Preah Khan is a larger temple complex. It has four entrances by definition, one for each direction. However the main entrance for visitors now would be from the east or from the west The west entrance is closest to the road on the Grand circuit. The east entrance has a longer walk from a side road. My tuk tuk driver dropped me off at the west entrance and waited for me at the east entrance.

There is much to explore here. There are 4 walls encompassing the center. The jungle has made its mark at certain areas and are well photographed. It seems the deeper you get into the Grand circuit the less people you see. Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to truly explore Preah Khan.

As you walk through the center of Preah Khan you enter and exit several chambers. One chamber has a stupa in the center with a small alter. If you walk around the stupa and look at the wall/ceiling across the stupa, there is a crack in the wall that shines a through. Positioned just right, it looks like there is a light or flame coming from the top. Looks like a candle as you can see from the photos. A nice little photo opportunity.  You may also notice deliberate holes lined along the walls here.  The theory behind these holes is that at the height of Angkor’s civilization, jewel inserts were placed in these holes.

Of course the main attraction at Preah Khan is the temples and sanctuary’s. They are beautiful and so much to see. But looking at the complex from the “outside” so to speak, gives a great experience and different perspective of this great place.

There is a well worn dirt path that encircles the complex from the outside of the surrounding wall. It is very peaceful and you are unlikely to see many people if any. Most people go right into the complex and don’t give this dirt path a second thought. There loss.

This is one of the first things I’d like to do again when I return. It is best to go in the early morning. The sounds of nature along with the solitude make it a very special time.