






































































































































Year Built
Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Patronage
Material Used
Contributed By
Your contribution helps preserve India's ancient temples, languages, and cultural heritage. Every rupee makes a difference.
Secure payment • Instant 80G certificate
Preah Khan, sprawling across 56 hectares of jungle-enveloped terrain northeast of Angkor Thom, represents one of the most extensive and architecturally complex temple complexes in Southeast Asia, constructed in the late 12th century CE during the reign of King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university that seamlessly integrated Vishnu and Shaiva iconography, creating a powerful testament to the sophisticated religious syncretism that characterized Khmer religious practices and the continued transmission of Indian Buddhist and Hindu traditions to Southeast Asia. The temple complex, originally serving as a major center of Buddhist learning that housed over 97,840 people including monks, students, teachers, and support staff according to inscriptions, features extraordinary architectural elements that demonstrate the synthesis of Indian Buddhist monastery architecture with Khmer building techniques, while the temple's extensive decorative programs including numerous devatas, apsaras, and mythological scenes demonstrate the sophisticated understanding of both Indian Buddhist and Hindu iconography possessed by Khmer artists. The temple's name, meaning "Sacred Sword," refers to a legendary weapon that was believed to be housed within the complex, while the temple's architectural layout, with its central sanctuary surrounded by multiple enclosures, libraries, and numerous smaller structures, follows sophisticated Indian Buddhist monastery planning principles that were systematically transmitted from the great monastic centers of India including Nalanda and Vikramashila. Archaeological evidence reveals that the temple served as both a major center of Mahayana Buddhist learning and a repository of Vishnu and Shaiva iconography, demonstrating the remarkable religious syncretism that characterized Khmer religious practices, while the discovery of numerous inscriptions provides crucial evidence of the site's role in the transmission of Indian Buddhist and Hindu texts and practices to Southeast Asia. The temple's extensive decorative programs, executed with remarkable artistic sophistication, include elaborate lintels and pediments depicting scenes from Hindu mythology including Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha, Shiva dancing, and numerous other scenes that demonstrate the direct transmission of Indian Hindu iconographic programs and narrative traditions from the great artistic centers of India to Cambodia. Today, Preah Khan stands as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia, serving as a powerful testament to the transmission of Indian Buddhist and Hindu culture to Southeast Asia, while ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure that demonstrates the profound impact of Indian civilization on Southeast Asian religious and artistic traditions. ([1][2])
Preah Khan was constructed in the late 12th century CE by King Jayavarman VII. The temple served as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university with Vishnu and Shaiva iconography. The site was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Ongoing restoration and conservation efforts continue. ([1][2])




No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Extensive archaeological excavations, documentation, structural analysis, and conservation work.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization; restoration of damaged sections; ongoing conservation. ([1][2])
King Jayavarman VII
Construction utilized sandstone blocks fitted together without mortar. The temple employed corbelled vaulting adapted from Indian temple architecture. The foundation system utilized compacted earth platforms. Decorative elements including bas-reliefs and sculptures were carved directly into sandstone. ([1][2])
Indian Buddhist Monastery Architecture, Indian Mahayana Buddhist Iconography, Indian Vishnu Iconography, Indian Shaiva Iconography, Khmer Temple Design
The structural system employs sandstone block construction with corbelled vaulting. ([1][2])
13.461890, 103.871580
4 items
5 items
November to February: Cooler, drier weather (20-30°C) is ideal for exploring the extensive site comfortably. During Khmer New Year (mid-April), Pchum Ben (September/October), and Water Festival (November): Experience vibrant local celebrations, though crowds will be higher. Early morning (7:30 AM - 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:30 PM) are best to avoid midday heat and larger crowds.
4 items
["Modest dress code is required: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women when visiting the temple.","Respectful behavior is expected; do not touch or climb on ancient structures, carvings, or sit on fragile elements.","No littering; help preserve the site's cleanliness and natural environment.","Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of monks and other visitors, and avoid using flash in sensitive or restricted areas.","Smoking is prohibited within the temple complex and designated heritage areas."]
502
Yes
Yes
75
complete
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
2025-11-09T09:27:42.719317+00:00
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Preah Khan Siem Reap Cambodia is a historic Archaeological Site located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This Khmer Nagara architecture style, Indo-Khmer architecture style, Nagara architecture style, Indian Buddhist architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Cambodia. Preah Khan, sprawling across 56 hectares of jungle-enveloped terrain northeast of Angkor Thom, represents one of the most extensive and architecturally complex temple complexes in Southeast Asia, cons...
| ៛Entry Fee | Entry is covered by the Angkor Pass. 1-day pass: US$37, 3-day pass: US$62, 7-day pass: US$72. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Preah Khan Siem Reap Cambodia. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Preah Khan Siem Reap Cambodia is located in Preah Khan, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, Siem Reap. The nearest major city is Preah Khan. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 13.46189, 103.87158.
Entry fee: Entry is covered by the Angkor Pass. 1-day pass: US$37, 3-day pass: US$62, 7-day pass: US$72.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Preah Khan Siem Reap Cambodia. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Preah Khan Siem Reap Cambodia by King Jayavarman VII
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under National Heritage Site
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation