Prasat Preah Vihear ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ
A large sandstone temple that straddles the Cambodian-Thai border, and sits precariously on the cliff edge. Prasat Preah Vihear is also commonly known as Khao Phra Viharn over the border in Thailand.
The site had been occupied and built upon over many centuries, the current structures predominately date between the 10th-11th centuries.
Preah Vihear Temple ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ Prasat Preah Vihear) is an ancient Hindu temple built by the Khmer Empire, located on top of a 525 meter (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province of Cambodia.
Preah Vihear Temple was supported and modified by successive kings and thus bears elements of several architectural styles. It is unusual among Khmer temples in being constructed along a long north–south axis, rather than having the conventional rectangular plan with orientation toward the east.
Construction of the first temple on the site began 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.
Today, elements of the Banteay Srei style of the late 10th century can be seen, but most of the temple was constructed during the reigns of the Khmer kings Suryavarman I (1006–1050) and Suryavarman II (1113–1150).
In the wake of the decline of Hinduism in the region, the site was converted to use by Buddhists.
In modern times, Prasat Preah Vihear was rediscovered and became subject dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
The site is well worth a visit. Its no lk ger accessible from Thailand directly but its an easy deive from Siem Reap or from the border crossing to the west of the site.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and an amazing part of the regions history.
Enjoy the ..
