Preah Vihear Temple
Preah Vihear Temple, Ancient Hindu temple in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia
The temple stands on a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, featuring a series of sanctuaries connected by stone pavements and grand staircases.
Construction began in the 9th century under King Yasovarman I, with subsequent Khmer rulers expanding the complex over several centuries until the 12th century.
The temple complex contains detailed sandstone carvings depicting Hindu mythology, particularly focusing on stories of Shiva, reflecting the religious practices of ancient Khmer civilization.
Visitors need to navigate steep paths and numerous steps to reach the temple complex, with early morning visits recommended to avoid intense afternoon heat.
The temple's north-south orientation differs from traditional east-facing Khmer temples, incorporating five distinct gopuras leading to the main sanctuary.
Location: Preah Vihear Province
Inception: 893
Founders: Yasovarman I
GPS coordinates: 14.39174,104.68029
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:22
Southeast Asia extends from the volcanic craters of Sumatra to the limestone formations of northern Vietnam, combining geological features with centuries-old cultural sites. The region includes Lake Toba, one of the world's deepest crater lakes, the Banaue rice terraces that have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, and Komodo National Park, home to the world's largest living lizards. In Thailand, Wat Rong Khun draws visitors with its unconventional white architecture, while Luang Prabang in Laos blends French colonial buildings with Buddhist monasteries. The underwater world ranges from the biodiverse reefs surrounding Raja Ampat in West Papua to Sipadan Island off the coast of Sabah, where sea turtles and barracuda schools are common. The Gili Islands off Lombok provide access to coral reefs with no motorized vehicles on land. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang caves in Vietnam contain some of the world's largest cave systems, while the Chocolate Hills in Bohol form over 1,200 conical mounds. Less visited sites include the Plain of Jars in Laos with its stone vessels of unknown origin, the red lotus fields of Udon Thani in Thailand that bloom between December and February, and the abandoned Bokor Hill Station in Cambodia from the French colonial era. Mount Kinabalu rises to 13,435 feet (4,095 meters), making it the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. The region connects active volcanoes, tropical rainforests and temple complexes from different periods.
Koh Ker
69.6 km
Wat Nong Pa Phong
87.2 km
Khao Phra Wihan National Park
8.2 km
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaeo
37.8 km
Prasat Kamphaeng Yai
98.9 km
Wat Pah Nanachat
86.3 km
Wat Maha Wanaram
95.9 km
Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park
77.7 km
Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram
95 km
Wat Phra That Nong Bua
98.5 km
Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium
87 km
Prasat Yai Nga
89.1 km
Wat Tai Phra Chao Yai Ong Tue
95.1 km
Prasat Prang Ku
91 km
Wat Thung Si Mueang
95.4 km
Prasat Ta Leng
80.3 km
Wat Mani Wanaram
95.5 km
Wat Maha Phuttharam
89.2 km
Wat Chiang I Si Mongkhon Wararam
88.1 km
Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai
97.4 km
Wat Luang
94.8 km
Wat Samrong Kiat
25.7 km
Ubon Rachathani Sports School Stadium
97.4 km
Wat Si Nuan Sawang Arom
99.3 km
Wat Sa Prasan Suk
99 km
Ubon Ratchathani University Stadium
85.7 km
Prasat Ban Ben
51.6 km
Prasat Ban Samo
79.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes