Despite its remote location, the immensity of the city of Preah Khan — larger than Angkor Thom— makes a journey here a must for serious temple hunters.
Set within a moat more than 1.5 sq miles (4 sq km), the complex consists of four enclosures that surround a central sanctuary, all of which are oriented slightly N of due E, suggesting an original construction perhaps as early as pre-Angkorian times.
Jayavarman VII ultimately built up the temple into a proper city, linking it to his capital with a 75-mile (120-km) elevated road, a major thoroughfare of the ancient highway that passes by Beng Mealea 60 miles (96 km) to the E. It is even believed that Jayavarman VII may have operated out of Preah Khan following the Cham invasion that sacked Angkor in 1177.
Distinguishing features of Preah Khan are the nearly 2-mile (3-km) long baray, half of which lies within the exterior enclosure of the city, Prasat Damrei (the Elephant Sanctuary) at the eastern end of the reservoir, the Mebon-like Prasat Preah Thkol at the center of the baray, and the hallmark Jayavarman VII face tower above Prasat Preah Stung at the W end of the manmade lake.
When to Go
The best time to visit is during the dry season, between November and May, when the roads are in drivable condition, though those on off-road motorbikes looking for the ultimate adventure can try the monsoon season ‘dancing roads.’
Getting There
The only way to reach Preah Khan is with a private vehicle arranged through a tour agent or your guesthouse/hotel, or via off-road motorbike with a company such as siem-reap-dirtbikes.
Need to Know
- What is It?: One of the largest and most remote temple ruins in Cambodia.
- Nearest Town: The ‘nearest’ town is Siem Reap, which lies approximately 80km west, as the crow flies. There are domestic and international air services in/out of Siem Reap.
- Don’t Miss: Enjoying the largest temple complex in Cambodia without any other people around.
- Trivia: Route 66 between Beng Mealea and Preah Khan follows the ancient highway of Jayavarman VII and forms the northern border of Boeng Peae Wildlife Sanctuary. The enclosure surrounding Preah Khan was 5000m x 5000m; more than 60% larger than that of Angkor Thom.
- Opening hours: If you have arrived, it will be open.
- Entrance fees: Depends on if someone is there asking you to pay