Bakong temples is south of Preah Kor temple. It was also built by King Indravarman I in AD 881, dedicating to Shiva Brahmanism. The temple was the center of Hariharalaya city and was probably the state temple of King Indravarman.
It is a temple-mountain symbolizing the cosmic Mount Meru. Four levels leading to the central sanctuary extend the symbolism, and correspond to the worlds of mythical beingsnagas, garudas, rakasas, and yakshas. The fifth and topmost level is reserved for the gods the levels represent the five cosmic levels of Mount Meru.
The temple is enclosed within two separate ramparts. The out rampart measure 900 by 700 meters. It surrounds a moat, and there are causeways on four sides, which are rampart has a gopura of sandstone and laterite in the center of each side of wall. Long halls on each side lie parallel to the eastern wall. They were probably rest houses for visitors. Pairs of square-shaped, brick structure at the north-east and southeast corners are indentified by rows of circular holes and an opening to the west. On each side of the processional way, just beyond the halls, there are two square structures with four doors. The inscription of the temple was found in the northern building. Further along the processional way, there are two long sandstone buildings standing parallels on each side and opening on to the causeway. These may have been storehouse or libraries.
The diminishing platforms are square in plan with stairways on all four sides. The central sanctuary is visible from each of the five levels because of the unusual width of the tiers. The sanctuary is square with four tiers and a lotus-shaped finial. Only the base of the original central sanctuary remains. The upper portion was constructed at a later date, perhaps during the 12th century, which explains the lotus spire that is characteristic of that period.