Tourism of Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear can be an ancient Angkor Hindu temple, located in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. Located on the top of a 525-meters cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, the temple offers magnificent views of the countryside and is known because of its exquisite architecture along using its beautiful location. The complex served as a spiritual sanctuary for many Khmer emperors who came here seeking a retreat. Travelers exploring Cambodia visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site for the spectacular views of the plains, brilliant architecture and rich history.
Preah Vihear borders Thailand’s Sisaket province, that an entry can be done via the Khao Phra Wihan National Park. Preah Vihear province gets its name out of this temple. What Preah Vihear means religious offerings of the sacred temple.
History of Preah Vihear
The Temple of Preah Vihear reaches least a century over the age of Angkor Wat, the most well-known monument of the Khmer period, however the history of the temple isn’t clear. The construction of Preah Vihear began through the reign of Yasovarman I and ended with Suryavarman II. So that it is thought that seven successors have got made additions to the temple premises. Because of its remote location, the website is definitely well preserved. Located near to the border, Preah Vihear is a monument of a dispute between your countries of Thailand and Cambodia. First, part of Thailand, it became part of Cambodia following its independence. But pursuing civil wars and the Khmer Rouge, there is a conflict which continued until 2011. As of this moment, though it belongs to Cambodia, both nations have placed massive military posted at the entrance of the temple. It isn’t a cause for just about any concern among the tourists, who go to the temple in good sized quantities.
Architecture
The temple symbolised Mount Meru and was focused on Hindu God Shiva. There are various other deities from Buddhism, added through the later stages by emperors endorsing Buddhism. The architecture of Preah Vihear is exclusive in lots of ways, including its location on an extended north-south axis, rather than a rectangular complex facing east – an average Khmer style. This temple-mountain complex includes an 800-metre lengthy axis with many sanctuaries separated by staircases and a causeway, that leads to the very best of the complex. Each sanctuary houses a gopura, which is certainly well carved and decorated with sculptures depicting various mythological scenes. Visitors need to climb guidelines to reach all of the five gopuras to access the top. The 3rd gopura may be the largest of all, surrounded by two large halls. There are also two big libraries in this sanctuary.
What is the best time to visit Preah Vihar?
The best time to visit Preah Vihear is between October to February, when the weather is not hot, and the humidity is manageable. Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun and for pleasant sunrise and sunset views of the surrounding landscape.
Food in Preah Vihear
Sra’Aem is a small town with plenty of restaurants, but inquiries kept turning up the same names: Lemy Restaurant and Oeng Kong Huy.
Lemy Restaurant, Sra’Aem: T: (071) 222 2198.
Oeng Kong Huy, Sra’Aem: T: (064) 636 8889; (066) 686 668.
Sra’Aem Boutique Hotel, Sra’Aem: T: (088) 862 2778.
Things to See
162 stone actions that lead to the causeway decorated with Nagas and the view of the Gopuras Gopura III & Gopura IV – Both known for their intricate carvings, bas reliefs and galleries depicting Indian and Buddhist mythological scenes and characters.
Pei Ta Da Cliff – A 500-metre drop point offering fantastic views of the landscapes. In case you have a permit or visa and are entering from the Thai side, you can additionally check out these things.
Pha Moh I-Daeng – A cliff with a viewpoint from this border side offering splendid views of the countryside of Cambodia.
Huay Kanoon Dam – a popular picnic spot for the locals, located about 25 km from the temple.
Don Tuan Khmer Ruins – 10th-century ruins of the Khmers located close to the Thailand Cambodia border.
Sra Trao or Huay Trao – A stream flowing through the rock at the foot of Preah Vihear. It is believed that it served as a Khmer reservoir in this region.
Tham Khun Sri – A gigantic cave, which is believed to be the residing place of Khun Sri. He was a Khmer who managed rock cutting and supplies for the construction of Preah Vihear complex.
Namtok – A three-tier waterfall, above Tham Khun Sri cave close to a trail leading to Preah Vihear.
Tips When Arriving Preah Vihear
Visit the temple, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon for pleasant weather. Carry your passport with you as you are required to show that to get your entry tickets. Get an umbrella, good shoes, and enough water with you as the place needs a bit of walking around and climbing in the sun. You can arrange transport from the entrance to the temple gate, which costs about 5 USD per person for a return trip. It is better to take this if you want to avoid walking all the way.