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Preah Palilay

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Preah Palilay

Overview

Preah Palilay is a small Buddhist temple located in a wooded area within Angkor Thom, about 400 meters northwest of Phimeanakas. Travelers visit to see its sandstone tower and carvings framed by towering trees, away from the heavier tour traffic of the main complex.

Getting There

From central Siem Reap, the trip to Angkor Thom takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes by tuk-tuk, taxi, or bicycle. Once inside the walled city, take the walking path leading northwest through the forest north of the royal palace enclosure.

Time to Spend

Allow 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the structure, examine the remaining carvings, and take photos along the shaded trail.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and softer light filtering through the tree canopy. The temple rarely sees heavy crowds, offering a calm atmosphere even during busy travel periods. The dry season provides easy walking conditions, while the rainy season makes the surrounding forest greener.

What to Combine It With

Several significant monuments sit within short walking distance:

  • Phimeanakas (0km)
  • Baphuon (0.2km)
  • Terrace of the Elephants (0.3km)
  • Tep Pranam (0.4km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Preah Palilay

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Good to visit alongside

Phimeanakas

Heritage & monuments

Phimeanakas

A Hindu temple within the royal palace grounds of Angkor Thom, notable for its three-tiered pyramid tower. Located north of Baphuon, it pairs well with nearby stops on an Angkor exploration route.

0.0 km away
Baphuon

Temples & religious sites

Baphuon

An 11th-century temple within Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. This three-tiered temple mountain was dedicated to Shiva and built as the state temple under Udayadityavarman II.

0.2 km away
Terrace of the Elephants

Heritage & monuments

Terrace of the Elephants

This site forms part of Angkor Thom, the walled city within the Angkor Archaeological Park. It pairs well with a visit to Angkor Thom's other monuments.

0.3 km away
Tep Pranam

Temples & religious sites

Tep Pranam

Tep Pranam is a temple within the Angkor archaeological park, home to a large seated Buddha carved from sandstone. It remains an active place of worship, still visited by pilgrims today.

0.4 km away
Terrace of the Leper King

Heritage & monuments

Terrace of the Leper King

A site located at the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. It's a good stop to include when touring the Angkor temple complex.

0.4 km away
Khleangs

Heritage & monuments

Khleangs

Two buildings standing side by side, north to south, east of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom and behind the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat. Their exact purpose remains unknown, but they are said to have been built during different reigns.

0.5 km away