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Prasat Preah Khan: The Royal Sword Temple

Discover Prasat Preah Khan, a sprawling Angkor temple complex that once served as a royal city and spiritual hub in the Khmer Empire.

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Explore Prasat Preah Khan, a vast and historically significant temple in Angkor, Cambodia. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, this temple complex once served as a royal city, a spiritual center, and a Buddhist university, offering a unique glimpse into the Khmer Empire's golden age.

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

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive temple complex.
  • Bring mosquito repellent to protect yourself from insects, especially during the rainy season.
  • Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the temple's intricate details and vastness.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple in a more peaceful atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Siem Reap city center, a tuk-tuk is a common way to reach Prasat Preah Khan. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically around $15-$20 USD for a half-day tour of the Angkor complex, including Preah Khan. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The tuk-tuk will drop you off at the temple entrance, where you'll need to show your Angkor Pass.

  • 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 tour. The journey is similar in time to a tuk-tuk. Taxis will drop you off at the main entrance, where you'll need to present your Angkor Pass. An Angkor Pass is required to enter the temple complex, with a one-day pass costing $37 USD.

  • Bicycle

    For a more adventurous and eco-friendly option, rent a bicycle in Siem Reap and cycle to Preah Khan. The distance is manageable, but be prepared for a longer journey (approximately 1-1.5 hours) and hot weather. Bicycle rentals typically cost $1-$3 USD per day. Follow the main road towards Angkor Thom, then turn north towards Preah Khan. You'll need an Angkor Pass to enter the temple.

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Discover more about Prasat Preah Khan

Prasat Preah Khan, meaning 'Royal Sword,' is a sprawling temple complex in Angkor, Cambodia, constructed in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Dedicated to his father, the temple stands as a testament to the king's ambitious vision and the Khmer Empire's grandeur. More than just a temple, Preah Khan was a fully functioning city, encompassing a royal palace, a Buddhist monastery housing over 1,000 monks, and a university. Located northeast of Angkor Thom, Preah Khan covers 56 hectares and features a flat design with successive rectangular galleries. The outer wall, made of laterite, displays 72 garudas holding nagas. The temple's intricate layout includes Hindu satellite temples and later additions, reflecting a blend of religious and cultural influences. As you wander through the temple's mossy corridors and sun-dappled courtyards, you'll discover a labyrinth of chapels, halls, and pavilions. The Hall of Dancers, with its elaborately carved pediments, and the unique narrowing doors leading to the central sanctuary are among the highlights. Despite its semi-ruined state, Preah Khan offers a captivating glimpse into the past, where religion, royalty, and community converged.

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