Preah Vihear · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Preah Vihear: The Majestic Temple of the Cliffs

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Preah Vihear is a stunning temple located atop the Dângrêk Mountains in Cambodia. This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva and boasts intricate carvings and breathtaking views. The temple's remote location ensures that it is less crowded than other sites, offering a peaceful and reflective experience for visitors. The temple, which dates back to the 9th century, is an architectural marvel. Its design follows the natural contours of the mountain, creating a series of terraces that ascend to the sanctuary at the top. Each level features beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and stone sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Preah Vihear has been a site of historical significance and has seen various rulers and empires come and go. Its strategic location has made it a point of contention between Cambodia and Thailand, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your visit. The surrounding area is also rich in natural beauty, with lush forests and a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Krong Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Siem Reap

Ta Prohm Temple

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Siem Reap

Bayon Temple

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

រាជធានី​ភ្នំពេញ

Phnom Kulen National Park

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Siem Reap

Prasat Preah Khan

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Siem Reap

Phnom Bakheng

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Siem Reap

Pre Rup temple

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Siem Reap

Baphuon

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

Krong Ban Lung

Prasat Preah Vihear

Discover the ancient splendor of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched atop Cambodia’s Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, culture, and stunning vistas.

When is the best time to go to Preah Vihear?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsMar–Sep
Longest daylightFeb–Oct
Driest periodJan

Explore places in Preah Vihear

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Preah Vihear sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Prasat Beng Mealea

    Explore the unrestored ruins of Prasat Beng Mealea, a mysterious jungle temple from the Khmer Empire, offering a unique and adventurous experience.

    Prasat Beng Mealea

    Silver Pagoda

    Discover dazzling treasures and sacred history at Phnom Penh's Silver Pagoda, a glittering testament to Cambodian culture within the Royal Palace.

    Silver Pagoda

    Koh Ker Temple

    Discover Koh Ker, Cambodia's hidden pyramid temple: a unique Khmer capital lost in the jungle, offering a glimpse into a forgotten era.

    Koh Ker Temple

    Preah Nimit Waterfall

    Experience the raw beauty of Preah Nimit Waterfall, where the Mekong River crashes over the Cambodia-Laos border, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

    Preah Nimit Waterfall

    ភ្នំសន្ទុក Phnom Santuk

    Discover ancient temples, breathtaking views, and a sacred atmosphere at Phnom Santuk, Kampong Thom's most revered mountain.

    ភ្នំសន្ទុក Phnom Santuk

    Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay

    Discover the lost city of Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, the largest temple complex of the Angkorian era, offering a unique and peaceful experience.

    Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay

    Prasat Pram (Koh Ker)

    Discover Prasat Pram, Koh Ker's enchanting temple where ancient Khmer architecture intertwines with the raw beauty of the Cambodian jungle.

    Prasat Pram (Koh Ker)

    Preah Khan Kampong Svay East Entrance Causeway

    Explore the ancient Preah Khan Kampong Svay East Entrance Causeway, a hidden gem of Khmer architecture and history in the heart of Cambodia.

    Preah Khan Kampong Svay East Entrance Causeway

    Prasat Preah Vihear

    Explore Prasat Preah Vihear, a stunning Khmer temple atop the Dângrêk Mountains, offering history, architecture, and breathtaking views near the Thai border.

    Prasat Preah Vihear

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Phnom Tbaeng Restaurant

    Discover the authentic flavors of Cambodia at Phnom Tbaeng Restaurant, the perfect dining spot in Krong Preah Vihear for tourists seeking local cuisine.

    Phnom Tbaeng Restaurant

    Thnot Cafe & Bakery - ត្នោតកាហ្វេ

    Experience the perfect blend of artisanal coffee and homemade pastries at Thnot Cafe & Bakery, a must-visit destination in Krong Preah Vihear.

    Thnot Cafe & Bakery - ត្នោតកាហ្វេ

    Coconut Houseផ្ទះដូង

    Discover the authentic flavors of Cambodia at Coconut House, a must-visit restaurant in Krong Preah Vihear with a warm ambiance and friendly service.

    Coconut Houseផ្ទះដូង

    ជំនោរធម្មជាតិ99

    Savor the authentic tastes of Cambodia at ជំនោរធម្មជាតិ99, a culinary gem in Krong Preah Vihear, offering traditional dishes in a warm atmosphere.

    ជំនោរធម្មជាតិ99

    Restaurant Preah Vihear Derm Mean

    Experience the rich flavors of Cambodia at Restaurant Preah Vihear Derm Mean, a culinary gem in Krong Preah Vihear offering authentic local dishes.

    Restaurant Preah Vihear Derm Mean

    ហាងបាយ បុត្រាមង្គល

    Savor the authentic flavors of Cambodia at ហាងបាយ បុត្រាមង្គល, Krong Preah Vihear's go-to destination for traditional Khmer cuisine.

    ហាងបាយ បុត្រាមង្គល

    Chey Sovannary Restaurant

    Discover the heart of Cambodian cuisine at Chey Sovannary Restaurant, where authentic flavors and warm hospitality await.

    Chey Sovannary Restaurant

    Amazon Pub

    Experience the lively essence of Krong Preah Vihear at Amazon Pub, where local flavors and vibrant ambiance create unforgettable moments.

    Amazon Pub

    អាហារដ្ឋាន អរុណរះ

    Experience the essence of Cambodian café culture at អាហារដ្ឋាន អរុណរះ, where local flavors and a cozy atmosphere await you.

    អាហារដ្ឋាន អរុណរះ
    File:Equinox at Angkor 21st March 2012.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
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    More about Cambodia

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    Explore Preah Vihear in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Preah-vihear.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Koh Ker temple(2007).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Bengmealea.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Überreste des zentralen Heiligtums.JPG - Wikipedia
    File:PhnomKulen.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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