Preah Khan

ប្រាសាទព្រះខ័ន

A walled Buddhist monastery and city dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father. The name means Sacred Sword.

Quick facts

Pass Type: Angkor Pass ($37-$72)
Entry Fee USD: Included
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Commissioning King: Jayavarman VII
Century Built: Late 12th Century
Religion & Primary Deity: Buddhist · Lokeshvara
Circuit: Grand Circuit
Distance from Siem Reap: 12 km
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning, after Bayon and before the east-baray temples

Nicknames and famous highlights

Sacred SwordHall of DancersGaruda guardians on the enclosure wallTwo-story pavilionGods-and-demons causeway

History and architecture

Preah Khan was consecrated in 1191. Its central image represented the king's father, Dharanindravarman II, as Lokeshvara. Like Ta Prohm it was a monastery with a surrounding community, not a single tower. The east approach passes a landing stage on the former Jayatataka baray, then a causeway of gods and demons. Inside are the Hall of Dancers and a two-story pavilion whose original use is still debated. Garudas stand around the outer wall. It is the western anchor of the Grand Circuit and should not be confused with Preah Khan of Kampong Svay.

How to get to Preah Khan

No origin routes are published yet. See every temple in Siem Reap.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to visit Preah Khan?

Preah Khan is covered by Angkor Pass ($37-$72) and has no extra per-temple fee in this directory.

What are the opening hours of Preah Khan?

Preah Khan is listed as open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Best time to visit: Mid-morning, after Bayon and before the east-baray temples.

Who built Preah Khan?

Commissioned under Jayavarman VII, Late 12th Century, 1191, dedicated to Lokeshvara. The religion recorded here is Buddhist.

What is Preah Khan known for?

Also called Sacred Sword. Known for Hall of Dancers, Garuda guardians on the enclosure wall, Two-story pavilion, Gods-and-demons causeway

More temples in Siem Reap

All temples in Siem Reap