South Khleang
A tranquil, lesser-visited ruin in Angkor, offering rustic charm and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
South Khleang
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, lesser-visited ruin in Angkor, offering rustic charm and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
"A handsome ruin with rustic charm, well worth a visit if you want to escape the crowds."
🤫 Seek Solitude
Visit South Khleang to escape the crowds of major Angkor sites. You'll likely have it to yourself!
🧐 Admire the Details
Look closely at the weathered bas-reliefs and unique window colonnades for hidden artistry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twin Khleang Structures
East side of the Royal Square
Symmetrical twin buildings with a unique floor plan and beautiful, shapely colonnades.
Weathered Wooden Supports
Throughout the ruins
Rustic charm is added by weathered wooden supports holding up parts of the ancient structures.
Subtle Bas-Reliefs
Lintel stones
Observe weathered bas-reliefs, where some ancient details can still be discerned with careful viewing.
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Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds at South Khleang
Discover Hidden Architectural Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Seek Solitude
Visit South Khleang to escape the crowds of major Angkor sites. You'll likely have it to yourself!
🧐 Admire the Details
Look closely at the weathered bas-reliefs and unique window colonnades for hidden artistry.
🚶 Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily accessible, it's a great stop between larger temples like Bayon and Prasat Suor Prat.
📸 Rustic Photo Ops
The weathered wooden supports add a unique, rustic charm perfect for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek Solitude
Visit South Khleang to escape the crowds of major Angkor sites. You'll likely have it to yourself!
🧐 Admire the Details
Look closely at the weathered bas-reliefs and unique window colonnades for hidden artistry.
🚶 Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily accessible, it's a great stop between larger temples like Bayon and Prasat Suor Prat.
📸 Rustic Photo Ops
The weathered wooden supports add a unique, rustic charm perfect for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
South Khleang is praised for its tranquil atmosphere and rustic charm, offering a welcome escape from the crowds of more popular Angkor sites. Visitors appreciate its unique architectural features and the opportunity for quiet exploration. However, the site lacks modern amenities and accessibility, and its historical significance is less pronounced than major temples.
"One of the ruins that lies between much more heavily visited sites, but receives almost none of the traffic. It is a handsome ruin, parts held up by weathered wooden supports which give it a rustic charm. Easily accessible, but no handicapped accessibility provided.
The bas-reliefs in the lintel stones are heavily weathered, but some details can still be observed. It is well worth a visit if you want to escape the crowds which never seem to stray away from the larger temple sites.
This site is certainly of little interest as Google Maps even hid it from me when I selected the ruin to leave a review, (see the neighboring site directly left/west, oops, that's on me.)"
Micheal Linke
"The Khleangs are two buildings of unknown purpose on the east side of the Royal Square, located just behind the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat and separated by the royal route that leads from the Angkor Thom Royal Palace to the Victory Gate. Worth a look if you have some spare time."
John Winter
"A small beautiful ancient temple near the Bayon temple and next to Suor Proat Temples."
BUN Sopheaknith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
South Khleang is conveniently located on the east side of the Royal Square, near the Prasat Suor Prat temples and just behind the Royal Palace. It's easily accessible by tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap town. Many visitors combine a visit here with their exploration of the main Angkor Thom complex.
South Khleang is situated within the Angkor Archaeological Park, relatively close to the main Angkor Thom complex, including the Bayon temple. It's not a long journey from Angkor Wat itself, making it an easy addition to a day of temple hopping.
If you are already exploring the Angkor Thom area, walking to South Khleang is feasible. It's located near other significant ruins, so it can be incorporated into a walking tour of the immediate vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, South Khleang is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park. You will need a valid Angkor Pass to enter the park and visit South Khleang, just like any other temple within the complex.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, including South Khleang, is generally open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check the official park hours closer to your visit.
The entrance fee is for the entire Angkor Archaeological Park, not for individual temples. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or seven-day pass.
One of the main draws of South Khleang is its lack of crowds. Unlike the more famous temples, it receives very little tourist traffic, offering a peaceful experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
South Khleang consists of two symmetrical buildings with a unique floor plan and distinctive windows. You can admire the weathered wooden supports and look for subtle bas-reliefs on the lintel stones.
Absolutely! The rustic charm, weathered supports, and intricate architectural details make South Khleang a great spot for photography, especially if you're looking for unique shots away from the main tourist trails.
Restroom facilities are generally limited at the smaller, less-visited ruins like South Khleang. It's advisable to use facilities at larger nearby temples before or after your visit.
Unfortunately, South Khleang does not offer handicapped accessibility. The terrain can be uneven, and there are steps and rubble to navigate.
The exact purpose of the Khleangs remains unknown, adding to their mystique. They are believed to have served some function related to the Royal Square.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance of the Khleangs
While the precise function of the Khleangs is still debated among historians, their location on the east side of the Royal Square suggests a connection to royal ceremonies or administrative purposes. The subtle bas-reliefs found on the lintel stones, though heavily weathered, hint at decorative elements that would have once been more vibrant. Exploring South Khleang allows visitors to appreciate these finer details and imagine the site in its former glory, away from the bustling crowds of more prominent temples.
Experiencing South Khleang: A Tranquil Alternative
Many visitors discover South Khleang by chance while exploring the broader Angkor Thom area. Its proximity to the Prasat Suor Prat temples makes it an easy addition to any itinerary. The site's rustic charm, enhanced by the visible wooden supports, provides a unique photographic opportunity. It’s a place where you can appreciate the subtle beauty of ancient architecture and feel a deeper connection to the past, making it a worthwhile detour for those looking to escape the typical tourist trail.
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