The Preah Vihear Temple - Guide Cambodia - Seripheap

The Preah Vihear Temple

Perched atop the steep cliffs of Pey Tadi in the Dangrek mountain range, Preah Vihear overlooks the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand. This Hindu temple is located in the Preah Vihear Province, in the northern part of Cambodia, approximately 135 kilometers northeast of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and 95 kilometers from Si Saket, a town in Thailand. It is considered one of the most impressive religious monuments in Cambodia.

History

Built around the 11th century during the reign of Yasovarman I, the Preah Vihear temple was originally known as Sri Sikharisvara, meaning "Glorious Lord of the Mountain." The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and was used by the ancient kings of Angkor for over 800 years.

After the decline of Hinduism in the region, the temple gradually transformed into a Buddhist monument, which is why it features some Buddhist decorations. To this day, the site continues to attract visits from Buddhist monks.

Due to its location, the Preah Vihear temple has been at the heart of the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand since the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1904, both countries signed a treaty granting Cambodia the right to occupy the temple. However, the Thai government contested the treaty and took control of the site. This led to a public protest by Cambodians in 1959. To resolve the issue, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled in 1960, affirming Cambodia's ownership of the temple.

In July 2008, Preah Vihear was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple officially opened to the public at the end of 2015.

Visiting the Preah Vihear Temple

Spanning a vast area of 4.6 km², the Preah Vihear temple complex consists of a series of sanctuaries. There are exactly five gopuras (entrance gates) and one main sanctuary. Each structure is connected by an 800-meter-long pathway that runs from north to south.

The Preah Vihear temple boasts remarkable architecture that differs significantly from the classical Khmer style. Considered an architectural treasure by the Cambodian people, the temple remains one of the best-preserved ruins in Cambodia. The structures still standing are intact, and the sculptures and carvings are well-preserved. The complex is majestically constructed along a long north-south axis, an unusual layout compared to the mountain temples of Angkor, which typically face east and are arranged in a rectangular plan.

The Gopuras

The Preah Vihear temple features more than five successive gopuras. Unlike other structures of this kind, the gopuras here are connected by a long path and topped with multi-tiered platforms. Each gopura has a small staircase. Some of these gopuras have stone roofs, while others have wooden roofs, many of which are in ruins. Although made of stone, the roof of gopura number five has also collapsed.

Gopuras 1 and 2

For hikers, the journey begins at the first gopura. After ascending 162 steep stone steps, visitors reach a small staircase adorned with a naga sculpture and a solitary pavilion marked with a Cambodian flag. From there, they can continue to the second gopura, which is located at the bottom of a gentle 500-meter-long slope. Along the way, another small pavilion and a large "boray" (water cistern) await them majestically.

Gopura 3

Gopura 3 serves as the main entrance to the first courtyard of the temple. Here, visitors will see more modern relics marking the presence of the Thai army, including a rusty artillery pistol and some bunkers.

Gopuras 4 and 5

Among all the gates, gopura 4 is the most significant. This gate leads directly to the second courtyard of the temple. On the other side of the courtyard, gopura 5 can be seen. Designed in the Koh Ker architectural style, this gopura is now in ruins, though traces of the red paint that once adorned it remain.

At the foot of the Dangrek mountain range, along the path leading to the temple, one can observe huts with a mix of Thai and Cambodian styles. Among these huts, there are a few shops selling t-shirts and postcards, as well as stalls offering drinks and typical regional dishes. This provides a great opportunity to interact with the local people.

Having been under Thai administration for a long time, the temple still bears the remnants of the Thai military presence. The site is covered with military bunkers and scaffolding, reflecting over a century of conflict between the two nations.

Natural Landscape

The Preah Vihear temple sits at an altitude of over 547 meters, atop a cliff in the Dangrek mountain range, offering a commanding view of the surrounding plains. The temple’s ruins perfectly blend with the natural landscape that surrounds it. The final gopura, located at the edge of the cliff, offers the best vantage point for admiring the stunning natural scenery, providing a magnificent view of the mountain range that separates Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

How to get there

To reach the Preah Vihear site, it is most convenient to travel to Sra’em, located just 40 kilometers south of the site. This is the nearest Cambodian town. Buses from Phnom Penh via Kompong Thom run daily to this town, and from there, you can take a mototaxi to the temple. The cost of the ride is around 15 USD. Generally, there are no public transportation options to the temple, making the mototaxi the only practical way to get there.

Hours and fees

The entry fee for the temple is 12 USD.

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