Koh Ker Temple Listed as a World Heritage Site

AKP Phnom Penh, September 17, 2023

Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province was listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this afternoon (Cambodian time), after the Royal Government of Cambodia formally summitted its request for the registration since January 2021.  

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in a message to his compatriots extended his congratulations to this great achievement which is another national prestige on the international scene. 

The Premier also thanked all stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts for their tireless efforts in making the listing of Koh Ker Temple as a World Heritage Site a reality.

Koh Ker or Chok Gargyar, as it is known in Old Khmer inscriptions, is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire, situated in Preah Vihear, a northern part of Cambodia.

The densely forested site containing a total of 169 archaeological remains, including 76 temples, as well as civil structures, ponds, dykes, and ancient roads, is located centrally between three other Cambodian World Heritage Sites - Preah Vihear, Angkor, and Sambor Prei Kuk. 

Cambodia has so far registered Angkor Archaeological Site, Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet); Lakhon Sbek Thom (big shadow puppet); the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple; Teanh Prot (tug-of-war), a popular recreational game; Chapei Dang Veng (a Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar); Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay; and Kun Lbokator on the World Heritage List.

By Heng Panha - AKP