“Preah Khan means 'Sacred Sword', and Jayavarman VII's sprawling temple-monastery is left half-collapsed and root-bound - just as wild as Ta Prohm, but far quieter.”
About Preah Khan
Jayavarman VII built Preah Khan in the late twelfth century on the site of a victory over the Cham, dedicating it to his father and using it as a monastery and centre of learning that, by its own inscriptions, supported thousands of people. Conservation has stabilised it while leaving much of its overgrown, ruined character intact.
Overview Preah Khan, the 'Sacred Sword', is one of Angkor's largest complexes, a sprawling, flat temple-monastery built by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his father. Like Ta Prohm it has been only lightly cleared, so trees still grow from its walls and many galleries lie tumbled, but it sees far fewer visitors, which makes it one of the most atmospheric temples to explore.
Overview Preah Khan, the 'Sacred Sword', is one of Angkor's largest complexes, a sprawling, flat temple-monastery built by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his father.
A Long Axis A long corridor runs the length of the temple through a sequence of doorways framing one another into the distance. Near the entrance stands an unusual round-columned two-storey building unlike anything else at Angkor, its original purpose still debated.
The Experience
You enter along a causeway with god-and-demon statues like Angkor Thom's, then follow a long axial corridor where doorway frames recede into shadow. Trees grip the outer galleries, fallen blocks lie where they dropped, and you can often have stretches of it to yourself. The mysterious two-storey columned structure near the east entrance is a highlight.
Why It Matters
Preah Khan is among the most important and extensive of Jayavarman VII's foundations, valued for its scale, its atmospheric semi-ruined state and its unusual architectural features, while offering a quieter alternative to the busier temples.
Why Visit
It gives the jungle-temple atmosphere of Ta Prohm with a fraction of the crowds, plus an intriguing layout. Walk the full length of the central corridor, seek out the round-columned building, and go early for solitude among the roots.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Walk the long central corridor end to end for the receding doorway frames.
- 2
Find the unusual round-columned two-storey building near the eastern entrance.
- 3
It is far quieter than Ta Prohm, so go early for near-solitude among the roots.
- 4
Wear sturdy shoes; fallen blocks and uneven ground are common throughout.
