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The steep
Road ....... and steeper path
Near
vertical Steps up the cliffs
i.
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.
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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
 
I am sure that the small community at the base of the mountain will have a few hotels in the not too distant future.
Forthose
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.
More on
Anlong Veng to follow
Border Dispute between Cambodia and Thailand at Preah Vihear
The recent tension between Cambodia and Thailand over a small area of disputed has caused major changes and disruption to tourist services here. The Market area where most of the accommodation was destroyed in a rocket attack from Thailand in early 2009.
The situation has improved enough to allow tourists to visit from Cambodia most of the time.
Any trips we run here are dependant on being allowed in. We check acess is possible before any departures.
Dave Perkes
November 2009 |
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