Preah Vihear

Ranked #5,083 in Travel & Places, #148,028 overall | Donates to Friends of the Park

Preah Vihear, The Temple in the Sky

Straddled between Cambodia and Thailand, Preah Vihear has changed ownership at different times and has since been disputed by these two countries that border this temple. Located on the steep cliff of Dangrek mountains, Preah Vihear was first built by the Khmer king, Yasovarman in the late 9th century to worship the god, Shiva.

First named Sreisikharesvara, it was further developed by the other Khmer kings. King Suryavarman I (1002-1050) built a long hall next to the central tower, the rampart and the three gopuras or gateways. In a ceremony, this Khmer king invited the god Patresvara who lived in what is now Lao to come and live with the god, Sreisikharesvara, and protect the Khmer people. After this, two libraries were added by King Jayavarman VI. The temple was then consecrated to become the place of worship for all the kings. by King Suryavarman who added the terrace with the seven head nagas, naga staircases and a path lined with standing lions.

What to see in Preah Vihear

Worth a trip

Take-off from Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand {Explored} by Eustaquio Santimano
Indian Roller by don_macauley
Angela and the Kids by macisaguy
Bobbing for Apples by macisaguy
Angie and the Kids by macisaguy
Haile and the Kids by macisaguy
Unexploded cluster submunition, Preah Vihear temple hill in the background (c) Stéphane De Greef, Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor by Cluster Munition Coalition
NPA deminer looks for unexploded cluster bomblet at Preah Vihear temple hill area, Cambodia April 2011. (c) Stéphane De Greef, Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor by Cluster Munition Coalition
Preah Vihear by Jeff McNeill
big_preah_vihear by lokryan
Preah Vihear Temple by William Brehm
Preah Vihear Temple by William Brehm
Encontro Camboja, Brasil e Tailândia by Ministério da Cultura
Encontro Camboja, Brasil e Tailândia by Ministério da Cultura
Encontro Camboja, Brasil e Tailândia by Ministério da Cultura
Alba Prehat Vihear by duhangst
Il Prehat è lassù by duhangst
Giochi nel tempio by duhangst
Prehat Vihear Thai by duhangst
Dintorni Prehat Vihear by duhangst
Prehat Vihear viene nascosto by duhangst
Giochi d'acqua by duhangst
Alba Prehat Vihear by duhangst
Zona ormai sicura by duhangst
automatically generated by Flickr

Other Temples in Preah Vihear Province

96 Koh Ker Temples

Koh Ker was once the ancient capital of Cambodia so temples abound. Built by King Jayavarman IV (928-942), many of these temples are buried and some are no longer standing. Here are some of these:

These are some of the Koh Ker Temples

Try to visit when you're in Preah Vihear

These temples are not close to each other so it will take time to visit all of them. Unless you are staying in Preah Vihear for some time, it is not possible to see all of them. If you're a history buff, however, these temples are interesting.

Neang Khmao Temple

Sitting on top of the hill and facing the city of more...0 points

Pram Temple

About 700 to 800 meters from Neang Khmao sitting o more...0 points

Chen Temple

Overgrown by forest, this temple has a piece of li more...0 points

Kuk Temple

Still in good condition with only a damaged door f more...0 points

Prang Temple

A temple with five separate parts made of sandston more...0 points

Krahom Temple

Shaped like a seven-level pyramid, this red temple more...0 points

Khmao Temple

With a two-meter staircase, this temple still has more...0 points

Bakan or Preah Khna Temples

Built during King Suryavarman I (1002-1050) on a p more...0 points

Noreay Temples

About 32 kms. northeast of Preah Vihear, this comp more...0 points

Phnom Pralean Temple

About 25 kilometers from Tbiang Meanchey town, thi more...0 points

Neak Buos Temple

hard to reach because of bad roads, this temple is more...0 points

Krapum Chhouk Temple

Built in the 10th century, it is about 45 kms. sou more...0 points

Kork Beng Temple

Built around 936 and 951, not much was left of the more...0 points

Books on Preah Vihear

Know Preah Vihear Well

Historia de Camboya: Kampuchea Democrática, Caída de Phnom Penh, Independencia de Indochina, República Jemer, Caso del templo Preah Vihear (Spanish Edition) by Fuente: Wikipedia

Historia de Camboya: Kampuchea Democrática, Caída de Phnom Penh, Independencia de Indochina, República Jemer, Caso del templo Preah Vihear (Spanish Edition) by Fuente: Wikipedia

Fuente: Wikipedia. Páginas: 36. Capítulos: Kampu more...0 points

Structural characteristics of logged evergreen forests in Preah Vihear, Cambodia, 3 years after logging [An article from: Forest Ecology and Management] by D. Kao, S. Iida

Structural characteristics of logged evergreen forests in Preah Vihear, Cambodia, 3 years after logging [An article from: Forest Ecology and Management] by D. Kao, S. Iida

This digital document is a journal article from Forest more...0 points

Archaeological Sites In Cambodia, including: Angkor, Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear Temple, Yasodharapura, Baray, Hariharalaya, Preah Khan Kompong Svay, Indrapura (khmer) by Hephaestus Books

Archaeological Sites In Cambodia, including: Angkor, Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear Temple, Yasodharapura, Baray, Hariharalaya, Preah Khan Kompong Svay, Indrapura (khmer) by Hephaestus Books

Hephaestus Books represents a new publishing parad more...0 points

Borders Of Cambodia, including: Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodian-thai Border Stand-off, Koh Kong Province, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Amphoe Khlong Yai, ... Bavet, Gulf Of Thailand, Tonlé San, Mekong by Hephaestus Books

Borders Of Cambodia, including: Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodian-thai Border Stand-off, Koh Kong Province, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Amphoe Khlong Yai, ... Bavet, Gulf Of Thailand, Tonlé San, Mekong by Hephaestus Books

Hephaestus Books represents a new publishing parad more...0 points

How to go to Preah Vihear

From the Cambodia side

More tourists are now visiting the temple after the new Thai government, more friendly to Cambodia, has been elected. However, it is always good to take precautions.

I suggest that you go to Siem Reap and stay there as it is a shorter drive from there than from Phnom Penh. Many international flights go straight to Siem Reap as that is where Angkor Wat is. Preah Vihear is a day trip from here.

Leave early in the morning and you can be back by early afternoon with time for a swim and a trip to Pub place in Siem Reap. You can go up the mountain early avoiding much of the scorching sun. The military are there to guide you up and from the top of the mountain you can see the Thai side with their armies in constant alert.

It is advisable that you ask your hotel or guide to call up if the temple is open as sometimes, the military closes it for security. Rent a car or join a tour group. Ask your hotel or guide to arrange this for you.

You are entering a military installation, so you need to register your presence at the military headquarters at the entrance of the temple area. We parked at the foot of the mountain and took the military truck as we thought it would be safer as they're used to taking this steep road going up.

For your trip to Preah Vihear

Make sure you have your sun glasses

The sun can be strong so protect your eyes.

Blues Brothers Wayfarer Black Sun Glasses

Blues Brothers Wayfarer Black Sun Glasses

Provides up to UV400 Protection!0 points

Polarlens P11 Sunglasses / Cycling glasses / Protective Eyewear / Sun glasses with microfiber bag/Introductory pricing for the U.S market

Polarlens P11 Sunglasses / Cycling glasses / Protective Eyewear / Sun glasses with microfiber bag/Introductory pricing for the U.S market

Highly flexible Grilamid TR90 Sport frame Excellent more...0 points

Black Nylon Eyewear Sunglasses Holder Retainer Sun Glasses

Black Nylon Eyewear Sunglasses Holder Retainer Sun Glasses

belong!!! Features of this retainer include: Ends more...0 points

Birdz Polarized Fit Over Sunglasses for Prescription Rx Eye Glasses with 1.1mm Polarized Smoke Lenses That Improve Vision By Reducing the Glare From Bright Sunlight!

Birdz Polarized Fit Over Sunglasses for Prescription Rx Eye Glasses with 1.1mm Polarized Smoke Lenses That Improve Vision By Reducing the Glare From Bright Sunlight!

New Birdz Beak Motorcycle Sunglasses with POLARIZE more...0 points

Hideaways Fit Over Polarized Sunglasses For Men and Women Who Wear Prescription Glasses in the Sun (Black w/Smoke)

Hideaways Fit Over Polarized Sunglasses For Men and Women Who Wear Prescription Glasses in the Sun (Black w/Smoke)

Hideaways provide men and women UV protection whil more...0 points

Koolertron (TM) Sunglasses Sun Glass With Headset 4GB Built-in Flash Memory MP3 Player

Koolertron (TM) Sunglasses Sun Glass With Headset 4GB Built-in Flash Memory MP3 Player

* Condition: 100% brand new * Stylish design, this more...0 points

Global Vision Chicago Smoked Motorcycle Sun Glasses With Versatile Fit These Fit Well On Small To Large Faces

Global Vision Chicago Smoked Motorcycle Sun Glasses With Versatile Fit These Fit Well On Small To Large Faces

Global Vision's fast forward design eye wear is ma more...0 points

SMITH & WESSON EQUALIZER ANTI-FOG SUNGLASSES

SMITH & WESSON EQUALIZER ANTI-FOG SUNGLASSES

# GUNMETAL FRAME WITH SMOKE ANTI-FOG LENSES # STYLIZED more...0 points

Motorcycle Safety Sunglasses Fits Over Rx Glasses Smoke Meets ANSI Z87.1 Standards For Safety Glasses Has Soft Airy Foam Padding

Motorcycle Safety Sunglasses Fits Over Rx Glasses Smoke Meets ANSI Z87.1 Standards For Safety Glasses Has Soft Airy Foam Padding

Brand new Smoke Lens Global Vision Outfitter over-Prescription more...0 points

Is it worth visiting Preah Vihear?

Given the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

For your trip to Preah Vihear

Bring your camera

Nikon COOLPIX L24 14 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x NIKKOR Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Red)

Nikon COOLPIX L24 14 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x NIKKOR Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Red)

Life%92s best moments are captured beautifully wit more...0 points

Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD

Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD

Canon's 4345B001 PowerShot SX130 IS 12.1 MP Compac more...0 points

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)

The Canon 5096B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Black 12M more...0 points

Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue)

Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue)

It's all about the power of contrast. Color that d more...0 points

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Digital Camera with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Digital Camera with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD

Capture stunning low-light images and sweeping pan more...0 points

GE Power Pro X500-BK 16 MP with 15 x Optical Zoom Digital Camera, Black

GE Power Pro X500-BK 16 MP with 15 x Optical Zoom Digital Camera, Black

GE X500 Power Pro Series Bridge Camera with Electr more...0 points

Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Blue)

Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Blue)

Canon's 4925B001 PowerShot ELPH 100 HS Blue 12MP D more...0 points

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD

Discover the HD difference. With the classically s more...0 points

Nikon COOLPIX L120 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 21x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Red)

Nikon COOLPIX L120 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 21x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Red)

Perfect for those "don't blink" moments, more...0 points

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

The Canon 5169B003 includes the EOS Rebel T3i Digi more...0 points

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (Red)

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (Red)

The Canon 5097B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Red 12MP more...0 points

If you love Preah Vihear

You will love these Cambodian gifts

Preah Vihear Temple

A Must See

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, this temple which predates Angkor Wat is a fine expression of Khmer civilization. It sits on top of a mountain and the view is panoramic. The buildings are impressive as well. As you climb, only some parts are visible and more gets revealed as you go up or as you peek in.

Take a look at these pictures of Preah Vihear

And you will truly appreciate it

When you go to Preah Vihear

Bring your tilley

Here are some choices. Easy to pack and very light to carry. You can wash these after a dusty trip.

Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.375

Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.375

Tilley's best-selling broad brim AIRFLO hat sets t more...0 points

Tilley Endurables T3 Traditional Canvas Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.875

Tilley Endurables T3 Traditional Canvas Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.875

The legendary Tilley Hat, 'The best, most practica more...0 points

Tilley Endurables T4MO Eco-Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.625

Tilley Endurables T4MO Eco-Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.625

Tilley's Eco-AIRFLO certified organic cotton broad more...0 points

Tilley Endurables LTM3 Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.375

Tilley Endurables LTM3 Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7.375

The updated AIRFLO version of Tilley's T3 cult cla more...0 points

Tilley Endurables TWC4 Outback Waxed Hat,British Tan,7.5

Tilley Endurables TWC4 Outback Waxed Hat,British Tan,7.5

The Tilley Outback Hat fuses modern day technology more...0 points

Tilley Endurables T4IS Insect Shield Hat,Khaki/Olive,7

Tilley Endurables T4IS Insect Shield Hat,Khaki/Olive,7

Say goodbye to annoying insects with Tilley's Inse more...0 points

Tilley Endurables LTM5 Airflo Hat,Natural/Green,7.75

Tilley Endurables LTM5 Airflo Hat,Natural/Green,7.75

Part of Tilley's best-selling AIRFLO Family of Hat more...0 points

Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7

Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat,Khaki/Olive,7

Tilley's best-selling broad brim AIRFLO hat sets t more...0 points

Tilley Airflo Hat, Khaki, 7 1/2

Tilley Airflo Hat, Khaki, 7 1/2

Completely crushable, packable, and guaranteed for more...0 points

Tilley Kids Reversible Topper Bucket Hat/Small

Tilley Kids Reversible Topper Bucket Hat/Small

Sporting activities have traditionally been a part more...0 points

Tilley Endurables LT6B Breathable Nylon Hat- Stone, 7 3/4

Tilley Endurables LT6B Breathable Nylon Hat- Stone, 7 3/4

The Tilley LT6B Breathable Nylon Hat- made of 93% more...0 points

Tilley Endurables T5 Cotton Duck Hat (7 7/8, Khaki)

Tilley Endurables T5 Cotton Duck Hat (7 7/8, Khaki)

The Tilley T5 Cotton Duck- a stylish hat that can more...0 points

Tilley Endurables TTMC Airflo Cap,Khaki/Olive,XL (7 5/8-8)

Tilley Endurables TTMC Airflo Cap,Khaki/Olive,XL (7 5/8-8)

Tilley's Tuckaway Cap features a hideaway, Legionn more...0 points

Tilley TH8 Hemp Hat

Tilley TH8 Hemp Hat

Tilley TH8 Hemp Hat. The elegant TH8 Hemp Hat is s more...0 points

What's the latest on Preah Vihear

Interesting development

Temple conflict isn't over; observers are still needed
Thailand and Cambodia were exchanging enough artillery fire around the disputed Preah Vihear temple for some to call it a war. Indonesia convened the ministers' meeting in an activist moment of preventative diplomacy that made a ground-breaking ...
Preah Vihear demarcation delay agreed
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed not to demarcate the disputed area along the border near Preah Vihear temple. However both countries will start the demarcation process from the first pillar that borders Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province and ...
FM releases booklets on Preah Vihear
The Foreign Ministry has released 20000 booklets to provide the Thai public with updated information about the government's actions on the Preah Vihear temple issue. Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said the booklets, "Information the Thai public ...
Preah Vihear case rejected
The Central Administrative Court on Friday rejected a petition filed by a yellow-shirt splinter group seeking to stop the government from withdrawing Thai troops from the disputed areas around the Preah Vihear temple. The petition was filed by Chaiwat ...

Other lenses on world heritage sites

Worth visiting

Loading

An angel blessed this lens

And made it special

This angel blessed this lens on Preah Vihear

Thank you so much

Make sure you are in your walking shoes

The walk is quite long

New Balance Men's MW646 Outdoor Country Walking Shoe,Brown,12 2E US

New Balance Men's MW646 Outdoor Country Walking Shoe,Brown,12 2E US

Feel energized while you run in the lightweight New more...0 points

Saucony Women's Grid Omni Walker Walking Shoe,White/Silver,9 M

Saucony Women's Grid Omni Walker Walking Shoe,White/Silver,9 M

The women's Saucony(r) Omni Walker offers an unsur more...0 points

Ryka Women's Advance Walking Shoe,White/Lake Blue/Midnight,8.5 M US

Ryka Women's Advance Walking Shoe,White/Lake Blue/Midnight,8.5 M US

The Ryka® Sport Walker Advance women's walking sh more...0 points

ASICS Women's Gel-Tech Walker Neo Walking Shoe,White/Skyway/Black,8.5 M

ASICS Women's Gel-Tech Walker Neo Walking Shoe,White/Skyway/Black,8.5 M

Asics Women's Gel-Tech Walker Neo 2 Shoes - design more...0 points

Skechers Women's Shape Ups XF - Energy Blast Lace-Up Fashion Sneaker,Stone/Brown,7.5 M US

Skechers Women's Shape Ups XF - Energy Blast Lace-Up Fashion Sneaker,Stone/Brown,7.5 M US

Shape-ups XF-Energy Blast shoes: 1. Tone your musc more...0 points

New Balance Men's MW846 Walking Shoe,White,9.5 2E

New Balance Men's MW846 Walking Shoe,White,9.5 2E

The New Balance 846 is the ultimate walking shoe f more...0 points

New Balance Women's WW860 Walking Shoe,White/Blue,8 B US

New Balance Women's WW860 Walking Shoe,White/Blue,8 B US

Designed for the active walker, the New Balance 86 more...0 points

Ryka Women's Radiant Walking Shoe,White/Grey/Black,7 M

Ryka Women's Radiant Walking Shoe,White/Grey/Black,7 M

The high-performance Ryka(r) Radiant women's walki more...0 points

New Balance Men's MW615 Walking Fitness Shoe,Grey/Blue,11 D US

New Balance Men's MW615 Walking Fitness Shoe,Grey/Blue,11 D US

Keep moving in the New Balance® 615 men's walking more...0 points

New Balance Women's WW955 Walking Shoe,Brown,8 D

New Balance Women's WW955 Walking Shoe,Brown,8 D

The New Balance 955 is a supportive country walkin more...0 points

Please Let me know you have been here in my lens on Preah Vihear

Thank you

I hope you enjoyed your visit.

submit

Did you enjoy this lens?

Hope so

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Know someone interested in Preah Vihear

Please share this lens

Add this to your lens »

Bookmark and Share

For more travel tips

Here's a blog for you

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

by

aesta1

Hi there. I see a bit of goodness in everything. I see world events in the context of the great things that happen, not the niggly faults that hound us... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

More travel tips 

Really useful for travel to Preah Vihear

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

My other travel lenses 

Please visit

Loading

Know Cambodia better 

It is where Preah Vihear is

Cambodia's Curse: The Modern History of a Troubled Land

Amazon Price: $13.46 (as of 02/23/2012)Buy Now

Cambodia's history in the recent past has been troubled and to understand how these people are coming out of this experience is a good background for your trip here.