Preah Vihear - Discovering Cambodia

Travelling to Preah Vihear

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Preah Vihear, a pretty good destination in Cambodia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Preah Vihear and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Preah Vihear, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Cambodia, here's everything to know about Preah Vihear for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear is a Khmer temple located on a hill in the Dângrêk Mountains, on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It was built during the reign of several Khmer empires from the 9th to the 12th century AD. The temple served as the center of the Khmer Empire's spiritual and political authority in the region, and it is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings. Despite being an important cultural and historical site, the temple was the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but sporadic border clashes continued until 2011. Today, Preah Vihear is open to tourists, and it is a popular destination for those interested in the history and culture of Southeast Asia.

What to visit in Preah Vihear

Sure, here are some top tourist attractions in Preah Vihear, Cambodia: 1. Preah Vihear Temple: It is a Hindu temple located on a hilltop near the Thai-Cambodian border. The temple was initially built during the 9th century but underwent significant additions during the 11th and 12th centuries. It is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
2. Koh Ker: It is a remote archaeological site situated about 120 km northeast of Angkor. Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer empire during the reign of King Jayavarman IV (928-942). The main attraction of Koh Ker is its 55-meter high pyramid temple, Prasat Thom.
3. Preah Khan of Kampong Svay: It is an extensive complex of temples located about 100 km north of Angkor. The temple was built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries and is known for its large size and intricate carvings.
4. Sra'aem: It is a small town located near the border with Thailand. Sra'aem is known for its traditional silk weaving and is a great place to purchase handmade souvenirs.
5. Veal Krous: It is a nature reserve located near the border with Thailand. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and sun bears. Visitors can take a trekking tour through the reserve to see the wildlife up close.
6. Prasat Preah Vihear National Park: It is a national park located near the Preah Vihear temple. The park is known for its stunning scenery and is a great place for hiking and trekking.
7. Cheung Krouh: It is a small village located near the Preah Vihear temple. The village is known for its traditional handicrafts, including pottery and basket weaving.
Overall, Preah Vihear offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Cambodia.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Cambodia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Preah Vihear.

When to go on holiday to Preah Vihear

The best time to visit Preah Vihear is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, and temperatures are comfortable. The rainy season, which lasts from May to October, can be very hot and humid, with heavy rainfall occurring in the afternoons. If you're interested in avoiding the crowds, it's best to avoid visiting the temple complex during major holidays and festivals, which typically occur in November and December.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear is located in the northern part of Cambodia and can be reached through several ways: 1. By road: The most common route is to take a bus from Siem Reap, which takes around 4-5 hours. You can also take a taxi or hire a private car, which takes about 3-4 hours.
2. By motorcycle or tuk-tuk: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a motorbike or hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you to Preah Vihear from Siem Reap. However, this option is only recommended for experienced riders or those who have the time to spare.
3. By plane: Preah Vihear does not have its own airport, but you can fly to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, and then take a bus or taxi to Preah Vihear.
Once you arrive in Preah Vihear, you can hire a local guide to take you up to the temple, which involves a steep climb. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service from the entrance to the temple.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Preah Vihear, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear, like the rest of Cambodia, has a rich culinary culture with a blend of unique flavors and spices. Here are some of the typical foods you can find in Preah Vihear: 1. Fish Amok - a traditional Khmer curry made with fish, coconut milk, and spices, steamed in a banana leaf.
2. Red Tree Ants with Beef Stir Fry - a popular dish made of stir-fried beef and red tree ants, eaten alongside vegetables and rice.
3. Prahok Ktis - a dip sauce made with Prahok, a fermented fish paste mixed with coconut milk, chilies, and other herbs.
4. Bai Sach Chrouk - a breakfast dish made with grilled pork marinated in garlic, soy sauce, and coconut milk, served with rice and pickles.
5. Kuy Teav - a noodle soup dish made with pork broth, rice noodles, pork meat and topped with bean sprouts and green onions.
6. Num Pang - a traditional Cambodian sandwich filled with meat, vegetables, and chili peppers, served on a crusty baguette.
7. Lok Lak - a popular beef stir-fry dish with a tangy and sweet sauce served with rice and vegetables.
8. Khmer Red Curry - a spicy and fragrant curry made with beef, chicken or fish, mixed with coconut milk, and Khmer spices. Enjoy trying these dishes and exploring the flavors of Cambodia during your trip to Preah Vihear!
You can find general info about typical foods in Cambodia here.

Is Preah Vihear an expensive destination for tourists?

Preah Vihear in Cambodia can be considered a relatively affordable destination for tourists, but it ultimately depends on your travel preferences and budget. Some of the expenses to consider when traveling to Preah Vihear include accommodation, transportation, food, and entrance fees to attractions. Accommodations options vary, but there are budget guesthouses available in the area. Transportation by public bus or shared taxi is also available and typically inexpensive. Entrance fees to the Preah Vihear temple complex and other attractions in the area are generally between $5 and $10 per person. Food costs can vary depending on where and what you eat, but local street food can be found at reasonable prices. Overall, the cost of traveling to Preah Vihear can be manageable for travelers on a budget, but it's always recommended to plan accordingly and to research costs before traveling.

Where to find accomodation in Preah Vihear

The best areas to find accommodation to visit Preah Vihear in Cambodia are the towns of Sra Em and Tbeng Meanchey. These towns are located close to the Preah Vihear temple complex and have a decent selection of accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Additionally, if you prefer to stay in a bigger city, the city of Siem Reap is also a good option. While it is further away from the Preah Vihear temple complex, Siem Reap is a major tourist hub and has a wide selection of accommodation options at all price points.
You can check hotel prices at Preah Vihear here:
Booking.com

Is Preah Vihear a safe destination for tourists?

The Preah Vihear temple itself is located in a disputed area along the Cambodia-Thailand border and there have been occasional incidents of violence in the past. However, in recent years the situation has stabilized and the area around the temple is generally considered safe for tourists.
That being said, it is always recommended to exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour guide when visiting any destination. Stay on marked paths and do not wander off into unknown areas. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as dress codes and appropriate behavior in religious places.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Cambodia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Preah Vihear.

What type of travelers will enjoy Preah Vihear the most?

Preah Vihear is mainly a cultural and historical site in Cambodia, so it will be suitable for travelers who are interested in history, architecture, and ancient ruins. It is not necessarily a place for couples or young people looking for fun, but families may enjoy learning about Cambodian history and exploring the ancient temple. However, it's important to note that the site can be physically demanding to explore as it requires climbing many stairs and walking long distances. It may not be suitable for elderly or disabled travelers.

How to get around Preah Vihear

The most common mode of transportation to move around Preah Vihear in Cambodia is by motorbike or tuk-tuk. Private cars or taxis are also available but are less commonly used due to the poor road conditions in some areas. It is important to note that motorbike or tuk-tuk rental services may not always provide helmets so it is important to bring one if you plan to rent a motorbike.

What to see around Preah Vihear

Certainly, here are some places you can visit in a day trip from Preah Vihear: 1. Koh Ker: An ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, located about 50km from Preah Vihear. You can explore various temples and ruins, including Prasat Thom, which features a seven-tiered pyramid.
2. Beng Mealea: A temple that features jungle overgrowth, like the famous Ta Prohm in Siem Reap. It's located about 95km from Preah Vihear.
3. Preah Khan Kampong Svay: An impressive temple complex, located about 160km from Preah Vihear. It features many carved stone buildings, including a library, a sanctuary, and several galleries.
4. Banteay Chhmar: Another temple complex that's a little closer to Preah Vihear—located about 90km away. It features numerous structures, including an impressive 9-tower structure.
5. Anlong Veng: A town located about 60km from Preah Vihear, it is a historic town in a picturesque setting that was the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge. Here, you can visit the Pol Pot's house and explore local markets. Please note that travel distances are approximate, and it's best to plan your day trip with a reliable tour operator or transportation service.
For every travel information about Cambodia you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.