Preah Khan integrates the Hindu and Buddhist images in a single site. It is very interesting to note how the different positions of the hands reflect the two teachings.
Like Ta Prohm, this temple is be overrun by trees, making a very interesting contrast between the dark stone temples and the white roots tearing down its wall.
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Approximately 1 km north Angkor Thom, this amazing temple is part of angkor's "big circuit. However, while cycling the small circuit, we made this detour and it was really worthwhile! The place is a complex, dedicated to the emperors father, and has 4 wings: 3 dedicated to the 3 hindu gods (vishnu, shiva, bramma) and 1 to budda, so a great mixture of buddhism and hinduism!
Preah Khan is absolutely stunning and gives the feeling that you have gone back in time. We visited early in the day when there were very few people and the photo ops were incredible! Large ficus trees have overgrown much of the temple buildings which add to the ambiance and uniqueness of Preah Khan. The green moss added a natural beauty to the beautiful carvings and engraved lintels. Not to be missed.
I loved this temple with the giant ficus trees sprouting from temple walls. We were really lucky the day we visited here as it was very quiet....unheard of in the Temples around Angkor Wat.
I knew nothing about Preah Khan before visiting as part of the long tour that most Tuk Tuk drivers follow. It is not as well preserved (or restored) as the more important temples but it's scale and setting and the variety of rooms and corridors make this a very rewarding temple to explore.
It's layout is founded on four long unobstructed corridors orientated east, west, north and south which you can look down and photograph making for an interesting perspective. There are some interesting inscriptions on the walls and pillars particularly in the hall of dancers. Unfortunately many of the ceilings and walls have collapsed lending a rather dilapidated air to the place. Like Ta Phrom, the are several instances of giant trees destroying parts of the building make for spectacular photo opportunities.
I also experienced the unrequested attentions of the tour guide as mentioned by other Trip Advisor reviewers although I manage to get away with 'only' paying $3 despite his request for $10. He was rather knowledgable, however, and was able to answer a range of questions that had built up over a number of temple visits. If you are approached by some one who begins talking about the temple right from the beginning be very clear that his attention is not appreciated if you don't want to find yourself in a situation at the end where he obligates you to pay for his time.
All in all I really enjoyed the temple and would put it in the bracket of the most unexpected experience of my Siem Reap stay.
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