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Prasat Preah Vihear: A Cliffside Sanctuary

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Explore Prasat Preah Vihear, a stunning Khmer temple atop the Dângrêk Mountains, offering breathtaking views and rich history.

Perched atop the Dângrêk Mountains, Prasat Preah Vihear is an ancient Khmer temple with breathtaking views of the Cambodian plains. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the Khmer Empire's architectural prowess.

A brief summary to Prasat Preah Vihear

  • ៦២, Krong Ban Lung, KH
  • Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Prasat Preah Vihear.

  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as Prasat Preah Vihear is a religious site.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as it can get hot and sunny.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the temple stairs.
  • The ticket counter closes at 4 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Getting There

  • Car

    From Siem Reap, the journey to Prasat Preah Vihear takes approximately 3-4 hours by car. Hire a private car or join a tour. The road is well-maintained. First, stop at the information center to purchase your entry ticket for $10 USD. From there, you'll need to arrange transport to the temple. A moto (motorcycle taxi) costs $5 USD, or hire a 4WD truck for $25 USD, which can carry up to six passengers.

  • Public Transport

    From Siem Reap, take a bus or minivan to Sra'aem, the nearest town to Prasat Preah Vihear. The bus ticket costs around $8 USD. From Sra'aem, hire a moto or taxi to the Prasat Preah Vihear ticket office, approximately 30 km away. Negotiate the fare beforehand. At the ticket office, purchase your entry ticket for $10 USD. Then, hire a moto for $5 USD or share a 4WD truck for $4 USD per person to ascend to the temple.

Discover more about Prasat Preah Vihear

Prasat Preah Vihear, also known as Prasat Preah Vihar, is a captivating Hindu temple complex located in northern Cambodia, near the Thai border. The temple sits dramatically on a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Cambodian lowlands. The name Preah Vihear translates to 'sacred sanctuary'. Construction of the temple began in the early 9th century under King Yasovarman I and continued for over 300 years, with contributions from several monarchs, including Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. Unlike most Khmer temples, which are oriented east-west, Prasat Preah Vihear follows a north-south axis, conforming to the land's natural contours. The temple complex features five gopuras (gates) adorned with intricate carvings and a 275-meter-long causeway. Prasat Preah Vihear has been a source of tension between Cambodia and Thailand for generations. The International Court of Justice ruled the temple to be in Cambodia in 1962, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Visitors can explore the temple's ruins, admire the Khmer architecture, and enjoy the stunning views.

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