Exploring the ruins of Prasat Preah Vihear

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Prasat Preah Vihear temple, one of the most spectacular sights in Cambodia is a dream destination for all those who have an insatiable appetite for adventure. If you are planning to visit Cambodia then do not forget to include Prasat Preah Vihear temple in your itinerary or you will be leaving a significant part of Cambodia unexplored.

Location:

Preah Vihear Temple is nestled in an attractive countryside, slightly east of the mid-section of the Dongrek Mountains. The temple sits on the edge of a giant cliff, which is about 625 meters above sea level in Preah Vihear Province, northern part of Cambodia, 625 kilometers from the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is located close to the Cambodia-Thai border.

Guide for Tourists:

This spectacular Cambodian site was very difficult to reach until 2003. However things have changed for better! The temple can now be easily reached by crossing the Cambodia-Thai gateway border from the Ubon Ratchantani Province of Thailand. The visiting time is from 8.00 till 16.00 hours. It is advisable for tourists to carry food, water, first-aid and other basic necessities.

Attractions in Preah Vihear Temple:

Once you reach the site of Preah Vihear Temple, you will be rewarded with remarkable views from the striking ruins which stretch for 800 meters up the mountain. Preah Vihear Temple comprises of four levels and four courtyards which comprise of five Gopuras. There is lots to discover and explore in this mystical land. Some of the biggest attractions are:

Palace Building or Gopuras on the third level: This palatial building was the residence of the king, when he came here to pay homage to the mighty God. This group of buildings is considered as the main part of the whole temple complex.

The front stone stairway: You will find the front stone stairway on the north side. The stairway is 78 meters long and 8 meters wide. The first flight consists of 162 steps. At the first landing you will find a large stone singa statue. The next 54 flight of steps, which is 27 meters long and 4 meters wide, leads up to the second landing, also ornate with stone signa statue.

The Nagaraj Courtyard: From here the stairway leads up to the first-level Gropura. The stair heads are in the shape of seven-headed snakes known as “Ngu Suang ” facing North towards the Prasat. The heads and tails of nagas look like ordinary snakes, characterizing and early illustrations of this type of animal figures. The head portion of the naga on the west side looks classy because it is made from a single solid stone.

Greek structure in Asia: The first level Gopura is a pavilion in Greek architecture style. It has a cross plan on an elevated angle base. You will find stone lions placed on each of the roofs doorway. This Greek structure makes the temple one of its kinds in Asia.

For all the grandeur of Preah Vihear in Cambodia, with a commanding view over northern Cambodia, it is difficult to visualize it as a whole. This experience will surely stagger in your imagination for years to come.

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