Three Years On, Koh Ker's UNESCO Legacy Endures

PHNOM PENH — Sept. 17, 2026: Three years after its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the archaeological site of Koh Ker stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and Cambodia's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Koh Ker, officially inscribed as "Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar," was added to the World Heritage List on Sept. 17, 2023, during the extended 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The decision, known as 45 COM 8B.8, recognised the site under criteria (ii) and (iv) for its exceptional interchange of human values and its prototype of a new urban landscape.

Located in Preah Vihear province, about 80 kilometres northeast of Angkor, Koh Ker served as a capital of the Khmer Empire between 921 and 944 CE under King Jayavarman IV. The sacred city was laid out according to ancient Indian concepts of the universe and is characterised by its unconventional city planning, the artistic expressions of the Koh Ker Style, and the use of colossal monolithic stone blocks.

The site's most striking feature is the Prasat Prang, a towering seven-tiered step pyramid rising 35 metres above the surrounding landscape — the only structure of its kind in Southeast Asia. Koh Ker also boasts unique-in-style temples, impressive Shiva-linga sanctuaries, and a sophisticated water management system combining highland river damming with lowland reservoirs and canals.

The Koh Ker Style, with its dynamic sense of movement, had a lasting influence on the artistic expression of the subsequent period of the Khmer Empire and other Southeast Asian countries. Giant sculptures depicting scenes from the Indian epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata adorn the temples and are considered masterpieces.

Since the inscription, conservation work has advanced steadily. The National Authority for Preah Vihear launched a three-year restoration project at Prasat Krahom, the largest brick temple in the complex, in May 2025, funded by the Switzerland-based ALIPH Foundation. The project includes site cleaning, excavation, structural restoration, and conservation of interior wall paintings and external bas-reliefs.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, in a message marking the anniversary, praised the efforts of leaders and officials of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the National Authority for Preah Vihear, and national and international experts. He highlighted the restoration of Prasat Prallung Choeng, Prasat Pram, Prasat Kraham, Prasat Kok Krong and Prasat Krochab, along with archaeological, ethnographic, architectural and ecological research.

The Prime Minister also called on all media to publicise the anniversary and to continue promoting tourism by linking Koh Ker with other World Heritage sites such as Sambor Prei Kuk, Angkor and Preah Vihear.

Source: UNESCO

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-commends-cambodia-inscription-koh-ker-world-heritage-list

World Heritage Centre

https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/?&id_decision=8389

Prime Minister Hun Manet

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Reported by The Khmer Today