Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay — Attraction in Preah Vihear

Hidden deep in the forests of Preah Vihear province, Preah Khan Kompong Svay—also called Prasat Bakan—is one of the most awe-inspiring yet least-visited Angkorian temples. Unlike Angkor Wat or Bayon, this vast temple complex feels untouched by mass tourism, giving visitors a sense of real exploration and discovery. The site is absolutely massive—covering more than 22 km²—with four concentric walls, ancient causeways, and scattered satellite temples. Walking through it feels like stepping into a forgotten kingdom. The architecture is mainly Angkor Wat style, though some areas show later influences from the Baphuon and Bayon periods. Historically, this wasn’t just a temple. It once served as a royal residence and even a strategic military outpost under King Jayavarman VII during wars with the Chams. Knowing that this forested site played a role in Cambodia’s ancient military history makes it even more fascinating. Because it is so remote, reaching Preah Khan requires a long journey—either by motorbike or car from Preah Vihear city—but that remoteness is exactly what makes it special. You won’t find crowds here. Instead, you’ll have the ruins almost entirely to yourself, surrounded by quiet nature, tall trees, and a mystical atmosphere. Sadly, like many Khmer temples, the site suffered from looting in the past, and some of its most beautiful sculptures now sit in museums abroad. Still, enough remains to showcase the grandeur of what was once one of the largest temples of the...

Located almost 100 km directly east of Angkor Wat in the southwest corner of Preah Vihear Province, Preah Khan of Kampong Svay is a vast complex of sandstone and laterite constructions dating primarily from the 9th to 13th century with the majority of the site’s development and activity attributed to Suryavarman I (reign 1006–1050 AD), Suryavarman II (reign c. 1113 AD to 1145/1150 AD), Tribhuvanadityavarman (r. 1149- c. 1177-1180) and later Jayavarman VII (reign 1181 AD to 1218 AD) while also featuring activity in the late Angkorian era (14th century) and post-Angkorian era (15th – 18th century).

Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, often simply referred to as Bakan, covers a massive area with its outermost enclosure measuring almost 5km per side with temples and archaeological remains extending beyond that area. It was to be the largest enclosure created during the Khmer Empire. For visitors to the site today there are 8 cleared temple highlights, for the more adventurous there are 4 more on the western side, whilst archeologists have recorded some 90 sites of significance...

So huge so beautiful so many things to explore in this temple n so many other small temples in the complex. Don't miss to check the rare species of bird statues located right just at the bottom of the bridge on the entrance to the main gate of temple. Oh, access to this temple can be tricky if you solely depend on Google Maps. Try the safe road but not as good as you expect from the Sangkhum Thmei district where from national road no 62 it is about 18 kms with 30 mns drive to reach the district centre town n from there that's the hard part of 25 kms turning left to the temple. It takes perhaps 45 mns to 1 hour drive depending on season you choose to go. Don't forget to look on your right to check the sign to the complex of Preah Khan Kompong...