Preah Vihear Temple

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"Preah Vihear Temple is a Hindu temple built during the reign of Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province, Cambodia." Wikipedia

I travelled with my driver and guide from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear Temple for about three and a half hours through the flat and very dry countryside. We passed through the area where many army personnel live in Preah Vihear province close to the temple.Thailand and Cambodia have had an ongoing dispute over the Temple which lies on the border between the countries and has a great vantage point on top of a mountain overlooking Cambodia. Because of some local fighting I was not allowed to visit the temple from the Thai side in January last year so this was my chance to make a dream become reality. This was more than just another tick off the bucket list. I have read much about Prasat Preah Vihear and I was not disappointed in what I saw on that day.

At the base of the mountain we hired a truck for $25 to take us up the mountain. They have built a new road and the drive was easy. You will need your passport to hire the truck and for the purchase of your ticket to view the temple. Motorcycles are also available for $5. Soon we were at base camp where many local people live and it was a short walk to the temple ruins. The area has been extensively damaged by bombs and neglect. Building of Preah Vihear was started in the 9^th century and the temple is older than Angkor Wat. Preah Vihear would benefit from some much needed restoration but it was still amazing to see the buildings and the view over Cambodia from the top of the mountain is excellent. I used my imagination to visualise the original splendour of Preah Vihear. It must have been amazing and has the best view of any temple that I have visited.

Click on any of the 39 photos if you want a larger view

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Photos

Preah Vihear
In ruins but still magnificent

Preah Vihear
After waiting one year I am nearly there. I can see the temple on top of the mountain.

The road up the mountain
The road is new and now an easy drive

At base camp
Unpacking supplies at the foot of the temple

Preah Vihear
My anticipation of what I will see grows as we walk to the temple.

Preah Vihear
Getting close now :)

Preah Vihear
The place has been severely damaged by all the fighting beteen Thailand and Cambodia

Preah Vihear
The stairway to Thailand

Preah Vihear
The stairway to Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear
More walking but my dream has come true. I am here at last.

Preah Vihear
A swim before viewing the temple? Maybe not