Preah Vihear travel guide

Preah Vihear travel guide Preah Vihear stands on the edge of the Dangrek mountain range that straddles the Thai border. It is one of the most magnificent temples in all of Cambodia. It is open from 5.00am - 5.00pm and entry costs a mere $2.50/ R10,000.

Preah Vihear was built between the late 9th and early 10th centuries under the reigns of four kings:
Preah Bat Yasovarman I (AD 889-910)
Preah Bat Suryavarman I (AD 1000-1050)
Preah Bat Suryavarman II (AD 1114-1150)
Preah Bat Jayavarman VI (AD 1080-1108)

King's Residence
The king's residence at Preah Vihear has two wings that were probably shelters for pilgrims. The main temples were used to worship high- ranking supreme divinities, and this mighty group of buildings represents the center of the temple complex.

The Naga Courtyard
The paved courtyard is 7m wide by 31.8m long. From here a stairway leads up to the first level Gopura. The stair heads are in the form of seven- headed snakes, called Ngu Suang, and these face
north towards the Prasat (tower). The head of the naga on the west side is carved from a single,
solid stone.

The First Level Gopura
This pavilion looks Greek in its architectural style and has an elevated cross-plan, rebates and triangular lintels over its doorways. There are also stone lions at each doorway.

The Front Stairway
This is the main passage on the north side. The stairway is 8m wide and 78m long. The first landing has a large lion statue. Another flight of 54 steps, 4m wide and 27m long, leads up to the second ladino which also has a stone lion statue.

The temple's recent history has mirrored that of Cambodia. In 1954 Preah Vihear was handed to Thailand by the French. An International Court overturned this decision in June 1962, ruling that the architectural style was clearly Khmer. Preah Vihear was long-held by the Khmer Rouge and the surrounding area was heavily mined. It remains one of the densest minefields on earth.

In the early 1980s Preah Vihear became the site of one of the world's forgotten atrocities. Thailand forcibly repatriated thousands of Khmer refugees who had fled Pol Pot. They were made to cross the border into Preah Vihear's minefields where many were killed or injured.

Warning
The area is still heavily mined. Stick to well-used paths, avoid overgrown areas and do not handle strange objects.

Getting there
Groups of young men with specially-adapted motorbikes make a living from ferrying tourists up the mountain. Hire one immediately to avoid being pestered for the duration of your stay. The drivers are friendly, flexible and will pick you up from your hotel at a time of your choosing. They will normally wait for you at the temple. This is the safest and most efficient way to go and the $5 return trip is exhilarating.
Tip : Preah Vihear receives few visitor from the Cambodia side, even in the high season. However, I is becoming popular with Thai tourists thanks to the nearby border crossing Avoid the crowds by going early. If you arrive on the top of the mountain shortly after sunrise you are virtually guaranteed to have the temple to yourself.

Steung Ksach Resort: Steung Kasch is a nature resort located on the River Sen near Thmey Village, Kampong Pra Nak Commune in Tbeng Mean Chey District. It is 3km from Preah Vihear town via a rough road. The resort mainly serves local visitors, especially those who live in Preah Vihear. Activities include swimming and boating during national festivals.

The temple gives its name to local province Preah Vihear, in which is located. On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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