Preah Vihear Temple

Historical landmark · Choam Khsant

Preah Vihear Temple

Historical landmark · Choam Khsant

9MRJ+746 On top of Preah Vihear mountain Dangrek mountain range, Cambodia

Highlights

11 CE Hindu temple atop cliff, UNESCO site, Khmer architecture

9MRJ+746 On top of Preah Vihear mountain Dangrek mountain range, Cambodia Get directions

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@atlasobscura

10 Unusual Border Feuds Around the World

"Sitting majestically atop a perilous cliff among the Dângrêk Mountains, the Preah Vihear Temple is a gem of Cambodian temple architecture, although for a long time, many fought for this jewel to belong in Thailand’s crown. A temple has existed on the site since the 9th century, but the elaborately detailed complex found here today dates back to around the 11th century. It was built by the Suryavarman kings who were replicating the glorious intent of the nearby temples at Angkor. While the temple buildings at Preah Vihear are not as glorious as those at Angkor, they were meant to represent the same holy pinnacle. The whole complex is set up in a long horizontal line along the edge of the cliff, comprised of multiple structures, each impressive in their own right. As the Dângrêk Mountains have borders belonging to both Cambodia and Thailand, the site’s ownership became an issue between the two countries when the temple was rediscovered in the early 20th century. Both sides wanted to own the ancient site and its rich trove of artifacts, and the dispute even went to The Hague. In 1962, the matter was finally settled when the international court decided that the temple belonged to Cambodia, a ruling that stands today." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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View Postcard for Temple of Preah Vihear

Shuge Wu

Google

Beside all of the best thing that Temple has what I’ve noticed it was that the stuff there was so nice. I’ve been too many temples, but this one got the best hospitality. For local, it’s free and for tourists I think it’s $1.25 for the ticket. For the road to the top, there’s two short steep road (45°) which kind of scary. And you got choices between riding on your own or taking the car or motor service for $2.5 per person.

viasna phon

Google

🌄 Preah Vihear Temple – My Solo Journey on Two Wheels I’ve had the privilege of visiting Preah Vihear Temple twice, and each time was unforgettable. This ancient mountaintop sanctuary, perched high along the Cambodia–Thailand border, is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site — it’s a place of mystery, silence, and raw spiritual energy. On my last trip, I rode solo on my motorbike through winding mountain roads, arriving just before sunset. I was allowed to sleep overnight near the temple, right beside a police gate — a rare and humbling experience. The officers were kind and respectful, making me feel safe as a lone traveler. What made the trip even more surreal was when I decided to walk around the temple at 11PM, under the moonlight. The silence of the night, the cool mountain air, and the ancient stones bathed in soft shadows gave me chills. It felt like stepping back in time — just me, the wind, and the spirit of the mountain. Preah Vihear is not just a destination. It’s a spiritual pilgrimage, especially for those who go alone. If you're a motorbike traveler, a history lover, or a soul seeker — this temple, and the road to it, will change you.

guru pawan

Google

Even though this a 3 hour one way drive from Angkor it's worth all the time leave early so you don't end up in a very hot sun and take refilled water bottles to hydrate. You need to buy tickets at the base of the mountain it's quite cheap along with a open drive car. It's very historical also you would have a view of Thailand from the tip of the mountain. Cold winds sometimes cool you down as u walk towards the great temple. There is almost zero waiting time and very less people visit this place. Wash r rinse your legs and hands in the perfect cold water in the man made pond it's perfect for a lovely hot day as u enter the temple.

PAUL RATHA YEM

Google

The most iconic ancient temples of Cambodia. Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

K Szys

Google

Absolutely magical And sole reason I did a 1200km 3 days long motorcycle escapade from Phnom Penh Access is $ 15 and you can ride your own moto to the top. Ticket office is 7km down the mountain and you need to stop there to buy a ticket otherwise you can't pass the gate into the park. Final top parking is 100m away from the lowest set of ceremonial stairs. Parking offers a good selection of food stalls and resistants. The temple is about 800m long and you will.larer need to walk back more less the same distance. The final point of the temple is spectacular cliff view down south ovelokking Cambodian planes. East and west you are able to see a long row of similar cliff mountains one after another. A lot of military presence as literally 100m north is a border. Actually google maps shows that parking is on the Thai side but it must be a glitch. You do see some Thai houses maybe 250m away and some towns behind the mountain.

Kenvos Biology

Google

Preah Vihear Temple is an ancient masterpiece perched on a mountaintop, offering breathtaking views and stunning Khmer architecture. Built to honor the Hindu god Shiva, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural pride and history. A true gem in the sky! 🌄🛕✨

Bram Wouters

Google

Preah Vihear temple is a tranquil place, which stands in the vicinity of the borderline between Thailand and Cambodia. Besides its complex history, the site is exceptional for the quality of its Khmer architecture, in terms of carved stone ornamentation and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment. The view from this place over the endless natural treasure of Preah Vihear province is absolutely breathtaking, with acres of dense, hilly forests and scrub green vegetation.

Raksmey Kong

Google

I really enjoy on the mountain with my best friend and we can see was clouds in the evening & morning. It's really cool at night. Most beautiful view on the mountain it's like heaven and beautiful sunrise and sunset. Hot coffee in the morning on the mountain with oldest temple in Cambodia. I really want to go there again.