Explore Bakong Temple

Bakong Temple, also known as Prasat Bakong, is part of the Roluos Group located southeast of Siem Reap. It is the largest complex of the Roluos Group.  Bakong constructed in the 9th century as can be seen by the construction material and the outer tower styles similar to Preah Ko and Lolei, also of the Roluos Group. However, the single central tower and the inner buildings is in the design and construction material temple in Angkor built in the 12th century. There are 5 tiers leading to the top and central tower. There are 22 outer brick towers, not all in good condition, that surround the main temple.

Some detailed restoration is underway. The erosion at Bakong is quite extensive. Combine this with the vandalism at this location, I can see why this team is hard at work.

This group is part of the Stone Conservation Unit for GIZ which stands for Gesellshaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit. This restoration work is done on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and work closely with APSARA, the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap.

Not only erosion is occurring at a high rate but this was the first temple I saw so much vandalism in the form of people etching their name into the tiers of the main complex. It seemed to be endless. One person does this, then another and other visitors see it at think it's ok. It is not. Apparently "Leave No Trace" has not reached Angkor.