Lolei Temple (Prasat Lolei)

Lolei has an interesting location. Once an island temple in an artificial reservoir, today it’s right by a working monastery and surrounded by rice fields. Although it’s not technically within the archaeological park, you’ll need an Angkor ticket (1-day, 3-day, or 7-day) to gain access to this and other temples within the Roluos Group.

As the group is less busy than the main Angkor sites, a cycle tour can be a great way to explore. Alternatively, travel by tuk-tuk or minivan, join a multi-day tour that takes in a range of Angkorian sites, or add a visit to the stilt village of Kompong Phluk.

• Lolei is of interest to history buffs.

• Donations to the monastery are not compulsory but very welcome. A small note should suffice.

• Consider visiting the Roluos Group before the other Angkor sites. They are the earliest temples, after all.

• Uneven ground makes Lolei a challenge for travelers who use wheelchairs. The temples themselves have steps.

Lolei stands among the Roluos Group of temples, around 9 miles (15 kilometers) east of downtown Siem Reap, just outside the little town of Roluos. There’s no public transport, so travelers often visit on a tour, although it makes for a very scenic country bike ride if you have your own wheels.

The Roluos Group in general is less visited than the main Angkor Wat sites, and Lolei is one of the less popular sites within this group. It’s open from early morning until late afternoon, but if you’d like to donate to the school next door, visit earlier in the day.

The 9th-century Khmer king Indravarman I had his capital city at Hariharalaya. Situated in what was once Hariharalaya, the Roluos Group are some of the earliest surviving Khmer temples. They comprise Lolei, the ruins of Prei Monti, the Bakong pyramid temple, and the towers of Preah Ko.