Bakan Temple (Province Preah Vihear) / Preah Khan (Kampong Svay) – the forgotten juwel

The Preah Khan Temple of Kampong Svay is also known as Bakan. It is located near the village of Bakan in the province of Preah Vihear, about 105 kilometers away from Angkor Wat. The temple was built between the 11th and 14th centuries. The trip from Siem Reap takes about 3 to 4 hours.

The main complex is reminiscent of the 12th century style of Angkor Wat with some additional buildings and side temples in the Bayon style (12th-13th century). Except for a Hindu temple – which was built in the 11th century – all structures of Bakan Temple are of Mahayana and Hteravada Buddhism.

The road to Preah Khan

Prasat Chatamuk

The crossing over the ancient bridge and Dharmasala in the background