Prasat Preah Khan — Attraction in Siem Reap

Preah Khan Temple (ប្រាសាទព្រះខ័ន), meaning "Royal Sword" or "Holy Sword," is a vast and fascinating temple complex located in the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, it's a significant testament to the grandeur and spiritual depth of the Khmer Empire. History and Purpose Preah Khan was consecrated in 1191 AD and served multiple crucial roles: Buddhist Monastery and University: It was primarily a Mahayana Buddhist temple and a major center for learning, housing thousands of monks and priests, and even an "academy" for religious and literary studies. Royal Residence: While Angkor Thom was being rebuilt after a Cham invasion, Preah Khan likely served as King Jayavarman VII's temporary residence. Commemorative Temple: It was dedicated to the king's father, Dharanindravarman II, with a central statue portraying him as the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara. This mirrors Ta Prohm, another temple built by Jayavarman VII, which was dedicated to his mother. Site of Victory: The temple's name, "Royal Sword," and its original name, "Nagara Jayasri" (City of Victory), are believed to commemorate a significant victory against the invading Chams. Architecture and Features Preah Khan is renowned for its unique architectural blend and the way nature has reclaimed parts of it: Labyrinthine Layout: The temple complex is expansive, covering over 56 hectares, and features a series of interconnected structures, including halls, pavilions, courtyards, and shrines. Its intricate layout with narrow corridors can give visitors a sense of exploring a forgotten world. Khmer Artistry: The temple is adorned with intricate stone carvings and bas-reliefs that depict scenes from both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, as well as daily life during the Khmer Empire. While it was initially a Buddhist temple, the later resurgence of Hinduism led to many Buddha images being destroyed or defaced. Nature's Embrace: One of the most striking aspects of Preah Khan, similar to Ta Prohm, is the dramatic sight of towering trees with their roots intertwined with the temple walls. This creates a mystical and evocative atmosphere, making it a favorite for photographers and those seeking an "Indiana Jones" experience. Garuda Gateways: The four main gateways to the temple are adorned with imposing Garuda statues, mythical bird-like creatures revered in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Moat: A large moat surrounds the temple, adding to its defensive and symbolic significance. Partial Ruin Preservation: Unlike some other temples that have undergone extensive reconstruction, Preah Khan has been partially restored with an emphasis on preserving it as a "partial ruin," showcasing both its original beauty and the effects of time and nature. Location Preah Khan is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, a few kilometers northeast of Angkor Thom and just west of the Jayatataka baray (reservoir). It's easily accessible from Siem Reap and is a popular stop on the grand circuit of Angkor temples. UNESCO Status While Preah Khan itself isn't listed individually, it is part of the larger Angkor World Heritage Site, which was inscribed by UNESCO in 1992. This recognizes the entire Angkor complex, including Preah Khan, as having outstanding universal value. Preah Khan offers a captivating journey through ancient history, where the ingenuity of human craftsmanship meets the persistent power of nature. It's a truly unforgettable experience for anyone...

On our recent trip to Siem Reap, my family and I visited Prasat Preah Khan, and I have to say, it was one of the highlights of our visit. It's a bit more under the radar compared to the famous Angkor Wat or Ta Prohm, but that's what made it so special. We practically had the place to ourselves, which made it feel like we were discovering something truly unique.

A Stunning Entrance As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by this grand entrance lined with statues of gods and demons. The pathway leading up to the temple was surrounded by trees, creating a beautiful, peaceful setting. You could immediately feel the ancient history in the air. Prasat Preah Khan was once a huge Buddhist university and monastery, and even though much of it is now in ruins, there’s still a sense of grandeur about it.

A Temple of Surprises What I loved most was how easy it was to get lost in the maze of corridors and courtyards. Every time we turned a corner, we found something new—a hidden shrine, intricate carvings, or massive trees growing right through the temple walls. It’s incredible to see how nature has slowly taken over parts of the temple, creating this beautiful, almost otherworldly scene. You can really take your time here, and that slower pace made the experience even more meaningful.

Architecture Full of History The detail in the carvings is stunning. What’s interesting is that you can see both Hindu and Buddhist influences in the temple’s design, which tells the story of Cambodia’s shifting religious history. It's amazing how much history is packed into this one place, and you can’t help but feel a sense of awe thinking about the people who built it and how it has survived for so long.

A Peaceful Escape The best part was the sense of calm. Compared to some of the bigger temples, which can get pretty crowded, Prasat Preah Khan was much quieter. We were able to walk around at our own pace, soaking in the atmosphere without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by other tourists. It was the perfect spot to just enjoy being in the moment, taking photos, and appreciating the history.

A Must-See Experience If you're heading to Siem Reap, I can’t recommend Prasat Preah Khan enough. It’s not as famous as some of the other temples, but that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. The combination of history, architecture, and nature makes it a truly special experience, and for us, it was a peaceful retreat in the midst of Angkor’s wonders. We left feeling really grateful to have stumbled upon this...

Preah Khan is a late 12th-century temple during the reign of King Jayavarman VII and was dedicated to his father. Located to the Northeast of Angkor Thom and just west of the large reservoir called Jayatataka baray, this is believed to have been the site of the king's victory over the invading Cham army.

There are impressive things to see at Preah Khan. Starting at the west entrance, there is a collection of statues on both sides of an old causeway holding seven-headed naga (serpents). This is similar to what you may have seen at the South Gate of Angkor Thom.

The outer wall around Preah Khan has numerous garuda figures for which much restoration efforts are taking place. You can learn about the garuda conservation project at the small heritage building just inside the West Entrance. Several of these restored garudas on both sides of the West and East Entrance can be viewed well.

Amongst the temple grounds of Preah Khan, you will find decorative walls, adorned with nice bas-reliefs, apsara (dancer) carvings. At the eastern end of the main sanctuary complex, you'll find a very large tree growing atop the walls of Preah Khan, offering very interesting photographs. Just be patient if you want to unobscured photos. Many other tourists may be having pictures taken next to the tree and ruins.

Perhaps most interesting about Preah Khan is the 'Stele' discovered in 1939 restorations. It is over 2 metres in height and provides a surprising amount of information and details regarding the history of the temple through its many inscriptions. You can see the Preah Khan Stele in the centre of the temple.

Overall, probably best to allow at least 45 minutes to visit Preah Khan leisurely. Our tuk-tuk dropped us off at the West Entrance, we visited from west to east, exiting the temple grounds to the East, where we met up with our driver. This made sense and allowed us to continue onward with nearby visits to other area temple ruins such as the island temple of Neak Poun and Ta Som to the east...