PREAH VIHEAR

• How to get there
Some 240 Km North from Siem Reap town this is one of the more remote provinces in Cambodia. Around a 4-hour drive from Siem Reap the roads are now much improved, making the journey less arduous.

• Description
The main attractions here are the hilltop temples, overlooking Thailand. Disputed for many years, recently the courts decided the temples were in fact located in Cambodia so the skirmishes have all but died out.

• Where to go
While quite remote, this province has a lot to offer for those who are interested in ancient temple structures and remote villages without so much tourist influence. Here in Preah Vihear you will find three of the most impressive legacies from the Angkorian era: the mountain temple of Prasat Preah Vihear, the 10th-century capital of Koh Ker and the mighty Preak Khan.
Prasat Preah Vihear; Construction started on the first temple on this site in the early 9th century; both then and in the following centuries it was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as the mountain gods Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara.
The earliest surviving parts of the temple, however, date from the Koh Ker period in the early 10th century, when the empire's capital was at the city of that name.

There is an incredible view across Thailand from this location

• Food and Accommodation
Options for hotels and guesthouses are few here, but thanks to the upturn in visitors to the temples there are some decent guesthouses. Most visitors need at least 1 night near by as the site is pretty remote. There are the usual local restaurants all serving local food.

• Health
The remote location and lack of decent medical facilities means for anything serious, it means a trip to Thailand. While right on the Thai border, the nearest border crossing is not very close.

• Safety
Preah Vihear was recently an area most countries advised not to visit due to border skirmishes over land ownership between Thailand and Cambodia. Courts recently ruled in favour of Cambodia and so the situation is now much calmer and the majority of troops have been pulled out of the area.

• Entertainment and Shopping
o It’s likely you will stay in the main town of Tbeng Meanchey where there are numerous guesthouses and restaurants. As always there is the customary market in the centre of the town to shop for everyday goods and souvenirs.