Preah Palilay
Very little visited
Preah Palilay
Preah Palilay is believed to take its name from Parilyyaka, a forest that features in the stories of Buddha. This theory is supported by the range of Buddhist carvings at the site, including one of Buddha calming an enraged elephant and another depicting the offering of forest animals like monkeys, elephants and birds.
Chimney-like tower.
Thought to date back to the reign of Jayavarman VII, Preah Palilay remains a bit of a mystery. With its wealth of Buddhist iconography, it’s considered highly unusual that the site survived the period that followed the death of Jayavarman VII. Instigated by his Hindu successor, Jayavarman VIII, a programme of sanctioned vandalism saw the destruction of many Buddhist icons throughout Angkor, yet Preah Palilay remained largely untouched.
Trees taking over.
Surrounded by towering trees and nearly always devoid of other visitors, this is a pleasant spot to wander through either before or after Tep Pranam, which sits just a short walk away to the south. There is a Buddhist monastery only a few metres away from the site.
Location map for Preah Palilay
/103.8552,13.449,13/960x400.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJhdmVsZmlzaCIsImEiOiJSdGI5endFIn0.NFfNjYzAAn9OBSxs64ptJA)
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Angkor.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Check out our listings of other things to do in and around Angkor.
Read up on how to get to Angkor, or book your transport online with Camboticket.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Angkor? Please read this.
Browse tours in Cambodia with Tourradar.
Like what you see? Then you’ll love our newsletter
The Travelfish newsletter is sent out every Monday and is jammed full of free advice for travel in Southeast Asia. You can see past issues here.