Khleangs Archaeological Site

Address: The Khleangs, Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Website: http://www.apsaraauthority.gov.kh/

Hours: Angkor Archaeological Park - Daily 5:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Included with Angkor Archaeological Park pass

The Khleangs are a pair of single-storey sandstone buildings set opposite the Royal Palace enclosure in the centre of Angkor Thom, one on each side of the Victory Way and set back beyond the Prasats Suor Prat. They are best appreciated from across the Royal Plaza while standing on the Terrace of the Elephants.

Khleangs loosely translates as ‘warehouse’ or ‘treasury’, though, like many Angkor monuments, the modern name is probably misleading: inscriptions found here include an oath of allegiance to the king, suggesting the buildings were used to receive foreign dignitaries or provincial rulers. The northern Khleang is thought to predate the southern one, having been built during the short reign of Jayaviravarman or Jayavarman V; the southern structure appears to be a simple replica added to make the view from the Terrace of the Elephants symmetrical. Modest as they are for the casual visitor, their design spawned a distinct architectural style, seen also at Ta Keo and Phimeanakas.

The Khleangs are within the Angkor Archaeological Park, just inside Angkor Thom near the Royal Enclosure. They are reached from Siem Reap town (Siem Reap-Angkor) by tuk‑tuk, taxi or bicycle - the ride from central Siem Reap is typically about 6-8 km and takes roughly 10-20 minutes by tuk‑tuk depending on traffic.

Visitors enter the Angkor park at one of the gates (an Angkor pass/entrance ticket is required) then walk a few minutes from the South Gate/Royal Enclosure area to the Khleangs.

• Visit the Khleangs in the late afternoon when the low sun brings out the warm tones and textures of the brick towers; they are inside Angkor Thom near the Royal Enclosure so plan them as part of that circuit.
• Approach them from the Royal Enclosure/Terrace of the Elephants side so you can see both the Khleangs and the nearby ceremonial terraces in one short walk-many visitors only stop at Bayon and miss these quieter monuments.
• Don't expect interior access-the Khleangs are large brick towers built as royal storehouses/terraces; focus on close-up examination of the masonry and the simple silhouette against the skyline, features that many rush past.