Preah Vihear on the edge

Preah Vihear

One of the most spectacular sights in Cambodia, Prasat Preah Vihear is set in a stunning location at the top of a 550metre (1500ft) cliff right on the Thai Border. Until October 2003 this site was extremely difficult to reach on the Cambodian Side.

Preah Vihear achieved notoriety as it was the the stage for the final surrender of the Khmer Rouge in 1998. The area is still littered with land mines and shell holes.

There is an old field gun still up there as a reminder of the war and until recently there was the remains of a helicopter which crashed here at the time of the surrender. (the Crashed helicopter is now at the war museum in Siem Reap)

Preah Vihear: third level Gopura

The road is spectacular and very steep. It is tough even for 4WD vehicles. Some adventurous people take a 2 - 3 hour walk to the top using the old Pilgrims path

The steep Road ....... and steeper path

Near vertical Steps up the cliffs

Once at the temple; the visitor is rewarded with fabulous views from the impressive ruins which stretch for 800 metres up the mountain. The sanctuary is perched on the edge of the cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has some very spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srey

For a number of years, Preah Vihear was only accessible from Thailand. After some tensions between the two countries the Thais prevented access. The Cambodians worked hard on driving a road up the mountain from the former Pol Pot stronghold of Anlong Veng.

This road has greatly improved access. It does take a determined effort; with a long drive on some difficult roads, to get there. Since the opening of the Cambodian road the Thais have now opened up the border again, so coach parties are now regularly visiting from 9am to 4pm.

If you visit from Cambodia there are no restrictions; so photographers can see sunrise or sunset and stay overnight up here if they wish and have the mountain virtually to themselves.

DANGER! MINES

Old field gun Warning sign at the base of the mountain

Mine clearance team at work in December 2004

Until 2005 the area around Preah Vihear was littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance. It was dangerous to stray away from the main temple. The safest way to get to the top was to take an army guide. The whole area has now been cleared so it a much safer experience!

The Causeway from above

Sanctuary 4th Level Gopura

For those who are able to stay up at Preah Vihear overnight the sunrises, sunsets and views are wonderful and certainly the most spectacular viewpoint in Cambodia

There is some basic accommodation at the base of the mountain and some fairly primitive accommodation on the mountain. So anyone visiting here will not find luxury. Yet!

I am sure that the small community at the base of the mountain will have a few hotels in the not too distant future.

Fro those who have time before or after a trip here or are on one of our tours here a visit to Anlong Veng is well worthwhile.