Preah Palilay is a small Buddhist temple located 400 metres northwest of Baphûon and Phimeanakas, within the royal enclosure of Angkor Thom. Discreet and away from the main tourist routes, it stands out for its fig trees (Tetrameles nudiflora) that wind through its foundations: regularly trimmed to preserve the monument, they regrow with each season. The eastern gateway has retained its full set of pediments with Buddhist influence, making it a rare example at Angkor.

Why visit Preah Palilay

The site offers three main points of interest for Angkor enthusiasts:

• Preserved Buddhist iconography: the eastern gateway brings together scenes depicting the Buddha, often accompanied by elephants, remarkably well preserved compared to other temples in the royal complex.
• A cruciform terrace adorned with naga balustrades, among the best preserved in all of Angkor.
• A forest setting away from tourist crowds, ideal for understanding how the jungle engages with Khmer architecture.

History and dating

The precise dating of Preah Palilay remains debated. Iconographic evidence suggests it was built in the 13th century, in a period following the reign of Jayavarman VII (1181–circa 1218), who had made Mahayana Buddhism the state religion. Under his successor Jayavarman VIII, a Hindu reaction resulted in the defacement of many Buddhist images throughout Angkor.

A notable particularity: Preah Palilay appears to have largely escaped these destructions. Several specialists consider it one of the last temples built at Angkor, though this hypothesis remains contested. A more recent Buddha statue, added long after the original construction, stands at the entrance and testifies to the persistence of worship at this location.

What to see on site

The architecture divides into five distinct sections that are discovered by following the temple's east-west axis.

The cruciform terrace and its nagas

As you approach the sanctuary, you pass along a cruciform terrace bordered by balustrades sculpted as serpent nagas. Their state of preservation makes them a reference example for observing this emblematic motif of Khmer art.

The dvarapalas and Buddha statue

Two dvarapalas, traditional sculpted guardians of Khmer temples, frame the entrance. They precede the more recent Buddha statue installed along the path.

The eastern gateway and its pediments

This is the major element of the site. The eastern gateway has retained the entirety of its sculpted Buddhist decoration, which is exceptional at Angkor where most Buddha representations were defaced in the 13th century. You will see the Buddha in various poses, frequently accompanied by elephants.

The sanctuary

After passing through the eastern gateway, you reach the central sanctuary, modest in dimensions but consistent with the temple's overall aesthetic.

Practical information

• Admission: Preah Palilay is included in the Angkor Pass, required to visit the entire archaeological site.
• Duration of visit: allow 20 to 40 minutes on site, depending on your interest in the sculpted iconography.
• Crowds: very light, as the temple lies away from the "small circuit."
• Dress code: shoulders and knees covered, as for all Angkor temples.

When to visit

The dry season, from November to March, remains the most comfortable period for exploring Angkor: pleasant temperatures and accessible pathways. April and May are hot but lightly visited. The rainy season (June to October) offers lush vegetation around the temple's fig trees, with showers typically brief in late afternoon. In the morning, oblique light showcases the pediments of the eastern gateway.

Nearby attractions

Preah Palilay fits easily into a half-day dedicated to Angkor Thom's royal enclosure and neighbouring temples:

• Baphûon: a monumental 11th-century pyramid-temple, just a short walk away.
• Angkor Thom: the royal city, of which Preah Palilay is an integral part, including the Bayon and the Terrace of Elephants.
• Angkor Wat: the great mountain-temple, approximately 2 km to the south.
• Pre Rup and Banteay Samre: to combine on Angkor's "grand circuit."

How to get there

Preah Palilay is located within the Angkor Thom enclosure, northwest of the Royal Palace. From Angkor Thom's south gate, allow approximately 10 minutes by tuk-tuk. The temple is accessible on foot from Phimeanakas and the Leper King's Terrace. Most visitors reach it by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or as part of an organized tour from Siem Reap (8–10 km to the south).

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

To incorporate Preah Palilay and all of Angkor's temples into a tailor-made itinerary, explore our trips to Cambodge designed with our English-speaking local teams.