Preah Khan and the Grand Circuit Reservoir Temples

Why go

This circuit suits a visitor returning to Angkor for a quieter architectural day after the central temples. A driver follows the established Grand Circuit between Preah Khan, the long reservoir approach to Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. The progression changes from large Buddhist galleries and water symbolism to earlier brick temple forms. All five stops are worthwhile, but the shorter middle visits keep the day from becoming a race. Plan a morning start, bring water for the exposed causeway and steps, and shorten individual visits if heat or rain makes the stone paths uncomfortable.

The route, stop by stop

World itinerary estimate: 209–390 min

1. 01

   Main stop · 63–90 min

   Preah Khan

   Preah Khan is a large, wooded temple with long axial passages. It suits visitors who want to wander through Angkorian architecture at a slower pace.

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2. Walk · 43 min · Estimated

   02

   Main stop · 31–45 min

   Neak Pean

   A raised walkway leads across water to Neak Pean's island sanctuary. The short visit adds Angkor's water system to a temple day.

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3. Walk · 35 min · Estimated

   03

   Main stop · 31–45 min

   Ta Som

   Ta Som is a compact temple on Angkor's grand circuit. Its tree-framed eastern gate gives the visit a clear visual destination.

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4. Walk · 38 min · Estimated

   04

   Main stop · 42–60 min

   East Mebon

   East Mebon stands on what was once an island in a large Angkorian reservoir. Its stone elephants and raised terraces make the vanished water system easier to imagine.

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5. Walk · 22 min · Estimated

   05

   Main stop · 42–60 min

   Pre Rup

   Pre Rup is a tall brick-and-laterite temple with open stairways. Its elevated terraces make the building's stepped plan easy to read.

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