Preah Khan temple Angkor

Preah Khan Temple is a Khmer temple located in the Angkor region of Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century, during the Angkorian period, during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It is considered one of the largest temples in the Angkor region.
The Preah Khan temple was considered a place of worship for Hindu devotees in the region. It was dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu and was considered a place of meditation and religious rituals. It was also used as a Buddhist place of worship.
The temple was also used as an academy for the teaching of religion and literature. It was also home to thousands of monks and priests who lived and worked there.
Over the centuries, the temple was abandoned and suffered significant damage. It was rediscovered by French archaeologists in the 19th century and was restored in the 1960s. Today it is open to the public and attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its magnificent bas-reliefs, sculptures and architecture.

Architecture

The architecture of the Preah Khan temple is characteristic of Khmer art of the Angkorian period. It is built of sandstone and red brick. It is made up of numerous buildings, including towers, rooms, courtyards and corridors. It has a star plan shape with four main entrances, each of which leads to a central courtyard.
The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures depicting Hindu and Buddhist deities, as well as scenes from daily life and battle scenes. These sculptures are considered masterpieces of Khmer art. The bas-reliefs are particularly elaborate and detailed, showing scenes from Hindu and Buddhist religious life as well as scenes from daily life.
Preah Khan Temple is also known for its innovative use of natural lighting. The windows and light holes were designed to allow natural light to enter the interior rooms, creating an effect of changing light throughout the day.
In summary, the architecture of the Preah Khan temple is characteristic of Khmer art of the Angkorian period, with a star-shaped plan.

Visit

Visiting Preah Khan Temple is a unique experience for visitors who want to discover the architecture and history of the ancient royal city of Angkor. It is located in the Angkor region, approximately 5 km northeast of Angkor Wat. It is possible to visit the temple in combination with other famous temples such as Ta Prohm and Neak Pean.
The tour begins with a stroll through the temple’s gardens and exterior courtyards, where you can admire the exterior walls decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures. You will also be able to see the four main entrances which lead to the central courtyard.
Then, you can enter the interior rooms of the temple to discover the different rooms and interior courtyards. You will also be able to see the statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities that were once worshiped in the temple.
It is important to note that the Preah Khan temple is in ruins and some parts are difficult to access.

Opening hours

Most temples are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• Angkor Wat : 5h – 17h30
• Baphuon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Banteay Srei : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bayon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bakheng : 5h – 19h
• Srah Srang : 5h – 17h30
• Pre Khan : 7h30 – 17h30
• Prè Rup : 5h – 19h
• Phnom Bakheng : 5h – 19h

Times given as an indication, but guides and tuk-tuks know them very well.

You will easily find restaurants and merchants that offer good meals with good Khmer recipes for your meals during your visit. On the site, you will also find where to stay during your stay in Cambodia.