🛕 Preah Vihear
ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ
Also known as: Temple of the Sacred Mountain
Province
Preah Vihear
Era
Classical Angkorian
Difficulty
🟠 Challenging
Crowds
😌 Low Crowds
Key Facts
Built: 11th–12th century
Built by: Multiple kings (Suryavarman I, Suryavarman II)
Religion: Hindu
Entry Fee: $10 + motorcycle taxi up the cliff $5
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
UNESCO: ✅ World Heritage Site
A spectacular cliff-edge temple perched 525 meters above the Cambodian plain — UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking views.
Preah Vihear is one of the most dramatically situated temples in all of Southeast Asia, perched on a cliff edge of the Dangrek Mountains at an elevation of 525 meters, with sheer drops offering spectacular views across the Cambodian plain below. The temple was built over several centuries by multiple Khmer kings and is dedicated to Shiva. Unlike most Khmer temples which face east, Preah Vihear is oriented along a north-south axis following the cliff edge, with a series of ornamental causeways and staircases connecting four gopura levels that ascend the mountain. The temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, though this led to a border dispute with Thailand that has since been resolved. The journey to reach Preah Vihear is an adventure in itself — visitors take motorcycle taxis up the steep cliff face on a winding mountain road.
Highlights
- ✦ 525-meter cliff-edge location
- ✦ UNESCO World Heritage Site
- ✦ Panoramic views of Cambodian plain
- ✦ Dramatic gopura sequence ascending the cliff
- ✦ Adventure motorcycle taxi ride to the top
- ✦ Well-preserved decorative carvings
Best Time to Visit
Morning for clearest views (haze builds in afternoon)
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Located 4-5 hours from Siem Reap — consider an overnight trip
- 💡 Motorcycle taxi up the cliff is the standard transport ($5 round trip)
- 💡 Bring water — limited facilities at the top
- 💡 Can combine with Koh Ker for a 2-day trip from Siem Reap
Nearby Temples
14.3921°N, 104.6802°E
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