Home › Destinations › Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Things to Do in Preah Vihear

Things to Do in Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Complete Travel Guide

Preah Vihear is a remote and mystical province in northern Cambodia, best known for its spectacular UNESCO World Heritage temple complex perched dramatically on the edge of the Dangrek Mountains. The ancient Preah Vihear Temple, dating back to the 10th century, offers one of the most breathtaking temple experiences in Southeast Asia, with its clifftop location providing panoramic views across the Cambodian plains below. This sacred Khmer site predates Angkor Wat and showcases exceptional architecture dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Beyond the famous temple, Preah Vihear province offers visitors a chance to experience authentic rural Cambodia, with vast forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and traditional villages largely untouched by mass tourism. The region's remoteness means fewer crowds but requires more planning and adventure spirit. The journey to reach this archaeological wonder is part of the experience, involving scenic drives through countryside landscapes and local communities that have remained unchanged for generations.

Top Things to Do in Preah Vihear

Explore Preah Vihear Temple Complex

Visit the magnificent 10th-century temple complex dramatically positioned on a 525-meter cliff edge overlooking Cambodia and Thailand. The temple's unique linear design stretches over 800 meters along the mountain ridge, offering spectacular views and incredible photo opportunities. The site features intricate stone carvings, ancient gopuras (entrance pavilions), and a mystical atmosphere enhanced by its remote location.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $10 USD and requires a motorbike taxi ($15-20) or 4WD vehicle to reach the summit from the base. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) for cooler temperatures and better lighting. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes as the climb can be steep.

Koh Ker Archaeological Site Day Trip

Discover the remote 10th-century capital of the Khmer Empire, featuring the impressive 36-meter tall Prasat Thom pyramid temple. This off-the-beaten-path site contains over 180 temples scattered through dense forest, offering an adventurous archaeological experience. The site provides insight into a brief but significant period of Khmer history when it served as the empire's capital.

Booking Tip: Combine with Preah Vihear temple visit for a full day tour ($80-120 with driver and guide). Entry fee is $10 USD. Best visited with a knowledgeable local guide who can navigate the forest paths and explain the historical significance.

Wildlife Watching in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary

Experience one of Cambodia's most important protected areas, home to endangered species including Asian elephants, tigers, and various bird species. The sanctuary offers guided treks through pristine forest, wildlife spotting opportunities, and encounters with local conservation efforts. This area represents some of the last remaining wilderness in Cambodia.

Booking Tip: Arrange tours through local eco-tourism operators ($30-50 per day) who work with conservation groups. Best wildlife viewing is during dry season (November-April). Overnight camping options available for serious wildlife enthusiasts ($80-100 including meals).

Traditional Village Homestays

Stay with local families in traditional wooden stilt houses and experience authentic rural Cambodian life. Participate in daily activities like rice farming, traditional cooking, and local crafts while supporting community-based tourism initiatives. This provides genuine cultural immersion away from tourist areas.

Booking Tip: Book through community-based tourism organizations ($15-25 per night including meals). Best arranged in advance through local NGOs or eco-tourism groups. Bring basic toiletries and be prepared for simple accommodations with shared facilities.

Sunrise Photography at Dangrek Mountains

Capture stunning sunrise views from various viewpoints along the Dangrek mountain range, offering panoramic vistas across the Cambodian plains and into Thailand. The dramatic landscape provides excellent photography opportunities with ancient temples silhouetted against colorful skies. The area's elevation and clear air create ideal conditions for landscape photography.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides ($20-30) who know the best viewpoints and can arrange early morning transportation. Bring warm clothes as mountain temperatures can be cool before dawn. Best during dry season when skies are clearest.

Getting There

Preah Vihear is approximately 400 kilometers north of Phnom Penh and 200 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap. The most common route is driving from Siem Reap via National Road 6 to Tbeng Meanchey, then north to the temple base, taking 3-4 hours on mostly paved roads. Public buses run from Phnom Penh to Tbeng Meanchey town ($8-12), but you'll need additional transport to reach the temple. Private car hire with driver is the most convenient option ($100-150 from Siem Reap for day trip), though some tour operators offer organized trips. The final ascent to Preah Vihear temple requires motorbike taxi or 4WD vehicle due to steep, rough roads.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Preah Vihear province is limited, with motorbike taxis and occasional pickup trucks serving as the main options for reaching remote sites. Renting a motorbike ($5-8 per day) offers flexibility for exploring, though roads can be challenging during rainy season. Most visitors hire local drivers with 4WD vehicles ($40-60 per day) who know the terrain and can navigate rough roads to temples and villages. Walking is necessary for exploring temple complexes and forest areas, so bring comfortable hiking shoes. For visiting multiple sites, organized tours with local guides provide the most reliable transportation and cultural context.

Where to Stay

Tbeng Meanchey town center
Preah Vihear temple base area
Koh Ker village
Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary
Traditional village homestays
Choam Khsant border area

Food & Dining

Dining options in Preah Vihear province are limited but authentic, focusing on traditional Khmer cuisine served in local family restaurants and market stalls. Tbeng Meanchey town offers the most variety with simple restaurants serving rice dishes, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables for $2-5 per meal. Near Preah Vihear temple, small vendors sell snacks, drinks, and basic meals, though selection is limited. Village homestays provide the best opportunity to experience authentic home-cooked Cambodian meals including rice, fish curry, stir-fried vegetables, and tropical fruits. Bring snacks and water when visiting remote areas, as food options become very scarce outside main towns.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cambodia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Trattoria Bello

4.7 /5
(897 reviews) 2

Fellini Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(798 reviews)
meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Pasta La Vista Siem Reap

4.6 /5
(622 reviews)

CUCINA - Pizza & Pasta - Italian Restaurant Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(453 reviews)
bar store

Polo Food

4.9 /5
(338 reviews)
store

Trattoria da Rasy

4.9 /5
(201 reviews) 1
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Preah Vihear is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures are more comfortable (20-28°C) and roads are accessible. March to May brings hot, dry weather (30-40°C) but clear skies perfect for photography, though the heat can be intense during midday temple visits. The rainy season (June-October) makes some roads impassable and temple visits challenging, but the landscape becomes lush and green. December and January offer the most pleasant weather conditions, though this is also peak tourist season. For fewer crowds and acceptable weather, consider visiting in November or February.

Insider Tips

Bring passport for temple entry as it's near the Thai border and documents are checked
Pack plenty of water and snacks as facilities are extremely limited in remote areas
Hire local guides who can provide historical context and help navigate unmarked forest paths to hidden temples

Explore Activities in Preah Vihear