Ta Keo

Welcome to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a sprawling landscape of ancient wonders in Siem Reap, Cambodia. While many visitors flock immediately to the heavily decorated and iconic towers of Angkor Wat or the enigmatic stone…

As you step off the causeway and cross the threshold into the temple proper, you arrive at the expansive first terrace. This grand foundational level measures an impressive one hundred and twenty two meters by one hundred and six…

Before we begin our vertical ascent up the pyramid, it is highly recommended to take a walk around the massive base enclosure. It requires a considerable amount of time to circumnavigate the entire perimeter, but doing so reveals…

We now find ourselves at the base of the eastern ascending stairway, ready to conquer the verticality of Ta Keo. On all four sides of this monumental structure, sweeping, dramatically steep staircases rise toward the summit. …

Having conquered the grueling lower stairways, you have finally arrived at the second terrace. Take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the welcome relief of flat, stable ground. …

You are now approaching the pinnacle of the mountain. Ascending the final fourteen meters up another set of punishingly steep stairs, you finally crest the edge and step onto the summit platform. …

Make your way to the very center of the summit platform and step through the heavy stone doorway into the central, dominant tower. This is the sanctorum, the holy of holies, the highest point of the Ta Keo pyramid. …

Before you begin your descent, walk out of the central tower and navigate to the western edge of the summit platform. From this elevated vantage point, twenty two meters high, you are rewarded with a spectacular, sweeping view of…

As you carefully navigate your way back down the impossibly steep, heated stairways of the pyramid and return to the shaded, quiet grounds of the jungle floor, it is time to reflect on the immense enigma of Ta Keo. We have…