Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay

Hidden deep in the forests of Preah Vihear province, Preah Khan Kompong Svay—also called Prasat Bakan—is one of the most awe-inspiring yet least-visited Angkorian temples. Unlike Angkor Wat or Bayon, this vast temple complex feels untouched by mass tourism, giving visitors a sense of real exploration and discovery. The site is absolutely massive—covering more than 22 km²—with four concentric walls, ancient causeways, and scattered satellite temples. Walking through it feels like stepping into a forgotten kingdom. The architecture is mainly Angkor Wat style, though some areas show later influences from the Baphuon and Bayon periods. Historically, this wasn’t just a temple. It once served as a royal residence and even a strategic military outpost under King Jayavarman VII during wars with the Chams. Knowing that this forested site played a role in Cambodia’s ancient military history makes it even more fascinating. Because it is so remote, reaching Preah Khan requires a long journey—either by motorbike or car from Preah Vihear city—but that remoteness is exactly what makes it special. You won’t find crowds here. Instead, you’ll have the ruins almost entirely to yourself, surrounded by quiet nature, tall trees, and a mystical atmosphere. Sadly, like many Khmer temples, the site suffered from looting in the past, and some of its most beautiful sculptures now sit in museums abroad. Still, enough remains to showcase the grandeur of what was once one of the largest temples of the Angkor Empire.

Located almost 100 km directly east of Angkor Wat in the southwest corner of Preah Vihear Province, Preah Khan of Kampong Svay is a vast complex of sandstone and laterite constructions dating primarily from the 9th to 13th century with the majority of the site’s development and activity attributed to Suryavarman I (reign 1006–1050 AD), Suryavarman II (reign c. 1113 AD to 1145/1150 AD), Tribhuvanadityavarman (r. 1149- c. 1177-1180) and later Jayavarman VII (reign 1181 AD to 1218 AD) while also featuring activity in the late Angkorian era (14th century) and post-Angkorian era (15th – 18th century). Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, often simply referred to as Bakan, covers a massive area with its outermost enclosure measuring almost 5km per side with temples and archaeological remains extending beyond that area. It was to be the largest enclosure created during the Khmer Empire. For visitors to the site today there are 8 cleared temple highlights, for the more adventurous there are 4 more on the western side, whilst archeologists have recorded some 90 sites of significance in the area.

Preah Khan Kampong Svay (ព្រះខ័ននៅកំពង់ស្វាយ), also known as Prasat Bakan located around 100 km east of Angkor, in the Preah Vihear province of Cambodia. It stands as the largest single religious complex ever built during the Angkorian Era, as its exterior enclosure is over 22 km square, even if the isolated location makes it one of the less-visited Angkorian sites. I manage to pay a visit back in December 2023. It was sad to see destruction and piles of stone structure and pieces of sculptures and arts (because of loot, war and nature causes) and lack of preservation. I look forward to seeing its restore to its look.

It was impressive, untouched, no tourists (other than us) A lot of it lays in a pile of rubble. We are motorcycle enthusiasts so made our way here on the dirt track (old angkor road) from Beng Mealea. Unless you’re a temple enthusiast im not sure whether it’s worth the trip as I have read it can be quite expensive to taxi too as the roads aren’t great and other than the temple there isn’t much here. we paid $5 to get in for two people

Everything is in natural condition like when it was abandoned in the forest. I am sorry to see the stones on the ground but I am glad to visit it without tourist after my ride of 160 km from home, in Siem Reap. Actually, Cambodian authority is working to conserve thousand of monuments.

So huge so beautiful so many things to explore in this temple n so many other small temples in the complex. Don't miss to check the rare species of bird statues located right just at the bottom of the bridge on the entrance to the main gate of temple. Oh, access to this temple can be tricky if you solely depend on Google Maps. Try the safe road but not as good as you expect from the Sangkhum Thmei district where from national road no 62 it is about 18 kms with 30 mns drive to reach the district centre town n from there that's the hard part of 25 kms turning left to the temple. It takes perhaps 45 mns to 1 hour drive depending on season you choose to go. Don't forget to look on your right to check the sign to the complex of Preah Khan Kompong Svay temple.

Expedition to ancient treasures of Preah Khan Kompong Svay lunch more than the #indianajones. Discover this temple on the ancient abandoned route from Angkor temple over 100 km on motorcycles is just an unmistakable and unforgivable experience.

I have been to Preah Khan Kampong Svay many times as I am a tourist driver. The temples itself are very interesting to visit, and the road conditions are better today.