Roluos Group (Roluos Temples)

Since the Roluos Group is set apart from the main Angkor site, tours often explore it on dedicated trips or in combination with “outer” sites such as Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, and Beng Mealea. If you’re traveling on your own, it’s possible to reach the Roluos Group by tuk-tuk or taxi from Siem Reap. Once there, the temples are well-signposted, but there’s little information about their history; if you’d like to learn more about the temples themselves, guided tours are a more in-depth option.

• This group of temples is great for photographers looking for uncrowded shots.
• Admission to the Roluos Group is included in passes to Angkor Archeological Park, which must be purchased at the main Angkor site ticket office.
• Uneven ground means sturdy footwear is a must.

Located 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Siem Reap on the south side of Route 6, Roluos Group can be reached by tour, taxi, tuk-tuk, or even bicycle. If you’re traveling by taxi or tuk-tuk, be sure to agree on a fare before departure—and on how long you’ll stay at the temple before the return trip.

Sunrise and sunset are both photogenic times to visit Roluos Group, as the temples’ warm-colored brick seems to glow in the indirect light. Access at sunset is a bit unpredictable; while many visitors have stayed to get that perfect shot, others have reported that site staff asked them to leave before the main event.

The Roluos Group isn’t the only uncrowded temple near Siem Reap. At Banteay Srei, you'll find delicate carvings in vibrant, red sandstone, while Beng Mealea has lush vegetation creeping around the ancient architecture. For a longer trip, check out Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas), where Khmer designs are etched directly into a riverbed.

The four ancient temples that make up the Roluos Group (also known as the Roluos Temples) date from the 9th century, when this area was the capital of the Khmer Empire. The capital city was later moved to Yasodharapura, but the temples still remain intact today.

Yes, the four temples—Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei, and Prasat Prei Monti—that make up the Roluos Group are among the earliest built during the Khmer Empire and are remarkably well-preserved. Much quieter than nearby Angkor Wat, this group of temples also is more compact and takes less time to visit.

It depends on the experience you are looking for. Angkor Wat is larger and more famous, ideal for ancient history buffs who have a lot of touring stamina. Roluos Group is smaller and less crowded, but predates Angkor Wat by a few hundred years. Its temples are in excellent condition.

Yes, you can visit the four temples that make up the Roluos Group independently; you do not need to join a tour. However, there is not much historical information posted at the site, so it’s a good idea to explore with a guide who can explain the site’s significance.

With just four temples grouped closely together, the Roluos Group can be covered in just an hour or two. For a full-day trip from Siem Reap, you can combine a visit here with other nearby temples or attractions, including Beng Mealea and traditional floating villages on Lake Tonle Sap.

The Roluos Group temples are included in the Angkor Pass, which also includes admission to the temples inside Angkor Park, Wat Athvea, and Phnom Krom. A one-day pass costs US$37, and you can pay in cash or by credit card. Three-day and seven-day passes also are available.