Preah Khan of Kampong Svay
Constructed: 11th – late 12th century C.E.
Religion: Buddhist
King/Patron: Suryavarman I & II and Jayavarman VII
A jungle temple of many names: Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, Preah Khan of Kampong Thom and Prasat Bakan. Preah Khan is a massive monastic complex enclosing near five square kilometers, originally constructed under Suryavarman I but receiving addition and modification by later kings. Most of the carvings have been looted or removed including a bust of Jayavarman VII which has become and iconic image and much reproduced. Located about 100 km east of Beng Melea this temple is difficult to reach by road. Requiring the better part of a day to get there, but only adding to its ‘magical’ atmosphere.
