| Temple | a Khmer Hindu temple, later Buddhist, on a 525 m cliff in the Dangrek Mountains |
|---|---|
| Built | mostly in the reigns of Suryavarman I (1006 to 1050) and Suryavarman II (1113 to 1150) |
| 1962 | the International Court of Justice ruled the temple is in Cambodia |
| UNESCO | listed on 7 July 2008 |
| 2013 | another ICJ ruling settled the dispute with Thailand in Cambodia’s favor |
Preah Vihear Temple
Located atop the Dangrek Mountain range along the Cambodia – Thailand border, Preah Vihear Temple is a hidden treasure among places to visit in Cambodia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient temple offers both stunning views and rich historical significance for tourists. The standout location makes Preah Vihear a perfect stop for those who travel between Cambodia and Thailand.
A Preah Vihear tour will offer you an experience through history, where you can admire the intricate carvings and ancient stone works from the 11th century. Perched atop a mountain, the temple spans an impressive 800 meters from base to peak, honoring the Hindu god Shiva – both the destroyer and creator in Hindu mythology – as well as the mountain deities Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. The breathtaking mountain air and sweeping views only add to the awe-inspiring experience of exploring this sacred site. Nowadays, the main hall has been switched into a Buddhist worship site. Visiting this corner, you will meet the monks that are always on duty to bless visitors and sincere Buddhists.
Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia does not have poetic corners like Ta Phrohm nor endless corridors like Angkor Wat… but it always brings new things about culture and history in the journey of discovery tourists. With Absolute Asia Tours’s help, we ensure that your Cambodia tour includes this hidden treasure and all the historical charms it offers!
The temple on the cliff
English Wikipedia describes Preah Vihear as a Khmer Hindu temple that later became Buddhist, built on top of a 525-meter cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, which form the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand. Most of the temple was built under Suryavarman I (1006 to 1050) and Suryavarman II (1113 to 1150). In 1962 the International Court of Justice ruled that it is in Cambodia, and it was listed as a World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008, which sharpened the dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. A further ICJ ruling in 2013 settled it in Cambodia’s favor. Access can be affected by tensions at the border, so check current conditions with your operator before planning a visit.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Preah Vihear Temple. Last checked November 2026.
Preah Vihear: FAQ
When was Preah Vihear listed by UNESCO?
On 7 July 2008.
Who built Preah Vihear?
Mostly Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, between 1006 and 1150.
What did the ICJ rule?
In 1962 and again in 2013 it ruled the temple is in Cambodia.
How high is the cliff?
525 meters, in the Dangrek Mountains.
Is Preah Vihear easy to visit?
Border conditions change, so check current access.