Lolei
Lolei Temple: A serene island sanctuary, one of the earliest Khmer temples, offering a glimpse into the dawn of the Angkorian era and ancestor worship...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Lolei
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lolei Temple: A serene island sanctuary, one of the earliest Khmer temples, offering a glimpse into the dawn of the Angkorian era and ancestor worship.
"A peaceful, less-visited site offering a glimpse into pre-Angkorian history."
Combine with Roluos Group
Lolei is best visited with Bakong and Preah Ko for a full understanding of early Khmer architecture. :world_map:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ground and exploring the temple complex. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 76 reviews
Type
Hindu Temple
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Four Brick Towers
Central platform
Marvel at the remaining brick towers, once a symbol of royal lineage and spiritual devotion. Early Khmer artistry is evident in their intricate carvings.
Indratataka Baray Remnants
Surrounding area
Visualize the vast ancient reservoir that once surrounded this island temple, showcasing impressive Khmer hydraulic engineering.
Ancestor Shrines
Within the towers
Understand the temple's original purpose as a memorial to King Yasovarman I's parents and grandparents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Early Khmer History
Embrace the Quiet Contemplation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Roluos Group
Lolei is best visited with Bakong and Preah Ko for a full understanding of early Khmer architecture. :world_map:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ground and exploring the temple complex. :athletic_shoe:
Beng Melea/Roulos/Koh Ker
Hi, I will be in Siem Reap for 3 full days and 2 half days (Saturday afternoon until Wednesday midday). I will visit Angkor 2 days and I am wondering what else to do the rest of the time. Beng Melea, Roulos temples and Koh Ker look interesting, but I think it's unrealistic to do…
Bring water and sunscreen
The Cambodian sun is intense, especially at temple sites. :hot_face:
Appreciate the quiet
Enjoy the serene atmosphere, a contrast to busier Angkor temples. 🙏
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Roluos Group
Lolei is best visited with Bakong and Preah Ko for a full understanding of early Khmer architecture. :world_map:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ground and exploring the temple complex. :athletic_shoe:
Bring water and sunscreen
The Cambodian sun is intense, especially at temple sites. :hot_face:
Appreciate the quiet
Enjoy the serene atmosphere, a contrast to busier Angkor temples. 🙏
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lolei Temple is appreciated for its historical significance as an early Khmer site and its peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere. Visitors note its importance in understanding the foundations of the Angkorian civilization, though some find it less visually striking than other temples. The active monastery adds a unique cultural dimension.
"Located in the Roluos group of temples near Siem Reap, Lolei Temple is one of the earliest Hindu temples built during the Khmer Empire. Constructed in the late 9th century by King Yasovarman I, this temple was dedicated to Shiva and served as part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya, the empire’s capital before Angkor.
Historical Significance
Construction: Built in 893 AD, Lolei Temple was originally an island temple in the middle of the Indratataka Baray (a massive reservoir).
Architecture: Features four brick towers (only two remain fully intact) with intricate carvings and Sanskrit inscriptions.
Purpose: Dedicated to the king’s ancestors, with shrines honoring his royal lineage.
What to See Today
The temple’s sandstone lintels and decorative carvings showcase early Khmer artistry.
The surrounding ancient baray (now dried up) highlights Khmer engineering skills in water management.
A peaceful, less-visited site compared to Angkor Wat, offering a glimpse into pre-Angkorian history."
Blossoming Romduol
"Visiting Lolei Temple in Siem Reap felt like stepping into the early pulse of the Khmer Empire. Built in 893 AD by King Yasovarman I, this small yet significant temple is part of the Roluos Group, the cradle of Angkorian civilization. Located about 30 minutes east of Siem Reap, it once stood on an island in the Indratataka Baray, symbolically connecting it to Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe in Hindu belief"
Hem Nimeith
"Part of the Rolous (រលួស) temples, constructed in the 9th century, and the early capital of the Khmer Empire before the construction of Angkor.
Lolei (ប្រាសាទលលៃ) has some beautiful architecture and engravings and also has a contemporary Theravada buddhist monastery at the site."
J Perkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lolei Temple is located in the Roluos Group, about 13 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap. You can hire a tuk-tuk, taxi, or join a guided tour. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes. Many visitors combine a visit to Lolei with other temples in the Roluos Group like Bakong and Preah Ko.
Yes, Lolei Temple is part of the Roluos Group and is included in the standard Angkor Pass, which grants access to all temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The Roluos Group, including Lolei, Bakong, and Preah Ko, is best explored by hiring a tuk-tuk for the day. This allows flexibility and easy transport between the sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, your Angkor Pass covers entry to Lolei Temple as it is part of the Roluos Group within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Lolei Temple, like other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, is generally open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is covered by the Angkor Pass. You will need to purchase an Angkor Pass to enter the archaeological park and visit Lolei.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Lolei, you can see the remnants of four brick towers, intricate carvings on lintels and pilasters, and the surrounding dried-up Indratataka Baray. It offers a glimpse into early Khmer architecture and ancestor worship.
Lolei is a smaller temple. A visit typically takes about 15-30 minutes, but you might spend longer if you're deeply interested in its history or combining it with other Roluos temples.
Lolei is generally much less crowded than the main Angkor temples like Angkor Wat or Bayon, offering a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities might be available near the Roluos Group sites, but it's advisable to use restrooms before or after your visit to Lolei, especially if you're on a tight schedule.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are the remaining brick towers, especially with the surrounding landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shots.
Photography is generally allowed in the temple complex, but be respectful of any ongoing restoration work or religious activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit