Bakong's uniqueness lies in its status as the first temple-mountain of the Khmer Empire, serving as the prototype for later structures like Angkor Wat. It is notable for its five-tiered sandstone pyramid, symbolic representation of Mount Meru with its moats and enclosing walls, and the earliest known example of a Naga causeway in Khmer architecture. Additionally, its large, preserved stone guardian statues of elephants and lions on the lower levels are distinctive features.

Floating villages is their entire community infrastructure built on water, including homes, schools, and shops, with the entire village moving and adapting its structure to the changing water levels of the seasons. This includes two main types of structures: those that float directly on the water and those that are built on stilts that rise high above the ground during the dry season.