Prasat Preah Vihear: A Guide to Cambodia's Majestic Temple in the Clouds
Know Before You Go
Approx. 3.5 - 4 hours each way. Plan for a full day trip.
1. Entrance: $10 for foreigners (free for Cambodians).
2. Transport: +$25 for a 4x4 truck (seats 6) or ~$5 for a motorbike taxi to the top.
The final road to the temple is extremely steep. You **must** park at the base and hire an official 4x4 pickup truck or motorbike taxi for the ascent. Your private car or van is not allowed up.
Perched dramatically atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, Prasat Preah Vihear is one of Cambodia's most spectacular and historically significant temple sites. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers not only breathtaking ancient architecture but also some of the most stunning panoramic views in the entire country.
The Experience: A Journey Upward
The Ascent
The adventure begins at the mountain's base. After purchasing your tickets, you'll hop into a powerful 4x4 pickup truck for a thrilling ride up the steep, winding road. This exciting journey is a memorable part of the experience, offering glimpses of the surrounding forest as you climb towards the sky.
The Processional Path
Unlike other Khmer temples, Preah Vihear is built on a long north-south axis. The visit feels like a pilgrimage as you walk along an 800-meter-long stone causeway, passing through five monumental gateways (gopuras) before reaching the main sanctuary. Each gopura is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, framing the path ahead and building anticipation for what lies at the summit.
The View from the Top
After passing the final gopura, you arrive at the main sanctuary, the climax of the journey. Step out to the edge of the cliff, and you'll be rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking, 180-degree view over the vast Cambodian plains below. The sheer height and the endless green landscape stretching to the horizon make this one of the most awe-inspiring viewpoints in Southeast Asia.
A Note on History
Primarily constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries, this magnificent temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 for its outstanding universal value as a unique masterpiece of Khmer architecture and its stunning natural location.
Find Your Way
Plan Your Day Trip from Siem Reap
Preah Vihear is a long but rewarding day trip. The most comfortable way to visit is by hiring a private car or van with a driver who can handle the long journey and help you arrange the 4x4 transport at the mountain base.
Book a Private Car Tour