Preah Vihear Temple: A Sacred and Spectacular Site on the Cambodian-Thai Border

Preah Vihear Temple is a stunning example of Khmer architecture, built by the kings of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 12th centuries. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and consists of a series of sanctuaries connected by pavements and staircases along an 800-meter-long axis. The temple is perched on the edge of a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, overlooking the vast plain of Cambodia. The temple is not only a religious and cultural treasure, but also a symbol of national pride and sovereignty, as it has been the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

History of Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple is an ancient Hindu temple built by several Khmer kings from the 9th to the 12th century. It was dedicated to Shiva and decorated with carvings and inscriptions. It was a place of worship, ceremony, and military importance for the Khmer Empire. After the empire collapsed, the temple was forgotten and covered by the jungle. It was rediscovered by the French in the 19th century, but also became a source of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, who both claimed ownership of the temple and its surroundings. The International Court of Justice ruled twice in favor of Cambodia, but the dispute still caused violence and tension until recently. The temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical value.

Uniqueness of Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple is unique among the Khmer temples in several aspects. First, the temple is built along a north-south axis, rather than the conventional east-west orientation. This is because the temple follows the natural contour of the cliff, and faces the direction of the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet, where Shiva is believed to reside. Second, the temple is composed of five levels, each representing a different stage of the ascent to the abode of the god. The levels are connected by steep staircases, which symbolize the difficulty and merit of the pilgrimage. The lowest level is the Gopura, or the entrance pavilion, which is decorated with four-faced towers and guardian lions. The second level is the Gallery, or the outer enclosure, which is lined with columns and windows. The third level is the Banteay, or the inner enclosure, which contains several buildings and courtyards. The fourth level is the Sanctuary, or the main temple, which houses the central tower and the lingam. The fifth and highest level is the Cliff, or the natural platform, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape below.

The temple is also remarkable for the quality and diversity of its artistic and architectural elements. The temple displays a harmonious integration of the natural and built environment, as well as a fusion of different styles and influences. The temple reflects the evolution and innovation of the Khmer art and culture, as it incorporates elements from the pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and post-Angkorian periods. The temple is adorned with intricate and delicate carvings, depicting floral motifs, geometric patterns, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics. The temple also features sculptures of gods, goddesses, kings, and warriors, some of which are still in situ, while others are displayed in museums or stolen by looters. The temple is a masterpiece of Khmer craftsmanship and creativity, and a testimony to the religious and political significance of the site.

Best Time to Visit Preah Vihear Temple

Best time to visit: November-February, dry and cool season, but also crowded and expensive.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Entrance fee: 10 USD for foreigners, 2 USD for Cambodians. Optional guide service available.

Location: 240 km from Siem Reap, the nearest city and the gateway to Angkor Wat.

Transportation: Car, bus, or motorbike, but expect a rough and dusty road. May need a four-wheel drive or a local driver. Alternatively, helicopter tour from Siem Reap, with a stunning aerial view.

Dress code and etiquette: Modest and respectful clothing, covering shoulders and knees. No shoes or hats inside the temple. No touching, climbing, loud noises, or flash photos.

Security and border issues: Follow the authorities and the signs. Do not stray from the path or cross into Thailand. Check the latest travel advice and updates before the trip.

Conclusion

Preah Vihear Temple is a magnificent and majestic site, that showcases the glory and grandeur of the Khmer civilization. The temple is a cultural and natural heritage, that deserves to be preserved and protected. The temple is also a source of pride and identity, that should be respected and shared. The temple is a place of beauty and wonder, that invites you to explore and admire. The temple is a destination of adventure and discovery, that awaits you to visit and enjoy.