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Preah Vihear is a fascinating province,
and used to be quite unreachable. This is all changing
now, with new roads being built, and it is not so
difficult to reach the wonderful mountain-top temple of
Prasat Preah Vihear on the Thai border, the remote Preah
Khan temple, and the jungle-sapped Koh Ker temple, all
Angkorian.
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The evocative ruins of Preah
Vihear Temple, located on a dramatic
mountaintop. |
The province is forested and huge, still
very quiet and out of the way. Tourism has not hit yet,
so it is not for those who like luxury, but the history
and the temples are fabulous. There is still a problem
of landmines, as you may see from some signs, so PLEASE
do not step off well-worn paths. |
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Getting to Preah Vihear and around |
It’s all by road to Tbeng Meanchey, the provincial
capital, but this is not difficult any more. Coming from
Phnom Penh, take a pick-up in Kompong Thom take 3 hours:
the road is dirt but in very good condition. Tbeng
Meanchey is tiny and dusty, with very little to do, but
it is a pleasant and gentle place to spend a few nights.
You can currently hire motorbikes or cars in Tbeng
Meanchey to get around the province; it’s best to get
information through your accommodation, as tourism is an
industry that is only just starting here and information
changes quickly, particularly regarding prices. One of
the easiest ways is to come on your own motorbike (hired
in Phnom Penh), as you can have some freedom to get
around and are not constrained. |
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Sights |
It’s the three temples here! Prasat Preah Vihear used to
be a nightmare to access, but has a good road all the
way there now (although very very quiet: take spares if
you are going by motorbike). This does not include the
almost vertical ride up the mountain at the end, but the
views at this amazing Angkorian monument are quite
incredible, well into Thailand and Cambodia.
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Reaching Preah Vihear remains
a pilgrimage for many, as in Angkorian days. |
Preah Khan is still difficult to access, a huge
laterite and sandstone construction built in the late
12th and early 13th century. The road is still a
disaster, and you should ask around before you decide to
visit. It is still one of the most fascinating of the
Angkorian temples.
Koh Ker is straightforward now: a wide range of
abandoned crumbling temples, set in the middle of the
jungle, the road from Tbeng Meanchey is good. In
addition, tourism in Siem Reap is starting to come this
way too, so roads have been built and you can also
charter transport from there rather than Tbeng Meanchey. |
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Accommodation & Food |
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Accommodation is basic here, although it is at least
available. This may change, but probably not for the
near future. Tourism has not yet taken off so it is a
little tricky to get what you want with great ease,
although this is sure to improve. There are a couple of
Khmer restaurants with English menus, and nothing
whatsoever to do in terms of accommodation, apart from
having a beer with your dinner. |
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The sun goes down over the temple. |
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Click here
to see other provinces. |
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