Preah Vihear Temple or Prasat Preah Vihear in Khmer is located at 1,722 feet (525 meter) above sea level, is one of the most breath taking temple complex in Cambodia. However, being located close to Thai border, the temple and area surround are constantly disputed by the two kingdoms and become a sensitive bilateral issue.
Historical background of the ruins
The establishment of the temple complex dated back to the 9th century, and many scholars believed that series of modifications took place throughout the Khmer Empire’s golden era, which explains why there are different architectural styles. Prasat Preah Vihear was built 100 years before the Great Angkor Wat and thanks to its remote location the temple is still well preserved.
The Preah Vihear made special by the form of its construction. Unlike most Cambodian rectangular temples, the complex runs a long north-south axis construction and being located high above sea levels, experts believe that the temple represents the Mount Meru, the Hindu deities’ Olympus.
Territorial and Ownership Dispute
Cambodia has been invaded by all of its neighboring countries and their colonists. The Prasat Preah Vihear was once included within Thai border, but was granted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 to the people of Cambodia.
Prasat Preah Vihear was listed as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2008, alarming the Thai kingdom once again. The stand off between Thai and Cambodian soldiers turned violent in 2008 and again in 2009, leaving some part of the temple damaged after shootings made by the Thai military. Some countries have issued travel warnings for their citizens worrying fresh outburst could start anytime.
How to Get There
Accesses to the temple complex are available both from Thai and Cambodian territory, however due to the volatile bilateral relationship the access from Thai border is often made impossible. Khmer Rouge has left a lot of mark around the complex (ammunitions and cluster bombs), so for your own safety, please be cautious during your visit and don’t walk away from existing paths.
Prasat Preah Vihear is accessible from the Cambodian territory by Motodop (motor taxi) from Kampong Thom, a Chinese Khmer area, the birth place of Saloth Sar, later on known as Pol Pot.
Related posts / hotels:
