I’ve revisited Preah Khan Kampong Svay recently doing research for a multi day photography workshop. It’s a magical place. Historically this place has been difficult to get to. Over time the dirt roads have improved. Now, roads are mostly sealed. This development may open up the sight to tourism. Still, it takes an effort to get here, bt adds a great stop form Preah Viher to Sambour Prei Kuk, or even on rout to Siem Reap. Here a some notes from a previous trip in 2017, where we were able to camp at the temple entrance.
- Access to the Temple.
For the adventurous biker, try the old route 66 heading east from Beang Melea. This route is an one of the ancient Khmer highways with many over grown temples on route. Not recommended for unskilled biker, car or during wet season.
The road from Stoung is all good other than the last 18km. This last section is a flat good dirt road. We were pleasantly surprised to see a sealed section into Ta Seng, the village next to Prea Khan temple.
Exiting, the Northern route is all sealed. The road from Ta Sang to Sangkum Thmi village is new and sealed. The final section from Sangkum Thmi to R62 is sealed but has pot holes, which were not terrible at the time of our journey.
I’ve accidentally travelled the southern route in 2022. This was a mistake, 2 hour to cover 40km on a dirt bike. Things may have improved.
- Accommodation
There is only a basic guesthouse with shared sleeping quarters. A second homestay has appeared which looked unuded, but we could not find the owners. No doubt, when the roads are good, tourists will start to visit and things will improve. However, the remoteness and lack of facilities gives it charm.
- Resturants.
There are one or two. We ate at Preah Khan restaurant, it’s very Khmer. Our breakfast omelette with bread was huge. Do not expect any western delights.
- Photography
As with all temples, indeed most landscape photography, the best time is early or late in the day. The location does not help, due to limited facilities, with good accommodation some distance away. So it’s either going Khmer style, with the local home stays or a long ride home for those early or late opportunities.
If you are up for the for the early or late challenge, this remote temple has lots to offer. It’s lack of walk ways and roped off areas is great for us photographers and explorers. Exploring during mid day is still ok, but not those low light opportunities.
