruling the Khmer Kingdom. Three well-preserved temple
ruins gain insights even before the completion of Angkor Wat.
WHY THIS TOUR?
The importance of the Angkor Archaeological Region on the development of Cambodia is often only visualized with showing the Angkor Wat and its nearby temples. Pre-Angkorian development has been the foundation for leading up to one of the planet’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites that dates back as early as 9th century AD.
The actual size of the great Khmer Kingdom spans over 300 square kilometres with ample smaller sites that are just as impressive as Angkor’s inner sanctum. One of these off-the –Angkor-trails group of temples – the Roluos Group – is one of these sublime examples of showing what occurred even before Angkor Wat was constructed. A perfect half-day out that smoothly complements any other excursion around Siem Reap.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 12:00
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14:00 - 18:00
A short drive from your Siem Reap hotel brings you, alongside your English-speaking guide and driver, to one of the lesser-known temple areas outside Angkor. The remains of the Roluos Group, 12 kilometres southeast of Siem Reap date back to the 9th century AD and are all that remains of the former capital of King Indravarman I. The group comprises of three distinctively-different temple complexes – named Bakong. Lolei and Preah Ko – and were the first to be constructed. Using durable material, such as bricks and carved plaster, the outlines of what once was expected to be adorned with precious material and wood, are now confirmed as the earliest definition of the Khmer civilisation.
The three temples belonging to this important group have similarities of architecture, decoration materials and construction methods which combine to reveal the beginning of the Classic Period of Khmer Art. Nowadays, the area is home to a Buddhist monastery with its saffron-clad residents taking great pride in living nearby such an integral part of Khmer history. On the way back to Siem Reap, time to stop and watch over almost endless fields of green with small little villages dotted along the horizon mark the end of an unforgettable day.
Before you know it, your Siem Reap overnight address is in sight where your private guide and driver for the day thank you and your travel companions for joining them on a journey through their home country.
