Koh Ker Temple Entrance Fee – Skip the confusion, and walk straight into Koh Ker without wasting a single minute at the ticket line.
The Koh Ker temple entrance fee is $15 USD per adult for a single-day ticket, with free entry for children under 12. This fee is separate from Angkor Wat passes and must be purchased at the site entrance or through Angkor Enterprise’s online portal. Planning your Koh Ker temple entrance fee budget correctly means you’ll spend more time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage pyramid temple and less time fumbling with unexpected costs at the gate.
Overview
The Koh Ker entrance ticket costs exactly $15 USD per adult as of 2025, making it one of Cambodia’s most affordable standalone temple experiences. This ancient capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 CE requires a separate ticket from the famous Angkor Archaeological Park pass—but here’s the thing: that separation actually works in your favor.
This post breaks down everything about the Koh Ker admission cost, from where to buy tickets to why the pricing structure makes sense for independent travelers. You’ll learn about the most popular tour combinations, what UNESCO World Heritage status means for future pricing, and exactly how to budget for your jungle temple adventure without any surprises.
What You’ll Actually Pay: The Real Koh Ker Temple Entrance Fee Breakdown
Here’s what caught my attention when researching current Koh Ker ticket prices—the consistency. Multiple tour operators, official sources, and recent visitor reports all confirm the same figure: $15 USD per adult.
But let me give you the complete picture:
Current Pricing Structure (2025)
| Visitor Type | Koh Ker Entry Fee | Valid Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | $15 USD | Single day (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM) | Must present passport |
| Children (Under 12) | Free | Single day | Confirm age at entrance |
| Students/Seniors | $15 USD | Single day | No current discounts available |
The Koh Ker adult entrance fee hasn’t changed since 2020, which is remarkable given inflation and Cambodia’s tourism recovery. Why? Because site management prioritizes accessibility over profit maximization.
What’s NOT Included
- Transportation (expect 2.5 hours each way from Siem Reap)
- Guide services
- Food and beverages
- Multi-day access (unlike Angkor passes)
The Koh Ker single-day ticket policy means you can’t return the next day without purchasing another entrance fee. Plan accordingly.
Where to Buy Your Koh Ker Temple Ticket (3 Smart Options)
After visiting dozens of Cambodian temples, I’ve learned that knowing where to buy tickets can save you serious time and hassle. Here are your Koh Ker entry ticket purchase options:
1. On-Site at the Koh Ker Ticket Booth
Location: Right at the temple entrance Payment: USD cash preferred, some credit cards accepted Pros: No advance planning needed Cons: Potential wait times during peak season
The Koh Ker ticket booth operates from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Staff speak basic English and are surprisingly efficient—most transactions take under 3 minutes.
2. Angkor Enterprise Online Portal
Website: ticket.angkorenterprise.gov.kh Requirements: Account creation, passport upload Pros: Skip the line, guaranteed availability Cons: Technology hiccups occasionally occur
This Koh Ker online ticket system launched in 2024 and works well most of the time. You’ll receive a QR code that temple staff scan at entry.
3. Through Tour Operators
Best Option: Koh Ker and Boeng Mealea Jungle Explorer Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fees for both sites Pros: Everything handled professionally Cons: Higher total cost, fixed schedule
Most travelers choose option #3 because the remote location makes independent visits challenging without proper transportation.
Why Koh Ker Charges Separately (And Why That’s Actually Good News)
You might wonder why the Koh Ker separate temple pass exists when Angkor Wat includes multiple temples in one ticket. The answer reveals something interesting about Cambodian heritage management.
Different Management Authorities
- Angkor Wat: Managed by Angkor Enterprise
- Koh Ker: Overseen by National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV)
This separation means Koh Ker archaeological park fees go directly toward site preservation and local community development—not into a large bureaucratic pool.
Tourist Benefits
- Flexibility: Visit Koh Ker without buying expensive multi-day Angkor passes
- Budget Control: Pay only for what you want to see
- Less Crowding: Separate ticketing naturally limits visitor numbers
The Koh Ker visitor fee structure actually protects the authentic jungle temple experience that makes this site special.
Unlike Angkor Wat’s complex ticketing system, the Koh Ker temple entrance fee is refreshingly straightforward—just $15 gets you into Cambodia’s most mysterious pyramid temple complex for the entire day.
Smart Budget Planning: Koh Ker + Beng Mealea Combinations
Most savvy travelers pair Koh Ker with Beng Mealea temple since they’re both “off the beaten path” destinations. Here’s how the math works:
DIY Budget Breakdown
| Expense Category | Cost (Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Ker temple ticket cost | $15 USD | Required for entry |
| Beng Mealea entrance | $10 USD | Or included with Angkor Pass |
| Private transport | $80-120 USD | Split among group |
| Guide (optional) | $25-40 USD | Highly recommended |
| Total per person (4 people) | $55-75 USD | Full day experience |
Tour Package Alternative
The Koh Ker and Boeng Mealea Jungle Explorer tour includes:
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport
- All entrance fees (Koh Ker site ticket price + Beng Mealea)
- Bottled water and cold towels
- Flexible photography stops
Tour cost: Starting at $67 per person (based on 4 travelers)
The price difference between DIY and guided tours is surprisingly small—but the experience quality gap is enormous.
What UNESCO Status Means for Future Koh Ker Temple Entrance Fees
Since becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September 2023, Koh Ker has gained international recognition. But will this affect the Koh Ker entrance ticket cost?
Historical Pricing Trends
| Year | Entrance Fee | Major Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | $10 USD | Pre-pandemic baseline |
| 2020 | $15 USD | Price adjustment for conservation |
| 2021-2024 | $15 USD | Stable during tourism recovery |
| 2025 | $15 USD | Maintained post-UNESCO designation |
Future Projections (2026-2027)
Based on Cambodia’s tourism growth targets (7.2-7.5 million visitors in 2025), I expect:
- Koh Ker entrance fee likely to remain $15 through 2026
- Possible increase to $18-20 by 2027 if visitor numbers exceed 150,000 annually
- Enhanced facilities may justify modest price increases
But here’s the key insight: Cambodia prioritizes tourism accessibility over premium pricing. The government understands that affordable Koh Ker admission costs drive repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
The Hidden Value in Your $15 Koh Ker Investment
Let me put the Koh Ker temple entrance fee in perspective. For $15, you’re accessing:
What $15 Gets You
- 180+ temple structures scattered across jungle terrain
- Prasat Thom: A 36-meter pyramid (one of Southeast Asia’s tallest temple structures)
- Peaceful exploration with minimal crowds (average 300 visitors per day)
- Professional conservation efforts funded directly by your entrance fee
- Full-day access from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Value Comparison
- Angkor Wat one-day pass: $37 (shared among millions of annual visitors)
- Koh Ker single-day access: $15 (authentic jungle temple experience)
- Ta Prohm at Angkor: Included in $37 pass but crowded with tour groups
- Koh Ker’s Prasat Pram: $15 and you might have it to yourself
The Koh Ker archaeological park fee delivers exceptional value for travelers seeking authentic Khmer Empire experiences without mass tourism crowds.
Payment Methods and Practical Tips
Accepted Payment Options
- USD Cash (preferred and most reliable)
- Cambodian Riel (at current exchange rates)
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard, but connectivity can be spotty)
Smart Payment Strategy
- Bring exact change in USD—it speeds up transactions
- Keep your passport handy for ticket purchase verification
- Download QR codes if buying online (cell service is limited at the site)
Koh Ker Child Free Entry Requirements
Children under 12 enter free, but you’ll need:
- Passport or official ID showing birth date
- Adult supervision (unaccompanied minors not permitted)
Temple staff are reasonable about age verification—they’re not looking to create problems for families.
Best Times to Visit (Crowd and Weather Considerations)
The Koh Ker temple ticket cost remains constant year-round, but your experience quality varies dramatically based on timing:
Peak Season Strategy (November – February)
- Advantage: Perfect weather, clear photography conditions
- Challenge: Higher visitor numbers (still manageable compared to Angkor)
- Recommendation: Arrive right at 7:30 AM opening
Shoulder Season Sweet Spot (March – May)
- Advantage: Fewer tourists, lower accommodation costs
- Challenge: Rising temperatures by afternoon
- Recommendation: Morning visits essential, afternoon at air-conditioned Beng Mealea
Rainy Season Reality (June – October)
- Advantage: Dramatically fewer crowds, lush jungle scenery
- Challenge: Potential access road issues, afternoon storms
- Recommendation: Weather-flexible tour bookings
Your Koh Ker entrance ticket investment pays off most during shoulder seasons when you balance good weather with manageable crowd levels.
Common Mistakes That Cost Travelers Time and Money
After researching hundreds of visitor experiences, these errors keep appearing:
Mistake #1: Assuming Angkor Pass Includes Koh Ker
Reality: The Koh Ker separate temple pass requirement catches many travelers off-guard. Budget separately.
Mistake #2: Underestimating Transportation Costs
Reality: The 2.5-hour journey from Siem Reap requires dedicated transport. Factor in $80-120 for private vehicles.
Mistake #3: Not Bringing USD Cash
Reality: While the Koh Ker ticket booth accepts cards, rural Cambodia runs on cash. Bring small bills.
Mistake #4: Solo Planning Without Guide
Reality: Koh Ker’s 180+ structures spread across dense jungle. Professional guides transform scattered ruins into coherent historical narratives.
The Koh Ker and Boeng Mealea Jungle Explorer tour eliminates all these common pitfalls while providing expert historical context.
Why Tour Guides Make Your $15 Investment Worth 10x More
I’ve visited Koh Ker both independently and with professional guides. The difference is staggering.
What Self-Guided Visits Miss
- Historical Context: Who was King Jayavarman IV and why did he move the capital here?
- Architectural Significance: How does Prasat Thom’s pyramid design differ from Angkor-era temples?
- Hidden Structures: Which of the 180+ temples are worth your limited time?
- Photography Secrets: Where to capture those Instagram-worthy jungle temple shots?
Professional Guide Value
Experienced guides from reputable operators like Journey Cambodia transform your Koh Ker temple entrance fee into a comprehensive educational experience. They know:
- Optimal routing through the temple complex
- Historical stories that bring ancient stones to life
- Safety considerations for climbing temple structures
- Photography angles that showcase jungle-temple integration
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- DIY approach: $15 entrance + transportation + confusion = mediocre experience
- Professional tour: $67 per person = entrance fees + guide + transport + expertise = transformative experience
The mathematics strongly favor professional tours for first-time visitors.
What Happens to Your $15: Conservation and Community Impact
Every Koh Ker visitor fee directly supports crucial preservation work:
Conservation Projects (2023-2025)
- Structural stabilization of Prasat Thom pyramid levels
- Jungle management to prevent root damage while maintaining aesthetics
- Drainage systems to protect foundations during monsoon seasons
- Research documentation of newly discovered temple structures
Community Benefits
- Local employment for ticket booth staff, security, maintenance crews
- Small business opportunities for nearby villages (food stalls, handicraft sales)
- Infrastructure improvements on access roads benefiting regional communities
The National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) publishes annual reports showing exactly how Koh Ker archaeological park fees fund these initiatives.
UNESCO Obligations
World Heritage Site status brings international oversight ensuring your entrance fee investment supports genuine preservation—not administrative bureaucracy.
Looking Ahead: Koh Ker Temple Entrance Fee Projections 2026-2027
Based on tourism recovery patterns and infrastructure investments, here’s what industry analysis suggests:
Likely Scenarios
Conservative Projection:
- 2026: $15 (stable pricing to encourage tourism growth)
- 2027: $18 (modest increase reflecting enhanced facilities)
Growth Scenario:
- 2026: $18 (if visitor numbers exceed 135,000 annually)
- 2027: $20 (premium pricing reflecting UNESCO prestige)
Factors Influencing Future Pricing
- Tourism volume growth (currently 71% annual increase post-UNESCO designation)
- Infrastructure improvements (visitor centers, improved access roads)
- Regional competition (other Cambodian temple sites raising prices)
- Government tourism policy (prioritizing accessibility vs. revenue maximization)
My prediction? The Koh Ker temple entrance fee will remain at $15 through 2026, with a possible increase to $18-20 in 2027.
Why This Matters for Your Trip Planning
If you’re considering a Cambodia temple exploration in the next few years, current pricing represents excellent value. The combination of stable Koh Ker entrance ticket costs and improving facilities creates a sweet spot for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Ker Temple Entrance Fee
Can I use my Angkor Pass for Koh Ker? No. The Koh Ker separate temple pass requirement means you need a specific $15 ticket regardless of other passes you hold.
Do children really enter free? Yes, Koh Ker child free entry applies to all visitors under 12 with proper ID verification.
What if I lose my ticket during my visit? Keep your ticket—you might be asked to show it when exiting. Replacements aren’t available on-site.
Can I return the next day with the same ticket? No. The Koh Ker single-day ticket expires at 5:30 PM on the day of purchase.
Is the entrance fee refundable if weather prevents my visit? Generally no, but tour operators often offer rescheduling options for weather-related cancellations.
My Personal Take on the $15 Investment
After exploring temples across Southeast Asia, I can honestly say the Koh Ker temple entrance fee represents outstanding value. Yes, $15 might seem steep compared to some regional attractions, but consider what you’re accessing: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with minimal crowds, extraordinary architecture, and genuine jungle-temple integration.
The key to maximizing your investment? Don’t go alone. Book the Koh Ker and Boeng Mealea Jungle Explorer tour and let professional guides transform your $15 entrance fee into an unforgettable historical journey.
Ready to experience Cambodia’s lost pyramid? Check current availability and secure your spot through our contact page. The Koh Ker temple entrance fee is just the beginning of your adventure—the memories will last forever.
Resources
- Official Ticketing: Angkor Enterprise Portal – ticket.angkorenterprise.gov.kh
- UNESCO Documentation: Koh Ker World Heritage Site Listing – whc.unesco.org/en/list/1667/
- Professional Tours: Journey Cambodia Koh Ker Experiences — journeycambodia.com/tour/koh-ker-and-boeng-mealea-jungle-explorer/
