Preah Khan tours from Siem Reap

Preah Khan overview

Preah Khan, which means "sacred sword", is a temple complex located in the ancient city of Angkor, Cambodia. It was built in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is considered one of the largest temple complexes in the Angkor complex.

Preah Khan is known for its intricate design, which includes multiple halls, courtyards, and passages, as well as its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple was originally built as a Buddhist monastery and university, and it served as a center of learning and worship for many centuries.

One of the most interesting features of Preah Khan is the fact that it was designed to reflect the interconnectedness of all things. The temple's many halls, courtyards, and passages are thought to symbolize the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms, and the intricate carvings and sculptures depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and daily life in ancient Cambodia.

Today, Preah Khan is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in the history and culture of Southeast Asia. Despite centuries of neglect and damage from the elements, much of the temple complex has been well preserved, and its intricate carvings and sculptures continue to inspire awe in visitors.

Overall, Preah Khan is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Cambodia, and is one of the most impressive and memorable landmarks in the Angkor complex.

Actually, I visited without expecting much, but Preah Khan was larger than I expected and the ruins were beautiful.

A long approach, lined with lantern-like lingams on both sides, leads to the west pylon, where a bridge with a statue of Churning the Sea of Milk attracts naga.

When you pass through the west tower gate of Preah Khan, you will be surprised at the rather complicated structure inside. However, it is not possible to walk around all over because collapse and weathering are progressing. Basically, you will go straight on the line that connects the east and west gates to see it.

Reliefs and statues are scattered throughout the interior of Preah Khan. The picture below seems to be a battle scene in one of the gables, but what kind of scene is it?

There are many small temples around the central shrine, and reliefs are embedded here and there.

Even more beautiful is the surrounding beams called Odoriko's Terrace. A group carved in the part of The picture below is one of them, said to be a dancing Apsara.

Another famous thing in Preah Khan is this two-story building. It is said that it was a library, but it seems that the purpose is not known.

And when you look at the inner wall from the terrace with the Naga statue on the east side, you can see a very beautiful scenery.

If you go outside from the outer wall to the east, you will find a large statue of Garuda embedded in the outer wall.

Preah Khan tours

Many tours visit Preah Khan. Please check from here to see the full list of tours.