ワット・ウナロム、カンボジア

The Ta Keo is a pyramid of five levels reaching a total height of 22m – the first two form the base of two enclosing courtyards, one surrounded by a simple wall and the other by a gallery, while the last three, through proportional reduction are a massive artificial plinth for the quincunx of sanctuaries.\n\nThis is the first realisation in sandstone of such a structure (generally dedicated to deified nobility) after the temple of Bakheng that crowned a natural hill serving as its core. Ta Keo is constructed with much more care in the systematic cutting and placing of enormous blocks of stone, the arrangement of which can be viewed easily, due to the absence of almost any moulding or decoration.\n\nThe reason for this temple remaining unfinished is unknown for it was abandoned soon after the start of its ornamentation. By these remaining fragments, this temple dates to the end of 10th century and the early years of the 11th. Inscriptions engraved on the door jambs of the eastern gopuras, relating to donations made to the temple (but not to its foundation) date from 1007.\n\nOriginally, the access to the monument was from the east across a moat by means of a paved causeway, preceded by lions in the style of the Bayon and lined with bornes. Some 500m further to the east is the bank of the Eastern Baray. The external enclosure wall forms a rectangle of 120m by 100m and is in sandstone on a laterite base. The second terrace dominates the first with an imposing moulded laterite base and four axial sandstone gopuras. From the courtyard, standing in front of the three tiers that form the 14m high central pyramid, one is left with a powerful impression.\n\nThe upper platform is square and almost entirely occupied by the quincunx of towers in their unfinished form. These open to the four cardinal points by projecting vestibules. The corner towers are set on plinths and are dominated by the central tower set on an elevated base with the development of its porticoes and frontons adding to its grandeur. The fragments of pedestals and of lingas are found both in and around the towers.

That’s great to come here without tuk-tuk using beautiful pedestrian road. Be careful when you go upstairs, it’s really dangerous.\n\nTa Keo is one of the biggest temples built during the Khmer Empire and it was built a couple of hundred years before Angkor Wat temple.\n\nTa Keo was built as the state temple for Jayavarman V and he started construction in 975 AD. Unusually, the temple was never finished. There are many stories as to why Ta Keo was never completed, but nobody knows the real reason.\n\nNowadays, Ta Keo is quite a popular temple with visitors because of its sheer size – five sanctuary towers sit on top of a 22m stepped pyramid.

A smaller temple but also very high giving good views all around.\nStairs up to the top are exceptionally steep and shallow but worth the climb for the views.

What a fantastic temple pyramid!!! We enjoyed our visit here immensely, this was such a cool temple. You’ll have to be cautious taking the stairs to the top of the pyramid as things are in the process of still being restored. Depending on the time of year you go, it can be quite hot without much shade so be sure to bring water. Be respectful of the animals who live around the temple and please pick up your garbage if you stop to eat.

Climbing Ta Keo is basically CrossFit without the smug trainer yelling at you. Endless steep stone stairs designed by someone who clearly hated knees. By the time you reach the top, you’re halfway to meeting Buddha personally. Bring water, or your obituary will read: “Died trying to get a selfie.”\n\nAt the top, though, you get that “worth it” view. Siem Reap jungle stretching forever, temples peeking out like Easter eggs in a Marvel movie. If you’re Buddhist, this is the perfect spot to pray. If you’re not… well, congrats, you just risked a heart attack for a nice panorama.\n\nThe temple itself? Unfinished. Literally. The king died mid-project, workers packed up, and a thousand years later we’re still climbing his giant abandoned Lego set. No carvings, no frills, just big-ass blocks of stone saying, “Appreciate me anyway.”\n\nVerdict: Ta Keo is like the world’s most dangerous StairMaster. Go for the view, stay for the leg cramps.