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Preah Khan

Preah Khan, Siem Reap

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Preah Khan

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Preah Khan
4.5
2,104
#13 of 165 things to do in Siem Reap
Ancient Ruins
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5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
What people are saying
LuizDutraNeto
By LuizDutraNeto
“At the "Temple of the Sacred Sword" of the Khmer Empire!”
Jan 2020
The temple of "Preah Khan", or the "Temple of the Sacred Sword", was built by legendary King Jayavarman VII, in the 12th century, and was dedicated to his father, King Dharanindravarman. It is located at only 2 kms Northeast of the "Angkor Thom" citadel on the "Grand CIrcuit" and includes moats, ramparts, temples and shrines. It was partially cleared and restored in the beginning of the 20th century, but the ancient living quarters of monks, students and servants are still surrounded by dense areas of rainforest. "Preah Khan" was originally built as a Buddhist temple but, along the centuries, hinduist shrines were added. So, the central shrine is devoted to Lord Bhudda, but the Western and Northern are dedicated to Hinduism's Lords Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. Ancestors are worshipped in the Southern area, being the main access to the central shrine made through the Eastern side. Take your time and visit this intriguing temple, with long corridors, beautiful sculptures, carvings, lingas and nagas. Enjoy!
amanda5805
By amanda5805
“Worth seeing if you have the time!”
Dec 2019
We hired a guide months before actually arriving in Siem Reap and WOW did it pay off. Plus it was a great price for just the 2 of us to be gone 10+ hours. We were doing 2 circuits in one day. We arrived early afternoon and there were very little people there. Ta Som very similar to Ta Prohm. A lot of the jungle and tree root have grown threw on over the sight. But non the less it is incredible in its own way. Preah Khan means Royal Sword. Preah Khan was built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honour his father. the Architecture, statues and cavings still look amazing today. We spent about an hour here. Could have maybe used another 30mins.
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The area
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Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
2,104 reviews
Excellent
1,495
Very good
524
Average
76
Poor
6
Terrible
3
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,613 contributions
At the "Temple of the Sacred Sword" of the Khmer Empire!
Jan 2020
The temple of "Preah Khan", or the "Temple of the Sacred Sword", was built by legendary King Jayavarman VII, in the 12th century, and was dedicated to his father, King Dharanindravarman. It is located at only 2 kms Northeast of the "Angkor Thom" citadel on the "Grand CIrcuit" and includes moats, ramparts, temples and shrines. It was partially cleared and restored in the beginning of the 20th century, but the ancient living quarters of monks, students and servants are still surrounded by dense areas of rainforest. "Preah Khan" was originally built as a Buddhist temple but, along the centuries, hinduist shrines were added. So, the central shrine is devoted to Lord Bhudda, but the Western and Northern are dedicated to Hinduism's Lords Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. Ancestors are worshipped in the Southern area, being the main access to the central shrine made through the Eastern side. Take your time and visit this intriguing temple, with long corridors, beautiful sculptures, carvings, lingas and nagas. Enjoy!
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada4,109 contributions
Worth seeing if you have the time!
Dec 2019
We hired a guide months before actually arriving in Siem Reap and WOW did it pay off. Plus it was a great price for just the 2 of us to be gone 10+ hours. We were doing 2 circuits in one day.

We arrived early afternoon and there were very little people there. Ta Som very similar to Ta Prohm. A lot of the jungle and tree root have grown threw on over the sight. But non the less it is incredible in its own way.

Preah Khan means Royal Sword. Preah Khan was built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honour his father. the Architecture, statues and cavings still look amazing today.

We spent about an hour here. Could have maybe used another 30mins.
Written May 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda B
Raleigh, NC2,210 contributions
Another temple!
Feb 2020
I've lost track of how many we've seen in the past three days. I finally understand why people touring in Europe will ask...another cathedral??? It was still interesting and a bit different from the others but they all blur together.
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bob2bkk
Bangkok, Thailand5,780 contributions
Impressive drawings and statutes
Mar 2020 • Friends
After awhile the temples become a blur, there are so many and all impressive and incredible to see the history and culture. Great architecture, some 800 years old or more and statutes and drawings that have remained almost in tact for all these years. Most flat ground thru this temple but still blocks of stone to manuever so be careful walking and remember protection from the sun.
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alex H
Port St. Mary, UK854 contributions
Very worthwhile seeing
Mar 2020 • Couples
We did the 2 day tour using the 1 day pass as this was the offer at the time. On day 1 we did some of the more minor temples including this one, and it was very architecturally pleasing and great to see. I believe it once held the sacred sword and that it was built for the King at the time. There were much less tourists than Angkor Wat which meant we could walk around freely for ourselves and take any pictures we wanted without any trouble. A great little temple to slot into your itinerary.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve R
Oakland, CA18 contributions
Don't miss this one!
Feb 2020
We had done two full days of the major temples which were one of the main reasons for our trip to Cambodia. Our wonderful cruise director from Avalon Waterways recommended we take advantage of our 3 day pass and venture out to some of the less touristy temples. Highly recommend including Preah Khan in your itinerary!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve B
London, UK5,241 contributions
Interesting Temple but a step down from many of its illustrious neighbours!
Feb 2020
Together with 25 other Anglo-Thai Society members, my wife and myself visited the Preah Khan (Sacred Sword) Temple this morning which was built by King Jayavarman for his father in the 12th century.

Whilst I enjoyed my visit - and this may well be due to having seen several other outstanding Temples in the last couple of days - I did find walking the length (900 metres) of this one of less interest. It appeared that Preah Khan has received less attention (and funding) than the other Temples?

Nonetheless, well worth seeing but temper your expectations!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Beth
Bristol, UK895 contributions
Sword sanctuary
Feb 2020 • Couples
I believe this temple was built in memory of a kings father and it also held the sacred sword in it's own temple. Dress modestly, wear suncream and bring water!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carmen
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia120 contributions
Amazing Temple, one of the temple must visit
Jan 2020 • Friends
Preak Khan is just a straight way from east to west. There is less people compare to small circuit. The area is quite big to spent around 1hr. There also have the tree on the building. So if unable to take photo at the ta prohm, preak kahn is also a good place to take.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China146,615 contributions
12th-century temple complex northeast of Angkor Thom
Jan 2020
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 of the lake.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Preah Khan
Preah Khan is open:
  • Sun - Sat 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Preah Khan tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 191 Preah Khan tours on Tripadvisor