The temple contains an inscription stele detailing the temple's daily management, including the number of people who worked there and the amount of rice consumed.
Preah Khan means 'Sacred Sword' in Khmer, a name derived from the legendary sword believed to be kept there.
The site features a unique two-story pavilion that resembles Mediterranean architectural styles, a complete anomaly in the Angkor region.
At its peak, the temple complex supported a community of nearly 100,000 people, including temple servants and workers.
A portion of the temple was used as a filming location for the 2001 movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
The sanctuary originally housed a statue of Lokeshvara, carved in the image of the King's father, Dharanindravarman II.
The site was deliberately kept in a state of partial ruin during the 20th century to demonstrate the process of stone decay and vegetation encroachment.
Preah Khan is a sprawling 12th-century monastic complex built by King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. It functioned as both a Buddhist university and a major administrative center, housing thousands of monks, officials, and students. The layout is distinctly rectangular and flat, featuring a maze of vaulted corridors that lead to a central sanctuary. Unlike many other Angkorian temples, it retains significant amounts of original relief carvings, including Apsaras and guardian figures. The site is noted for its high degree of unrestored ruins, where massive silk-cotton trees grow directly through stone walls and doorways. It features an unusual two-story structure with cylindrical columns, a rarity in Khmer architecture. The exterior enclosure is defined by a large moat and a laterite wall lined with stone statues of Garuda holding snakes. It served as a temporary royal residence while Angkor Thom was being constructed.
The western gate entrance, where massive silk-cotton tree roots dramatically envelop the stone doorway.
Enter through the eastern gate and exit through the western gate to walk the full length of the temple complex.
Bring a flashlight to navigate the darkest, deepest interior corridors where light from doorways does not reach.
Stick to the marked wooden walkways in areas with significant structural decay to ensure safety.
Do not accept unofficial guided tours from individuals loitering near the entrance gates.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; remove hats inside sanctuary areas; do not climb on temple carvings or loose stones.
