Attraction
Angkor Wat
Suryavarman II's 12th-century temple to Vishnu, the largest religious monument in the world and the centrepiece of the Angkor World Heritage Site.
Preah Khan
Jayavarman VII's sprawling 12th-century temple honouring his father, a largely unrestored maze of corridors, carvings and trees just north-east of Angkor Thom.
At a glance
- Type
- Temple and monastery complex
- Area
- Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Opening
- Open daily · 07:00–18:30
- Official site
- angkorenterprise.gov.kh
Good to know
- Angkor Pass required
- Partly unrestored ruins
- Four entrances
Why we recommend it
Preah Khan is one of the largest and most atmospheric temples at Angkor, and it is often quieter than Ta Prohm, which it resembles. King Jayavarman VII built it in the 12th century to honour his father, and its main image, consecrated in 1191, represented his father as Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The temple is thought to commemorate a victory over the invading Chams, and its name is linked to its original title, holy city of victory.
The complex was a city in its own right. Its outer moated wall measures 800 by 700 metres and encloses 56 hectares. The foundation stele lists shrines for 430 other deities and records 97,840 attendants and servants, along with 1,000 dancers and 1,000 teachers. The flat, layered plan surrounds a Buddhist sanctuary with Hindu satellite temples and later additions, and walking from one end to the other takes you through a long sequence of doorways, galleries and courtyards.
Highlights include the Hall of Dancers, on the main axis on the eastern side of the complex, and an unusual two-storey building with round columns to the north of it. The four entrances, one at each cardinal point, each have a causeway over the moat flanked by figures of gods and demons carrying a giant naga serpent, with the east entrance as the main approach. Large trees still grow through parts of the ruins, and the World Monuments Fund has worked here since 1991 to stabilise key structures.
The official Angkor Enterprise website lists Preah Khan as open from 7am to 6:30pm, and it is covered by the Angkor Pass. Allow at least an hour, longer if you walk the full axis. Agree with your driver in advance which entrance to collect you from, as you may want to walk through the complex in one direction. Expect uneven ground and some low doorways.
Preah Khan sits just north-east of Angkor Thom, beside the Jayatataka baray, a former reservoir. A landing stage on the baray once gave access to Neak Pean, and the two temples are easily visited together. Preah Khan suits visitors who enjoy wandering and exploring at their own pace, and its long shaded corridors make it a good choice in the middle of a hot day.
Preah Khan FAQs
What are Preah Khan's opening hours?
The official Angkor Enterprise website lists it as open from 7am to 6:30pm.
Is Preah Khan included in the Angkor Pass?
Yes, it is in the main Angkor park and covered by the standard pass.
Who built Preah Khan?
King Jayavarman VII built it to honour his father, and its main image was dedicated in 1191.
How big is the temple?
Its outer moated wall measures about 800 by 700 metres and encloses 56 hectares.
What should I look out for?
The Hall of Dancers, the two-storey building with round columns and the naga causeways at the entrances.
How long should I allow?
At least an hour, or more if you walk the full length of the complex from one gate to another.
What is nearby?
Neak Pean, linked in the past by a landing stage on the Jayatataka baray, is easy to visit on the same trip.
Is it less crowded than Ta Prohm?
It is often quieter, while offering a similar mix of ruins and trees.