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Prasat Preah Vihear: A Cliffside Sanctuary

Explore Prasat Preah Vihear, a stunning mountaintop Khmer temple with breathtaking views and rich history, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Perched atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, Prasat Preah Vihear is an ancient Khmer temple with breathtaking views. Built over several centuries and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Prasat Preah Vihear

  • ៦២, KH

Local tips

  • Bring your passport, as it's required to purchase an entry ticket.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking and climbing around the temple complex.
  • Visit during the dry season (November to March) for the best weather.
  • Purchase water and snacks before ascending to the temple, as options are limited at the top.
  • Be aware of the strong sun and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Getting There

  • Car/Taxi

    From Siem Reap, the journey to Prasat Preah Vihear is approximately 3 hours by car. Hire a taxi or private car for a direct route to the temple entrance. The cost for a private car can range from $100 to $200. Alternatively, some tours from Siem Reap include transportation to Preah Vihear, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea for around $150.

  • Public Transport & Moto/4WD

    From Siem Reap, take a bus or van to Sra'em. From Sra'em, hire a mototaxi to the Preah Vihear ticket office. The mototaxi ride costs around $15 per person. At the ticket office, purchase your entry ticket for $10. From there, hire a moto for $5 or a 4WD pickup truck for $25 (for up to six passengers) to ascend the steep final section to the temple.

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Discover more about Prasat Preah Vihear

Prasat Preah Vihear, meaning 'sacred sanctuary', is a Khmer temple complex crowning a high cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, near the border with Thailand. Its location offers commanding views of the Cambodian plains. The temple's construction began in the 9th century under King Yasovarman I and continued through the 12th century under Suryavarman II. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology. The temple complex is laid out along a north-south axis, unusual for Khmer temples, which typically follow an east-west orientation. It features five gopuras (pavilions) adorned with intricate carvings, connected by esplanades. The Monumental Stairway leads to the Thai border from the northern end of the complex. The temple has been a source of tension between Thailand and Cambodia, with disputes over its ownership. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple is in Cambodia. Visitors can explore the temple's courtyards and galleries, admire the sculptures and bas-reliefs, and soak in the mystical atmosphere. From the cliff, you can see the northern plains of Cambodia and Phnom Kulen mountain.

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