🛕 Preah Palilay
ព្រះបាលិលាយ
Province
Siem Reap
Era
Late Angkorian
Difficulty
🟢 Easy
Crowds
😌 Low Crowds
Key Facts
Built: 12th–13th century
Religion: Buddhist
Entry Fee: Angkor Pass
Time Needed: 10–20 minutes
UNESCO: ✅ World Heritage Site
A small, atmospheric Buddhist temple hidden in the forest within Angkor Thom — one of the best-kept secrets.
Preah Palilay is a small Buddhist temple tucked away in the forest north of the Royal Palace compound within Angkor Thom. It's one of the least visited temples in the main Angkor area, often missed entirely by visitors following the standard circuits. The temple features a single tower surrounded by a laterite wall, with a lovely tree-lined approach through the forest. The peaceful setting and almost complete absence of other visitors make it a wonderful contrast to the busier temples. A large seated Buddha statue, added in later centuries, sits in front of the main tower.
Highlights
- ✦ Hidden gem within Angkor Thom
- ✦ Forest setting and tree-lined approach
- ✦ Almost no tourists
- ✦ Seated Buddha statue
- ✦ Perfect for quiet contemplation
Best Time to Visit
Any time
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Walk north from the Terrace of the Leper King through the forest
- 💡 Easy to miss — ask your tuk-tuk driver or use GPS
- 💡 Combine with Tep Pranam nearby
Nearby Temples
13.4508°N, 103.8564°E
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