Preah Vihear Temple
ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ
A Khmer mountaintop temple built on a cliff at the top of the Dangrek escarpment. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it overlooks the plains on the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Preah Vihear Temple was built between the 9th and 12th centuries and is dedicated to Shiva. Its central axis stretches about 800 metres from north to south, rising step by step with the terrain. Five gateways and staircases lead to the main sanctuary on a clifftop about 525 metres above sea level. From the cliff edge you can look out over the great plains of northern Cambodia. The temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Entry costs about US$10 (check on the day). At the foot of the mountain, you must transfer to a park pickup or moto-taxi to go up. The site is open roughly 7:30 to 16:30. It is about 230 km from Siem Reap, 3.5–4 hours one way, and is often combined with Koh Ker and Beng Mealea on a long day trip. The temple is on the Cambodia-Thailand border, and there was a border clash here in 2025. Before you set out, check the latest travel advisories and opening status.
Opening hours
About 07:30–16:30 (check site notices)
Nearby sights
- Koh Ker
- Kbal Spean
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Beng Mealea
- Banteay Srei
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
- Banteay Samré
- Ta Som