Preah Vihear Temple

About

Standing atop a 525-meter tall cliff, Preah Vihear Temple began as a remote 9th century hermitage. During the reign of the Khmer Empire, the temple was expanded by several kings, culminating in an 800-meter-long stretch of temples. Despite Cambodia’s tumultuous history, and being hotly contested by Cambodia and Thailand, Preah Vihear is especially well-preserved - it was even accessible to tourists (from the Thai side) during Cambodia’s civil war. To reach the temple, visitors can climb a few thousand stairs, or pay for a ride up the steep mountain road in a truck, or on the back of a motorbike. Once at the summit, you’re treated to nearly a kilometer of exceptional stonework in a pure Khmer style. These trace the temple’s transition from Hinduism to Buddhism, and visiting monks stand as vivid reminders that the temple is still actively revered.