Main image

Saxula CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Archaeological Site

A large Khmer temple complex in Preah Vihear province, east of Angkor; visitors explore extensive ruins, laterite galleries and remote stone architecture rarely crowded by tourists.

Preah Khan Kompong Svay Siem ReapAngkorPhnom PenhBattambangKampotSihanoukvilleKoh RongPreah Khan Kompong Svay
In this guide

Preah Khan Kompong Svay essentials

Address: Preah Khan Kompong Svay, Preah Vihear/Kampong Thom provinces, Cambodia
Website: tourismcambodia.org
Hours: Angkor park hours typically 5:00am-6:00pm for most temples; remote sites may have variable access-confirm locally
Admission: Entrance fees may apply at Angkor Archaeological Park; individual temple visits are usually included with multi‑day Angkor passes (see official Angkor pass pricing)
GoogleAppleOSM

About Preah Khan Kompong Svay

A major Khmer temple complex known as Preah Khan Kompong Svay located in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. The site dates to the Angkorian period and is one of the largest single temple complexes associated with that civilization.

Constructed and developed during the Angkorian period from roughly the 12th century onward, the complex served both religious and administrative roles within the Khmer state and underwent expansions and repairs over subsequent centuries. Over time the settlement declined and the ruins became overgrown until modern archaeological interest and conservation efforts began documenting the site.

Situated in northeastern Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province, roughly east of the Angkor region; the complex lies in a rural landscape and is reached by long road journeys from Siem Reap or nearby provincial centers.

  • Access and remoteness: Remote location and rough access mean the site is far less visited than Angkor Wat; travel typically requires a long drive from Siem Reap and some sections are best reached with a 4x4 vehicle.
  • Scale and visit time: The complex covers many hectares with large enclosures and dispersed ruins, so visits often take several hours to move between principal structures.

What to See#

  • Main temple enclosures: A large outer enclosure and inner sanctuary remain among the site’s primary features, showing laterite and sandstone construction and expansive grounds used for temples and supporting structures.
  • Baray and waterworks: A substantial baray (water reservoir) and landscape engineering are visible, reflecting the site’s role in water management and ritual practice during the Angkorian period.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Cool dry season (Nov-Feb) is best for comfort; wet season can make remote access difficult but reduces crowds.

Cool dry season
Nov-Feb · 20-30°C
Most comfortable temperatures and clearer skies-peak season for Angkor visits.
Hot season
Mar-May · 25-36°C
High temperatures and dust; mornings are best for exploring before heat peaks.
Wet season
Jun-Oct · 24-30°C
Lush landscapes and fewer tourists; roads may be slippery and some areas inaccessible.

Weather & Climate near Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Climate

Preah Khan Kompong Svay's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 18°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1461 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 74 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 18° - 31° 25° 1 mm some cloud 58% 1.6 m/s 1.8 very high 11.3h
February Ideal 21° - 33° 28° 7 mm some cloud 52% 1.6 m/s 1.9 very high 11.6h
March Very Good 24° - 34° 30° 31 mm partly cloudy 53% 1.7 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 25° - 35° 33° 68 mm partly cloudy 61% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 25° - 33° 33° 155 mm overcast 73% 1.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.6h
June Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 196 mm overcast 81% 1.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.8h
July Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 209 mm overcast 85% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.7h
August Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 232 mm overcast 87% 1.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
September Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 322 mm overcast 88% 1.3 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
October Good 23° - 31° 27° 178 mm overcast 84% 1.4 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
November Excellent 21° - 30° 26° 52 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.9 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
December Ideal 19° - 30° 24° 10 mm some cloud 67% 1.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Preah Khan Kompong Svay

The complex lies well east of Siem Reap and is most often reached by 4x4 or guided tour with significant travel time (several hours from Siem Reap). Road conditions vary with season; arrange transport through reputable tour operators or local guides.

Tips for Visiting Preah Khan Kompong Svay

  • Preah Khan Kompong Svay (Koh Ker/Prasat Preah Khan area) is remote-allocate a full day and use a 4x4 or guided tour.
  • Bring mosquito repellent and sun protection; shade is limited in parts of the temple complex.
  • Visit in the late afternoon for softer light on the laterite and sandstone, but allow time-roads can be slow.