Prasat Preah Khan, Preah Vihear Travel Guide

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Discover Prasat Preah Khan: A sprawling temple complex that once served as a royal city, monastery, and university in the heart of Angkor.

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Prasat Preah Khan

Explore Prasat Preah Khan, a vast temple complex near Angkor Thom, Cambodia, built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Once a thriving city and center of learning, it offers a unique glimpse into the Khmer empire's grandeur.

A brief summary to Prasat Preah Khan

FV6C+QJ4, Krong Siem Reap, KH

Monday 7:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm
Friday 7:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 7:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Prasat Preah Khan.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking exploring the extensive complex.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the temple and its surroundings.
Bring mosquito repellent to protect yourself from insects.
Consider entering through the east gate for a better orientation of the temple complex.
Look for the hidden bas-reliefs on the causeways leading to the temple entrances.

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Explore Prasat Preah Khan on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Prasat Preah Khan, mapped for you.

Getting There

Tuk-tuk

From Siem Reap city center, a tuk-tuk is a common and convenient way to reach Prasat Preah Khan. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically around $15-$20 USD for a half-day trip to the Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes Preah Khan. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The driver will drop you off at the temple entrance.
Taxi

A taxi from Siem Reap offers a more comfortable, air-conditioned ride to Prasat Preah Khan. Expect to pay around $25-$35 USD for a half-day trip to the Angkor complex. The journey is about 30 minutes. The taxi will drop you off near the entrance.
Bicycle

For the adventurous, renting a bicycle is a budget-friendly option. Rental shops in Siem Reap offer bicycles for around $1-$3 USD per day. The ride to Preah Khan is approximately 12.5 kilometers and takes about 1-1.5 hours. Be prepared for heat and traffic. You can park your bicycle near the temple entrance.

Discover more about Prasat Preah Khan

Prasat Preah Khan, meaning 'Royal Sword,' is a sprawling temple complex located northeast of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Constructed in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, it was dedicated to his father and served as a multifaceted center. The temple was built on the site of Jayavarman VII's victory over the invading Chams in 1191.More than just a temple, Preah Khan functioned as a royal city, a Buddhist monastery housing over 1,000 monks, and a university with teachers, students, and libraries. It was the heart of a substantial organization, employing nearly 100,000 officials and servants. The complex spans over 56 hectares and is enclosed by a rectangular moat and fortified walls adorned with carvings of garudas, divine eagle-like beings.Inside, you'll discover a labyrinth of vaulted corridors, courtyards, shrines, and halls. The temple's layout reflects a blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. Key features include impressive gateways (gopuras) with intricate stone carvings, a Hall of Dancers, and a two-story pavilion. Unlike some other Angkor temples, Preah Khan is moderately preserved, with trees and vegetation adding to its atmospheric charm. The temple is open to visitors daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.