Temple of Preah Vihear
Cambodia ·
Description
Perched on a 525 m cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, Preah Vihear is a 9th-11th century Khmer temple dedicated to Shiva, reached via a processional axis of courtyards, gopuras and staircases stretching 800 m. Unlike the temples at Angkor, it was built on a linear plan to take advantage of its extraordinary setting. A long border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand was only definitively settled in 2013 by the International Court of Justice.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
UNESCO recognized Preah Vihear as a masterpiece of Khmer architecture in terms of plan, decoration, and its exceptional integration with a spectacular natural landscape.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
From Siem Reap, a 4-hour drive via Anlong Veng. The final ascent requires a 4x4 or motorbike.
Yes, the Cambodia-Thailand border area has been calm since 2013, though access is only from the Cambodian side.
Smaller but with an incomparable cliff-edge setting. Less crowded than Angkor.
Dry season (November to March). Avoid rainy season as the road becomes difficult.
Yes, both remote Khmer sites pair well on a 2-day excursion from Siem Reap.