Preah Khan

Preah Khan, meaning "Sacred Sword," is one of the largest temple complexes at Angkor and one of the most rewarding to explore. Built by King Jayavarman VII in 1191, it served simultaneously as a city, Buddhist university, and monastery, housing over 100,000 officials and servants. The temple's sprawling layout covers a vast area enclosed by a moat and four concentric walls. Long corridors stretch in every direction, creating an almost maze-like experience as you navigate through doorways that decrease in size the deeper you go — a deliberate architectural feature forcing visitors to bow as they approach the inner sanctum. One of Preah Khan's most distinctive features is a unique two-story building believed to have been a library or granary — the only known example of this type of structure in Angkor architecture. Its round columns and architectural style have led some scholars to suggest Greek or Roman influence, though this remains debated. The temple's relatively intact state and large size mean that you can explore for an extended period and still discover new corridors, hidden carvings, and atmospheric corners. Morning light penetrating the eastern galleries creates beautiful patterns, and the tree-covered sections rival Ta Prohm in atmospheric beauty while receiving far fewer visitors.