Preah Pithu Temple

Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia

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

Hours: Daily 5:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Angkor Archaeological Park pass required: 1‑day US$37; 3‑day US$62; 7‑day US$72 (foreign adult rates).

The Preah Pithu Group is a cluster of five ancient temples inside Angkor Thom, set on shady grounds and among the least visited monuments there despite their convenient location behind the restaurant stalls opposite the Terrace of the Leper King. The five are identified simply by the letters T, U, V, W and X. All but Temple X were built to honour Hindu gods, particularly Vishnu, while Temple X was dedicated to the Buddha and carries bas-relief Buddha images on its interior walls.

Just west of Temple X, a moat surrounds temples T and U, which may indicate they were built together. Temple T has a sandstone enclosure, two gopura, a three-level sanctuary and a chamber with a pedestal-mounted linga, its walls decorated with Bayon-style floral motifs and a scene of the Churning of the Sea of Milk; blind arches typical of the Angkor Wat period further complicate its dating. Temple U, smaller and more ruined, has a western lintel showing Brahma and Vishnu alongside a ten-armed dancing Shiva. All the temples face east, and a pair of small elephant statues marks the start of one causeway at the westernmost end of the group, which remains peaceful and far less crowded than most Angkor sites.

Preah Pithu is located within the Angkor Archaeological Park near Angkor Wat/Angkor Thom. From Siem Reap the site is reached via the park’s loop road (National Road/park access roads) and is typically visited by tuk‑tuk - expect a 15-25 minute ride from Siem Reap town (around 6-7 km) or a longer bicycle ride. There is a short walk from the roadside parking to the temple group; entry requires an Angkor Archaeological Park pass.

• Preah Pithu is a compact, often overlooked cluster in the Angkor Park-slot it between visits to the major monuments (Angkor Wat/Bayon) or go mid‑afternoon when tour buses typically skip it.
• Spend a focused 30-45 minutes to inspect lintels, small chambers and carved details that many visitors miss; its size makes it easy to explore thoroughly without a long detour.
• Head for the shaded central enclosures in the late afternoon for quieter photo opportunities and softer light when crowds thin.