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It had been a very long and tiring day exploring the temples along the Grand Circuit in Angkor, Cambodia. We had a tuk tuk driving us around, but there was still a lot of walking and climbing involved and that mixed with the heat of the day had us feeling pretty exhausted. Our last stop for the day was the large temple of Preah Khan, and despite our tired feet, it turned out to be the highlight of my day.

Another 12th century temple, Preah Khan is quite a large complex with many buildings and hallways to explore. It has also been left largely unrestored, so it has that adventure aspect to it as you wander through quiet hallways while trees and vegetation grow over the ancient walls and ruins.

Entrance to Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Walking across a bridge to one of the four entrance gates at Preah Khan

Bridge at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Headless statues hold onto a Naga on the bridge that crosses the moat surrounding Preah Khan

Ancient guardian at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

A Naga guards the temple

Inside a courtyard at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Inside an ancient courtyard at Preah Khan

Giant tree roots covering a wall at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Giant tree roots strangle an ancient stone wall

Stone carvings at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

A sandstone carving above a doorway at Preah Khan

Two story building at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

A two story building shows the architectural brilliance of the Angkorians

Ancient walkway at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

An ancient walkway at Preah Khan

Ancient carvings at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Intricate wall carvings at Preah Khan

Exploring an ancient hallway at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Exploring a ruined hallway in Preah Khan

Ruins and an ancient wall at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

A tree growing on top of a wall

Tall tree growing on ruins at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Looking up at a tall tree growing on the ruins of Preah Khan

Tree covered ruins at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Tree covered ruins

Beautifully preserved carving at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

A beautifully preserved carving at Preah Khan

Exploring the temple ruins of Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Exploring the temple ruins of Preah Khan

Ancient hallway at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Walking towards an ancient doorway

The Central Shrine at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

The central shrine at Preah Khan

Doorway and carvings at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Stone carvings next to a doorway at Preah Khan

Amazing carving at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

An amazing carving

Ancient stone hallway at Preah Khan in Angkor, Cambodia

Walking through an ancient stone hallway

After visiting all of the popular temples in Angkor, I now realise what I like so much about Preah Khan. It has many of the interesting features of the popular temples, but without the huge crowds that go with it. It has the amazing tree covered ruins that Ta Phrom is famous for, intricate carvings that people flock to Banteay Srei to see, even some of the beautiful covered hallways remind me of Angkor Wat. I’m not saying not to visit those other temples – they are all must sees – but Preah Khan has a bit of everything and you can see it all in peace, without huge crowds of people getting in your way. Definitely put it on your list.