About Preah Khan Main Temple

King Jayavarman VII built the Preah Khan in honour of his father in Angkor. Unlike other temples built as pyramids or towers, the Preah Khan is mainly flat. Its design is a rectangular area around a Buddhist sanctuary.  
 
The stela in the temple’s foundation provides information about the history of the site. Shrines to the 430 Gods are decorated in gold, silver, and gemstones. Laterite walls house 72 garudas holding nagas and are surrounded by a moat. Almost 100,000 servants, dancers, and teachers served at the temple which would have also included a Buddhist university. 
 
Preah Khan means “holy sword” and was built where the King won a battle over invading Chams in 1191. Preah Khan is now in a strenuous battle with Mother Nature as the trees and nearby vegetation have slowly taken over the site. It still remains a holy and historical place amidst the chaos of foliage.  The site has been maintained and restored by the World  Monuments Fund since 1991. 

Must See

  • Sacred Sword
  • Stunning Architecture
  • Beautiful Carvings

How to reach

It is 12.5 km away from the city center.

The easiest way to reach Preah Khan temple is by car or bus, and you’re typically looking at around a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap's city centre. A day’s hire of a tuk-tuk from the town around the major temples at Angkor and back should cost around USD 15 to 25 (61590 to 102650 Cambodian riel). For a guided tour, expect to pay around USD 25 (102650 Cambodian riel).

Tips

  • Visit the temples of the temples during the lunchtime time. 
  • Get a guide, ideally for the full day. There is so much history behind every sculpture, section, temple, etc. that you can get from books, but it is much more efficient and interesting, if there is someone locally who explains the things while pointing to them. 
  • Keep enough water and stay hydrated at all times.
  • Wear sunscreen while visiting temples.
  • Temple touring involves a lot of walking, so take sufficient rest in between the temples.
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds.
  • Start your day early. 
  • Dress appropriately. 

Visit Time

Sunday:     7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Monday:     7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Tuesday:     7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Wednesday: 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Thursday:     7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Friday:          7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Saturday:      7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

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Waiting Time

You may need to wait for security check.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

20$ ( 82120 Cambodian riel)

The ticket is included with the temple pass for central Angkor.Foreigners are required to buy an admission pass, called the Angkor pass, which can only be purchased at the official ticket centre, located 4 kilometres away from Siem Reap town.

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Time you can spend

3 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 26.38°C

 

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