Preah Pithu
Temples T, U, V, X and Y, ruins of Ancient Angkor Thom
The sight is located within Angkor. To prepare for your visit, read the AsiaExplorers Angkor Travel Guide for useful information. Visitors to Angkor stay at the town of Siem Reap. If you are looking for budget accommodation in Siem Reap, use the Cambodia Budget Accommodation Guide to find a place to stay.
13th Century
by Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-circa 1150) and Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1220)
Preah Pithu is a temple complex comprising Temples T, U, V, X and Y located on the right side of the road facing the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King in Angkor Thom. It is not one, but five different ruins that are lumped together and called Preah Pithu, although, in all probability, they were not even designed together, but by different people at different times.
One of the many temples of Preah Pithu
To differentiate the five ruins, archaeologists call them Temple T, Temple U, Temple V, Temple X and Temple Y. Of these, Temple X is Buddhist while the rest are Hindu. These temples are off the beaten path, and are not usually visited in normal itineraries, but they're worth if you have the time. It is a good place to stopover for a picnic away from the usual crowds.
I explored Preah Pithu on a hot afternoon in February. While Chooi Yoke took a rest under the shade, I covered the ruins east of the the Royal Square. From North Khleang, I explored Temple T followed by Temple U, Temple X, then cross over to Temple Y at the north, and finally Temple V, with its grand causeway.
Two of the temples in Preah Pithu are probably built together. Interestingly, they face west, just like Angkor Wat. The temple closest to the Terrace of the Elephants is Temple T, and behind it Temple U. Both are surrounded by the same moat. East of Temple U, and slightly northwards, is Temple X, also surrounded by a moat. North of Temple U is Temple V, without a moat. To the west of Temple V is a causeway which is about 70 meters long. And finally, about 30 meters north of Temple V is Temple Y.
How to go to Preah Pithu
Preah Pithu is located across the road to the east of the Terrace of the Leper King in Angkor Thom. It is one of the less significant ruins, so you may want to leave it out if you are pressed for time.
If you are travelling on a packaged tour, then there is great likelihood that Preah Pithu will not be included. However, if you are travelling independently, then your best option is to hire a tuk tuk. Ask him to wait for you at the food stalls opposite the Baphuon and from there you go and explore the sites. From there, you will see the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat on your right, and the Terrace of the Elephants on your left. Walk north, following the main road parallel with the Terrace of the Elephants until you reach the Terrace of the Leper King. Then you will see the cluster of ruins under tall trees on your right. These are Preah Pithu. If you need tuk tuk, you may contact my tuk tuk driver, Mr Han (see contact below) to see if he is available to take you.
Temple U, Preah Pithu.
Gopura Temple U.
Gopura Temple U.
Temple T, Preah Pithu.
Temple T, Preah Pithu.
Temple X, Preah Pithu.
Temple Y, Preah Pithu.
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