🛕 Preah Khan of Kampong Svay
ព្រះខ័នកំពង់ស្វាយ
Also known as: Bakan, Preah Khan of Kompong Svay
Province
Preah Vihear
Era
Classical Angkorian
Difficulty
🔴 Strenuous
Crowds
😌 Low Crowds
Key Facts
Built: 11th–12th century
Built by: King Suryavarman II (expanded by Jayavarman VII)
Religion: Hindu-Buddhist
Entry Fee: $5
Time Needed: 3–5 hours
The largest Angkorian temple complex by enclosed area — a truly remote, jungle-swallowed mega-site far from the tourist trail.
Preah Khan of Kampong Svay (not to be confused with Preah Khan at Angkor) is the largest single temple enclosure in the entire Angkorian world, covering an astounding 5 km by 5 km — far larger than Angkor Wat. Located in a remote area of Preah Vihear Province, the complex is engulfed by dense jungle and remains one of the most adventurous archaeological sites in Cambodia. The site includes the massive Prasat Preah Khan main temple, the island temple of Prasat Preah Thkol in a baray (reservoir), and numerous satellite temples. The main temple features impressive gopura entrances, long gallery corridors, and a central sanctuary. Due to its extreme remoteness and limited access roads, very few tourists ever reach this site — those who do are rewarded with a genuine "lost temple in the jungle" experience that rivals Beng Mealea.
Highlights
- ✦ Largest Angkorian temple enclosure (5km x 5km)
- ✦ Genuinely remote and jungle-engulfed
- ✦ Island temple in a baray
- ✦ Impressive gopura and gallery corridors
- ✦ True adventure archaeology experience
- ✦ Almost zero tourists
Best Time to Visit
Dry season only (Nov–Apr) — roads may be impassable in rainy season
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Located in remote Preah Vihear Province — requires 4x4 or motorcycle
- 💡 Access roads are very rough — impassable in rainy season
- 💡 Bring all supplies — no facilities at the site
- 💡 Hire a local guide in the nearest village
- 💡 Not demined everywhere — stay strictly on established paths
Nearby Temples
13.4000°N, 104.7500°E
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