Preah Vihear, Cambodia - Prasat Preah Vihear, an Angkorian temple situated on a ridge in the Dangrek Mountains in Cambodia, just across the border from Thailand. As its location on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, ownership of the area was 
disputed until 1967, when the International Court of Justice ruled that it belonged to Cambodia.
“Prasat Khao Phra Wiharn in Thai. Perhaps the best place for meditation.”
It was one of the most exciting trips ever taken. Taking a bus with a group of nearly 30 people, we left Phnom Penh to Tbeng Mean Chey of Preah Vihear province, but just before reaching the provincial capital we took an adventurous road to visit by ox-cart trail for a 30km road. After staying a night in Tbeng Mean Chey, just after dawn we headed to Prasat Preah Vihear. The temple-mountain complex runs 800m along a north-south axis, which sits on the clifftop at the southern end of the complex (approximately 120m above the northern end of the complex and 525m above the Cambodian plain). To get to the rooftop of the moutain, some of us got moto taxi, the others took pick-up truck. At first a small of group of mine thought of walking up. It takes about two hours. But as the pick-up truck driver approached to fill in his cab by offering discount price, we accepted. And so we had more time to explore the ancient architecture.
They Chanto, a sophisticate of Cambodian history of arts, pointing at pedimen of Krishna fighting Arjuna. I regard him as a mentor or Lok Krou in Khmer.
The temple sits on the clifftop of a ridge in the Dangrek Mountains.
Tags: Preah Vihear
I went at the time when the border was closed, it was a steep climb from the Khmer side! I was afraid the pickup truck would fall over on the steep muddy road.
Preah Vihear is perched on an amazing view, but as you walk through the temple you are directed upward and inside, away from the scenery and presumably, away from the everyday world, as spectacular as it may be. It requires you to choose, are you going to look inward or outward?
A fascinating temple and place.
http://jinja.apsara.org/travels/avengvihear03/preahvihear/pvihear1.htm
I would agree with other pundits that this province and the temple itself will become another potential destination of tourists.
Thanks for the link. The pictures give another view and scence of the temple and nature in different period of time.
I went in 2003, the border was open but the ‘road’ on the Cambodian side very challenging. I do agree that Prey Vihear has large potential to become a prime tourist destination.
http://cambodia.mellenthin.de/archives/2004/01/14/entry00121/
http://cambodia.mellenthin.de/archives/2004/01/07/entry00120/
Stefan
I went there once. I was a school trip organised by ex Phnom Penh mayor, Chea Sophara. I was a fun trip ever. We had to walk all the way to the mountain top and stayed there overnight. The road condition was the nightmare but when you get the temple it is nice and spectacular. Gov’t should provide an easy access to the temple. They don’t seem to care about it at all. How hopeless!
Overnighted on the Dangrek Mountain and in the temple site would be an amazing travel experience.
[...] This picture was taken in my trip to Preah Vihear province this year. [...]
[...] They ChanTo, my former employer and mentor, having lunch on Dangrek mountain, in the site of Preah Vihear temple. We couldn’t find a tour guide, but fortunately my Lonely Planet was somewhat useful along the trip from Preah Khan to Preah Vihear and to Koh Ker. [...]