Perched atop the dramatic Pey Tadi cliff within the Dangrek Mountain range, Preah Vihear embraces the natural frontier between Cambodge and Thailand. This Hindu temple stands in Preah Vihear Province in northern Cambodge, approximately 135 km northeast of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap and 95 km from Si Saket, a Thai city. It ranks among Cambodge's most remarkable religious monuments.

History

Constructed in the 11th century under the reign of Yasovarman I, Preah Vihear was once called Sri Sikharisvara, meaning "Glorious Lord of the Mountain." The temple was dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu deity. For over 800 years, it served the ancient kings of Angkor.

Following Hinduism's decline in the region, the temple transformed into a Buddhist monument, evident in certain Buddhist decorative elements. Today, Buddhist monks still visit this sacred site regularly.

Due to its location, Preah Vihear has been at the heart of Cambodge-Thailand tensions since the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1904, both nations signed a treaty granting Cambodge occupancy rights. However, the Thai government challenged the treaty and seized the site. In response, Cambodian people organized a major demonstration in 1959. To resolve the dispute, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled in 1960, definitively confirming the temple's ownership by Cambodge.

Preah Vihear Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008. The site officially opened to the public in late 2015.

Visiting Preah Vihear Temple

Spanning 4.6 square kilometers, Preah Vihear is a vast complex comprising a series of sanctuaries. It features exactly five gopuras and a principal sanctuary. Each structure connects to the next through an 800-meter road system running north to south.

Preah Vihear boasts remarkable architecture, distinctly different from classical Khmer style. Regarded as a true architectural treasure for the Cambodian people, the temple has become one of Cambodge's best-preserved ruins. Its surviving structures remain largely intact, with sculptures and carvings beautifully preserved. This majestic complex follows a long north-south axis—an unusual arrangement compared to Angkor's mountain temples, which typically face east and follow rectangular layouts.

The Gopuras

Preah Vihear features five successive gopuras. Unlike similar structures elsewhere, these gopuras are connected by a lengthy causeway and crowned with tiered platforms. Each gopura has a small staircase. Some feature stone roofs while others are topped with wooden roofs, many now in ruins. Though constructed of stone, gopura number five's roof has also collapsed.

Gopuras 1 and 2

For trekkers, the adventure begins at the first gopura. After climbing 162 steep stone steps, visitors reach a small staircase adorned with naga sculptures and a solitary pavilion marked by a Cambodian flag. From here, the path continues to the second gopura, situated at the base of a gentle 500-meter slope. Beyond lies another small pavilion and a grand baray—a water reservoir—standing majestically.

Gopura 3

The third gopura serves as the principal gateway to the temple's first courtyard. Here, visitors encounter more recent relics marking Thai military presence, including a rusted artillery gun and several bunkers.

Gopuras 4 and 5

Among all these gateways, gopura 4 stands out as the most essential. This portal leads directly to the temple's second courtyard. Across the courtyard rises gopura 5. Designed in Koh Ker architectural style, this final gopura now lies in ruins, though traces of the red paint that once adorned it remain visible.

At the base of the Dangrek range and along the path to the temple, visitors discover huts blending Thai and Cambodian architectural styles. Among these dwellings are small shops selling t-shirts and postcards, as well as beverage and local food stalls—an excellent opportunity to connect with the region's people.

Long administered by Thailand, the temple still bears remnants of Thai military occupation, with bunkers and scaffolding dotting the landscape. These features testify to the century-long territorial conflict between the two nations.

Natural Landscape

Preah Vihear reigns at more than 547 meters elevation, crowning the Dangrek cliffside. It dominates the region's plains, with its ruins harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding natural landscape. The final gopura, positioned at the cliff's edge, offers the temple's finest vantage point for admiring these panoramic views. It commands spectacular perspectives of the mountain range separating Thailand, Laos, and Cambodge.

To reach Preah Vihear, it's most convenient to head to Sra'em, located just 40 km south of the site. This is Cambodge's nearest town. Daily buses connect Phnom Penh via Kompong Thom to this town. From there, you can hire a mototaxi to the temple for approximately 15 USD. Generally, no public transportation serves the site directly, making mototaxi your only practical option.

Hours and Admission

Entrance fees for this temple are 12 USD.