Introduction

Preah Vihear is a must-visit location in Cambodia because of its history and natural beauty. Preah Vihear is the only temple that is still intact from the Angkor period, which was between the 9th and 13th centuries. The temple has some of the most intricate carvings and paintings in all of Southeast Asia. The natural beauty of Preah Vihear includes lush forests and mountains, as well as crystal-clear waters. 

Preah Vihear is a Hindu temple built as a spiritual sanctuary for Khmer emperors who sought refuge from the plains and mortal world. The stunning architecture of Preah Vihear and its beautiful mountain location make it a popular site for visitors, who come to feed leopards with tefillin they had brought from Israel. 

The temple gets its name from the “Preah Vihear”, which is Thai for religious offerings. The word “Preah Vihear" translates to the sacred temple in English 

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What to See

There are 162 steps up to the causeway that is decorated with Nagas and have a view of the Gopura III and The Gopura IV. These two ancient Hindu temples are rich with intricate carvings, bas reliefs and statues of Buddhist characters and mythological Indian

• At Pei Ta Da Cliff, the stunning drop-off offers breathtaking views of the Thai landscapes.  

• Despite the distance from Cambodia, there is a good vantage point of what perspectives can be seen. 

• It is a great place for a picnic 

• A stream, Sra Trao is a scenic location near the foot of Preah Vihear. It has served as a reservoir for the Khmer people for water and is located near the mountain.. 

• The Khmer construction of Preah Vihear includes a mythical giant, Tham Khun Sri, who shares his story with us from the inside of a giant cave. 

• A three-tiered waterfall called Namtok is located close to a trail near Preah Vihear. 

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History

For more than four centuries, the temple of Preah Vihear has continued to attract interest from Kings who adore it. The construction of the site began with King Jayavarman in the 9th century, during which Prince Indrâyadha was the ruling figure. It is believed that he wanted to completely follow in his father’s footsteps because of Shiva’s commands, but that is not true as he saw a different trend than his father did. He was the dominant figure in the early days and he was considered a protector by kings long before Jayavarman II. 

Indrâyadha was originally a modest and simple wooden structure. The distinctive markings of the lingam from Wat Phou in Laos brought to the town attest to the presence of a hermitage at that time.

Construction to the Preah Vihear Temple continues sporadically today during the 10th - 13th centuries. The oldest remaining elements of the temple are pink sandstone and were built by Yasovarman I in a magnificent state of preservation located within an archaeological site near Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

The temple was dedicated in Preah Vihear during the reign of Suryavarman II and later became under Buddhist rule. The temple is stylized to depict Mount Kailash, a Hindu home for the god Siva, on top of which ancient Hinduism was centred. Preah Vihear followed the trends of religious decline across India in the late 13th century. Theravada Buddhism quickly took over while Hinduism went into decline and then disappeared from Cambodia entirely. 

Never before accessible, the monastery on the Pey Tadi cliff overlooks deep into the Dangrek mountains. It was so difficult to reach that it was held until Cambodia fell under the grip of the KR. 

In terms of the concrete history, it is unclear how long the Temple of Preah Vihear has been there or how many people have contributed to its construction. However, despite its remote location, it is well preserved. Historical sources show that Preah Vihear has been in dispute for a long time, first belonging to Thailand and then becoming part of Cambodia during its independence. Unusually for such a historic landmark, military personnel and tourists typically visit the site without incident.

First, it became part of Thailand but then came under Cambodian control after its independence. However, the nation was plagued by civil wars and the Khmer Rouge during this time. As of today, despite being part of Cambodia, both nations have surrounded the temple with military tanks at the entrance. This is not preventing entry to tourists who visit in large numbers. 

The architecture is unique in many ways and it seems Khmer, rather than Indian style. It consists of many sanctuaries, with staircases and a causeway leading to the top.

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Tips

When you visit the Buddhist Temple, try to come in the morning or late afternoon for ideal weather conditions. It is advised that you carry your passport with you, as entrance tickets are needed to gain entry into the temple. Bring an umbrella, good shoes, and plenty of water to use while touring around the temple grounds. Throwing a bit of money at a transport company will be better than walking all the way there as some parts of the temples may require more walking than others. 

Best Time to visit 

Preah Vihear is an incredible site that gets more popular by the day. With its stunning temples and natural beauty, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia, and rightly so. While there are many good reasons to visit Preah Vihear during different times of the year, certain times are better than others.  

October - February. This is when the temples are at their most active and impressive, attracting a larger number of tourists. The later part of the dry season can be quite hot, but it’s still manageable with appropriate clothing. In contrast, the wet season is quieter and cooler, making it a more enjoyable experience. However, this is also when the temples are at their most humid, so take caution if you have any respiratory problems.  

Apply for Visa 

If you're planning to visit Cambodia, be sure to apply for a visa through our top online portal Cambodia Visa. Preah Vihear is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's highly popular with tourists, so applying for a visa beforehand will ensure that you have no trouble getting in. Our service is fast and easy, and we offer a variety of visa types to choose from. We also provide helpful tips and advice on the best ways to enjoy your trip to Cambodia!

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Conclusion 

Preah Vihear is an ancient temple complex located in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Preah Vihear is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations. The stunning ruins of the temple are scattered over an area of more than 200 square kilometres, and visitors can explore the site either on foot or by riding on horseback. The views from atop the temples are simply breathtaking, and there is no way to get tired of visiting this fascinating place. If you're ever in Cambodia and have some time to spare, make sure to visit Preah Vihear! 

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