Preah Khan, Siem Reap

Name: Preah Khan
Address: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

#4 among attractions in Siem Reap

Buddhist architecture, Temple, Ruins, Historical place, More...

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Facts and practical information

Preah Khan, a sprawling temple complex nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the ancient Khmer Empire. Constructed in the 12th century, this majestic structure was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII and originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, housing over a thousand monks.

The temple's name, which translates to "Sacred Sword," hints at its historical significance as a site of spirituality and power. Covering an area of 56 hectares, Preah Khan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, the once flourishing capital of the Khmer civilization.

The architectural design of Preah Khan is a fusion of labyrinthine hallways, impressive libraries, and intricate carvings that illustrate Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist deities, reflecting the religious diversity of the era. The temple complex is surrounded by a moat and features a distinctive cruciform layout, with a series of concentric galleries connecting to a central sanctuary.

Visitors to Preah Khan are often struck by the serene atmosphere and the way nature has intertwined with the temple's ruins. Towering trees and thick vegetation have reclaimed parts of the stone structures, creating a picturesque blend of human craftsmanship and natural beauty.

As a cultural heritage site, Preah Khan is not only a popular tourist destination but also an important archaeological and historical research location. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve the temple's integrity, allowing future generations to experience the awe of this ancient wonder.

Local name: ប្រាសាទព្រះខ័ន Completed: 1191 (833 years ago)Coordinates: 13°27'43"N, 103°52'19"E

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Angkor WatSiem Reap Cambodia

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Siem Reap

Day trips

Preah Khan – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Phimeanakas, Ta Keo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda.

1.6 miSW
Remains of a 10th-century Hindu temple
Phimeanakas, Angkor Archaeological Park
40 min walk • Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.
1.4 miSE
Historic Hindu temple with pyramid shape
Ta Keo, Angkor Archaeological Park
35 min walk • Ta Keo is a temple-mountain in Angkor, possibly the first to be built entirely of sandstone by Khmers.
1.1 miS
Small, 12th-century temple in the jungle
Thommanon, Siem Reap
28 min walk • Thommanon is one of a pair of Hindu temples built during the reign of Suryavarman II at Angkor, Cambodia. The name of the temple is derived from the Pali words "Dhamma", which means 'Buddhist Teachings' and "Nanda", which means 'supreme wisdom'.
1.2 miS
Hindu temple dating to 12th century
Chau Say Tevoda, Siem Reap
31 min walk • Chau Say Tevoda is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is just east of Angkor Thom, directly south of Thommanon across the Victory Way. Built in the mid-12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat period. It is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu with unique types of female sculptures of devatas enshrined in it.
1.4 miSW
Ancient royal viewing platform
Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Archaeological Park
36 min walk • The Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, a ruined temple complex in Cambodia. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army.
1.3 miSW
Carved 12th-century stone terrace
Terrace of the Leper King, Siem Reap
34 min walk • The Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site.
1.2 miSE
Bridge
Spean Thma, Angkor Archaeological Park
30 min walk • Spean Thma in Angkor, Cambodia is known as the bridge of stone and it is located west of Ta Keo. It is one of the few Khmer Empire era bridges to have survived to the modern day.
1.2 miSW
Remains of an ancient Khmer structure
Khleangs, Angkor Archaeological Park
32 min walk • The Khleangs are two buildings of unknown purpose on the east side of the Royal Square in Angkor Thom, Cambodia, located just behind the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat and separated by the royal route that leads from the Angkor Thom Royal Palace to the Victory Gate.
1.1 miSW
Ruins
Preah Pithu, Angkor Archaeological Park
29 min walk • Preah Pithu is a group of five temples at Angkor, Cambodia. In fact they were in all probability not designed as a group. Despite their ruined state, the remains have good decorative carving and their semi-wooded setting is attractive and peaceful.
1.3 miSW
Ruins, Temple
Tep Pranam, Angkor Archaeological Park
34 min walk • Tep Pranam is a temple with a giant seated Buddha, built from sandstone blocks is still worshiped here. The interior of the figure re-uses many stone blocks while the head appears somewhat later.
1.6 miSW
Temple, Buddhist architecture
Preah Palilay, Angkor Archaeological Park
40 min walk • Preah Palilay is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom, 400 m north-west of Phimeanakas. This small Buddhist sanctuary in the wooded area north of the Royal palace in Angkor Thom has a number of attractive features and is well worth the short detour.