Preah Vihear is not a temple you visit by chance. Its remoteness (250 km from Siem Reap, 525 km from Phnom Penh), the ascent of the cliff, and the explosive political history surrounding this site all make it a unique destination, reserved for travelers seeking something radically different from the usual tourist circuits.
And what they find is worth the journey: one of the most spectacularly located architectural ensembles in the world.
History and Architecture
The temple was built gradually over several reigns, from the 10th to the 12th century. The main builders are Yaśovarman I (late 9th century), who established the initial sanctuary on the promontory, Suryavarman I (11th century), and Suryavarman II (12th century, builder of Angkor Wat) who expanded the complex. Dedicated to Śiva, Preah Vihear was a major pilgrimage site of the Khmer Empire.
The site extends 800 meters along the ridge, gently sloping to the north. Four gopuras (monumental porches) succeed each other, connected by sandstone walkways adorned with sculpted nāgas. The main sanctuary (Gopura I) stands at the edge of the cliff, overlooking a drop of 525 meters to the Cambodian plain below.
The Four Gopuras
Gopura V (access) — the entrance gate from the base of the cliff. Monumental staircase and initial walkways lined with markers.
Gopura IV — the most restored, with well-preserved pediments depicting Śiva and Pārvati on Mount Kailāsa.
Gopura III — notable for its very well-preserved lintels and its cruciform terrace.
Gopura I — the main sanctuary, at the edge of the cliff. The view of the Cambodian plain at its feet is breathtaking. This is where all the axes of the temple converge.
The History of the Border Dispute
Preah Vihear is at the heart of one of the most famous territorial disputes in contemporary Asia. The temple is located on a ridge line that the Thai-Cambodian border has followed since colonial times — but each country claimed sovereignty based on different maps.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Cambodia. Thailand protested but accepted the decision. In 2008, the inscription of Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage site reignited tensions: armed incidents occurred between 2008 and 2011. In 2013, a new ruling from the ICJ confirmed that the temple and surrounding parcels belong to Cambodia. Since then, the site has been open to tourists from both sides.
🔭 The view from Gopura I
On a clear day, the view from the cliff edge spans the Cambodian plain to the horizon — 50 to 80 km visibility. Thailand to the north, Cambodia to the south. Standing on a millennium-old temple overlooking two countries is unforgettable.
Practical Information
~525 km from Phnom Penh
(not Angkor pass)
daily
or overnight on site
How to Get There
The road from Siem Reap is now paved up to the base of the cliff (via Anlong Veng). From the base, a 4-wheel vehicle or a local tuk-tuk can take you up to the temple (about 10 minutes). The hike (1.5 km, elevation gain of 120m) is possible but physically demanding in hot weather.
Transport options from Siem Reap: night or day buses to Sra Em (the nearest town), then tuk-tuk to the temple. Alternatively, an organized van tour from Siem Reap (round trip in a day or overnight stay) is available. The second option is more comfortable.
Van excursions with guide, day return or with overnight. Transport, guide and entry sometimes included.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. About 250 km, 3.5 to 4 hours by van. Most visitors go via an organised tour or bus + local tuk-tuk from Sra Em.
Yes. Since the ICJ ruling in 2013 and normalised Thai–Cambodian relations, the site is fully open and secure. Guards are present at all times.
Yes, since 2008. The listing triggered a diplomatic crisis with Thailand. The ICJ confirmed Cambodian sovereignty over the temple and its immediate zone in 2013.