Temples just beyond the walls of Angkor Thom
Preah Khan is reached through the north gate of Angkor Thom, but it is not part of the walled city. The same goes for Neak Pean and Ta Som. Together with Preah Khan they sit on the Grand Circuit, the longer loop around the park. Banteay Kdei and the reservoir Srah Srang belong to the Small Circuit and lie south of Ta Prohm.
The Angkor Pass is the ticket for the temples in the park, these included. You can add them on a second or third day, once the gates, the Baphuon and the terraces are done. If you would like a driver or a guide to link them, compare our Angkor Thom tours by bike, tuk-tuk and guide.
Preah Khan
Jayavarman VII founded Preah Khan in 1191 on the site of a victory over the Cham and dedicated it to his father. Besides its religious role, the complex may also have served as a place of learning for monks and scholars. "University" is one possible reading rather than a settled description.
Plan time for walking: the site is a layout of halls and passages, not a single tower. Visitor routes are being developed at several temples in the park, so follow the signs and ask the staff at the entrance which paths are open.
The late-12th-century foundations around Angkor Thom all trace back to the same king. For the wider story, see our history of Jayavarman VII and Angkor Thom.
Our pick: a two-day tour with Preah Khan
The second day of this tour goes to Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som on the big circuit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Angkor temple tours including Preah Khan
Guided and private tours around Angkor Thom and the Grand Circuit, with live prices and availability.
Neak Pean
Neak Pean is an island shrine in the Jayatataka baray, the reservoir connected with Preah Khan. It is a Buddhist foundation of Jayavarman VII from the late 12th century, and its name refers to entwined nagas. A horse called Balaha appears in its imagery.
The pools around the shrine were linked to ritual cleansing and healing in the past. That belongs to the story of the place. It is not a reason to enter the water.
A second restoration phase on the western stairs is in preparation in 2026, so parts of the approach may be fenced off. Check the current state at the entrance rather than planning around a particular view.
Ta Som
Ta Som is a Mahayana Buddhist temple of the late 12th century, also built under Jayavarman VII, with face towers at its eastern and western entrances. Conservation work was ongoing in 2026. That does not mean the whole site is closed, only that some corners may be roped off on the day you visit.
Wear shoes with grip on the uneven stone.
Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang
Banteay Kdei lies south of Ta Prohm, across the road from Srah Srang. It dates from the end of the 12th century under Jayavarman VII, is Mahayana Buddhist and built in the Bayon style in sandstone and laterite. Look for its face gates and a hall with female dancing figures.
Srah Srang
Srah Srang is a reservoir on the opposite side of the road. A sandstone terrace with lions and naga balustrades stands on its west bank. Do not plan on swimming here. For the other temples of the Small Circuit and for a longer route, see the Angkor itinerary guide.
The five temples at a glance
Circuit, date and the main reason to go.
| Temple | Circuit | Dating | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preah Khan | Grand Circuit | 1191 | Foundation for the king's father, possible place of learning |
| Neak Pean | Grand Circuit | Late 12th century | Island shrine in a reservoir, entwined nagas |
| Ta Som | Grand Circuit | Late 12th century | Face towers at the east and west entrances |
| Banteay Kdei | Small Circuit | End of the 12th century | Face gates, hall with female dancing figures |
| Srah Srang | Small Circuit | – | Reservoir with a terrace of lions and nagas |
For most visitors, a Grand Circuit half day with Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som is the natural extension after Angkor Thom. Add Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang when you do the Small Circuit.
Practical tips for the outer temples
Hours, clothing and weather.
Hours
The park is open from 05:00 to 18:30. Individual temples can keep shorter hours, for example 07:30 to 17:30 at the Baphuon and the Bayon, so confirm at the entrance.
Clothing
Cover your shoulders and knees at all temples.
Rain and trees
In storms, do not shelter or park under large trees: branches fall. Stones get slippery when wet. More in our guide to the weather and the best time to visit.
Monkeys and paths
Do not feed or touch the monkeys. Stay on the marked paths in the temple grounds.
Where to sleep
All of these temples are a day trip from Siem Reap. See where to stay for Angkor Thom.
Preah Khan: frequently asked questions
Is Preah Khan inside Angkor Thom?
No. You reach it through the north gate of Angkor Thom, but it lies outside the walled city, like Neak Pean and Ta Som.
Which temples are on the Grand Circuit?
Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som are the ones covered on this page. Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang are listed with the Small Circuit.
Do I need a separate ticket for Preah Khan?
You need the Angkor Pass, which covers the temples in the park. In 2026 it costs $37 for 1 day, $62 for 3 days and $72 for 7 days. See our Angkor Pass page.
Who built Preah Khan?
Jayavarman VII, in 1191, on the site of a victory over the Cham. It was dedicated to his father.
Can I swim at Neak Pean or Srah Srang?
It is not a place to plan a swim. The water is part of the history of the temples, and the pools at Neak Pean were ritual features, so keep out of them.
What is Neak Pean?
An island shrine in the Jayatataka baray, the reservoir connected with Preah Khan. It is a Buddhist foundation of Jayavarman VII from the late 12th century.