

Year Built
9th-12th century CE
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural and Iconographic Influences
Built By
Multiple Khmer Kings
Material Used
Sandstone, Laterite, Lime Mortar, Metal
Heritage Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Preah Vihear Temple, dramatically perched atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dangrek Mountains along the Cambodia-Thailand border, represents one of the most spectacularly sited and architecturally sophisticated Hindu temples in Southeast Asia, constructed continuously from the 9th to 12th centuries CE and dedicated to Shiva, creating a breathtaking testament to the profound transmission of Indian Hindu religious and architectural traditions to Cambodia and demonstrating the sophisticated understanding of Indian temple planning principles that emphasized elevated locations for major shrines. The temple complex, extending for over 800 meters along the cliff edge and ascending through a series of five gopuras (gateway towers) connected by long causeways and staircases, features a sophisticated architectural design that follows the classic Indian Hindu temple plan with progressive levels of sanctity, while the temple's location on a dramatic cliff top, chosen according to Indian cosmological principles that emphasized elevated locations as closer to the divine realm, underscores its spiritual significance as a place where earth and sky intersected. The temple's extraordinary decorative programs, executed with remarkable artistic sophistication, include elaborate lintels and pediments depicting scenes from Hindu mythology including Shiva dancing, Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha, and the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, demonstrating the direct transmission of Indian Hindu iconographic programs and narrative traditions from the great artistic centers of India to Cambodia, while the temple's architectural elements including the gopuras, mandapas (halls), and sanctum follow sophisticated Indian Hindu temple architectural traditions that were systematically transmitted from the great temple complexes of India. Archaeological evidence reveals that the temple served as a major center of Shiva worship for the Khmer Empire, while the discovery of numerous Sanskrit inscriptions provides crucial evidence of the site's role in the transmission of Indian religious texts and practices to Cambodia, demonstrating the sophisticated understanding of Indian Hindu traditions possessed by the Khmer court and religious establishment. The temple's construction employed sophisticated engineering techniques including the use of sandstone blocks fitted together without mortar, sophisticated corbelled vaulting adapted from Indian temple architecture, and extensive terracing and retaining walls that demonstrate the remarkable engineering skills possessed by Khmer architects and engineers. Today, Preah Vihear stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of the most important Hindu temples in Southeast Asia, serving as a powerful testament to the transmission of Indian Hindu culture and architecture to Southeast Asia, while ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure that demonstrates the profound impact of Indian civilization on Southeast Asian religious and artistic traditions. ([1][2])
Preah Vihear Temple was constructed continuously from the 9th to 12th centuries CE by multiple Khmer kings. The temple was dedicated to Shiva. The site was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. Ongoing restoration and conservation efforts continue. ([1][2])
French École Française d'Extrême-Orient, UNESCO, Cambodian Ministry of Culture


Extensive archaeological excavations, documentation, structural analysis, and conservation work.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization; restoration of damaged sections; ongoing conservation. ([1][2])
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Construction utilized sandstone blocks fitted together without mortar. The temple employed corbelled vaulting adapted from Indian temple architecture. The foundation system utilized stone platforms built on cliff bedrock. Decorative elements including lintels and pediments were carved directly into sandstone. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs sandstone block construction with corbelled vaulting. The distinctive Khmer gopura form utilizes tiered pyramidal roofs. ([1][2])
14.389400, 104.680300
{"notes":"Cliff-top location; wear appropriate footwear; respect religious site; border area - check current access conditions.","restrooms":"Available at visitor facilities.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to steps and cliff location."}
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Morning (7:30-10:00 AM) for best lighting and fewer crowds; dry season (November-March) for comfortable weather.
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Respect religious site; do not climb on structures; follow designated pathways; photography allowed; modest clothing recommended.
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Yes
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2025-11-09T09:27:16.150705+00:00
2025-11-09T09:27:16.150705+00:00
Medieval Period
Preah Vihear
Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural and Iconographic Influences
UNESCO Site
Preah Vihear Temple Dangrek Mountains Cambodia is a historic Temple located in Preah Vihear, Cambodia. This Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural and Iconographic Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Cambodia. Preah Vihear Temple, dramatically perched atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dangrek Mountains along the Cambodia-Thailand border, represents one of the most spectacularly sited and architecturally sophist...
| ៛Entry Fee | Cambodian nationals: Free; Foreigners: USD 10; Children under 12: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Preah Vihear Temple Dangrek Mountains Cambodia. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Preah Vihear Temple Dangrek Mountains Cambodia is located in Preah Vihear Temple, Dangrek Mountains, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, Preah Vihear. The nearest major city is Preah Vihear Temple. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 14.3894, 104.6803.
Entry fee: Cambodian nationals: Free; Foreigners: USD 10; Children under 12: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Preah Vihear Temple Dangrek Mountains Cambodia. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Preah Vihear Temple Dangrek Mountains Cambodia by Multiple Khmer Kings
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO World Heritage Site
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation