Preah Khan
If you are planning to go to Cambodia, remember not to miss the extremely cool temple named Preah Khan. King Jayavarman VII constructed it in the twelfth century. Preah Khan is important because it has a lot of history and wonderful architecture. This is a must-see for those exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Preah Khan, meaning "Royal Sword", was first built as a Buddhist monastery. It is a place to study and worship. The temple is large and has many carved stone buildings, long corridors and interesting courtyards. Preah Khan's layout is like a maze, creating a feeling of excitement for visitors to explore.
Once inside the temple, you will see the famous "Hall of Dancers". It has beautiful carvings of Apsara, the celestial dancers. These carvings show how artistic skill and attention to detail the Khmer Empire had. In the middle of the temple there is a special tower with four sides, like the more famous Bayon temple. This shows you how clever the Khmer civilization was in building things.
Preah Khan mixed Hindu and Buddhist styles in its design, representing the different religions followed by the Khmer people of that time. The temple also has beautiful stone carvings that tell mythological and historical stories. Take your time to walk around the maze-like corridors, finding hidden spots that will help you learn more about the temple's history and importance.
For the best experience, think about hiring a tour guide who knows a lot about the temple. They can tell you interesting things about its history. Additionally, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon will give you softer lighting and fewer people. Preah Khan is a mark of Cambodia's rich culture and offers a complete experience if you are curious about the mysteries of the Khmer Empire.
Address: FV6C+QJ4, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket price: $59
