Preah Vihear Province located in the country’s north and forms part of Cambodia’s international border with Thailand and Laos. Its capital is Preah Vihear. The region is famed for its ancient temples, notably the Preah Vihear temple complex, Koh Ker and Preah Khan of Kampong Svay.
Other notable sites in Preah Vihear Province include Neak Buos Temple, Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Tbeng Mountain, and Steung Ksach Resort.
Also recorded as Rahal. Whilst there is not much to see today, in the heydey of ancient Koh Ker this large basin (baray) would have been a pivotal feature at the center of Koh Ker group measuring approx. 1200 m long and 600 m wide. It is noted by researchers that the outlying streams and … Read more
Ancient basin with sandstone capping, 50 m x 25 m. Henri Parmentier’s description from L’Art khmèr classique , monuments du quadrant Nord-Est, 1939 Andón Prén 273 (M. H. 263). I also borrow in part the description of I. de Lajonquière for the Andón Prén by correcting it or completing it in italics: It is a basin … Read more
Also known as Prasat Khnar, the temple once featured a massive linga recorded as being 7 m high and 4 m wide that was supported by an equally massive pedestal measuring 3 m high and 7 m wide. The temple lies on the centerline axis of the large Rohal Baray, and working in concert with … Read more
Prasat Damrei of Koh Ker, also recorded as Damrei Kandoeng, features the remains of a square brick temple fronted by two brick “library” or annex buildings which are all enclosed by a laterite wall. Whilst today the site is entered by a platform that crosses the south wall, this laterite enclosure originally opened to the … Read more
Prasat Chen, or Chen Temple of Koh Ker is a group of three laterite temples on a common terrace that was fronted and flanked by two brick “library” buildings, an enclosure wall of laterite with brick entrance gopura to the east and west followed by another laterite enclosure wall that featured a long laterite terrace. … Read more
Prasat Banteay Pir Choan is one of the must-see temples at Koh Ker. The site featured an outer laterite enclosure wall with entrance gopura (gate) on the east and west inside of which was another enclosure wall that surrounded the shrines being a single grand shrine surrounded by eight smaller shrines. The layout of the … Read more
Prasat Thom is the principal temple complex of the Koh Ker group and also encloses some 21 shrines and the iconic pyramid, Prasat Prang on its western side behind which is the great mound, known as the Tomb of the White Elephant, whilst on its far eastern side are the remains of two structures connected … Read more
One of the iconic temples of the ancient Khmer Empire, Prasat Prang is a giant seven-level stepped pyramid temple attributed to the reign of King Jayavarman IV and the 10th century. It is the highlight of the Koh Ker group of temples that was, for a brief period, the ancient capital of the empire before … Read more
Also recorded as Prasat Chin Srom, it’s a remote but large ancient temple site that dates to around the 10-11th century. It’s a fascinating site that’s made all the more interesting by its nowadays remote location north of Koh Ker and nearby the small village of Prey Veng. The site is cleared (01/23) and consists … Read more
Located in Preah Vihear province, about 15km west of Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, Prasat Supheap Cheung is recorded as a “Firehouse”, labelled as Dharmacala by early French research and later Vahnigriha according to the inscription. They were shrines added to the ancient Royal Road network around the 12-13th century during the time of Jayavarman VII, … Read more
Located in Preah Vihear province along the ancient route from Beng Mealea to Preah Khan of Kampong Svay (PKKS), Prasat Supheap Tbong is a unique temple type that was only found along the Angkor-PKKS section of the ancient Royal Road network. Early French researchers would label these sites “Temple d’etape” with the belief that they … Read more
Remains of a 50 m long laterite bridge. (location estimated)
Also recorded as Po Damnak Temple. It is a group of three sandstone temples built upon a common platform. They are incomplete, receiving only part of their final decoration. The three towers open to the east and the central tower has a mandapa or hall with side windows. The central tower had received some of … Read more
Remains of a small ancient laterite bridge located on the western side of the Preah Khan (of Kampong Svay) temple complex. Parts of the sandstone naga railing can still be seen.
Located west of the Preah Khan of Kampong Svay complex and also recorded as Chambork Temple and Prasat Chambok, it’s an ancient temple that French researchers from the 1900s would label “Temple D’etape” which was akin to a stopping place along the ancient road that, in this case, led west to Beng Mealea. Whilst no … Read more
Located at the corner of the ancient basin and road leading up to Neak Buos Temple, Prasat Kuk (south) is the remains of a laterite temple, with “library” building enclosed by a laterite wall with an entrance pavilion on the eastern side. The central temple has mostly collapsed but originally opened to the east with … Read more
A partially cleared area where you can see the remains of a laterite wall. According to reports in the mid-1900s by Henri Mauger, the locals called it a turtle pit while he suggested it to be more likely for elephants or rhinoceros having the remains of an outer laterite wall with two openings enclosing a … Read more
Located on the western side of Preah Khan of Kampong Svay, it’s the partially standing remains of a laterite temple. Also recorded as Trapeang Angkrong Temple (ប្រាសាទត្រពាំងអង្គ្រង).
Also recorded as South Chheuteal Temple, it is located on the western side of Preah Khan of Kampong Svay. It is a tall square laterite temple opening to the east with a short forebody. It’s built atop a raised square laterite platform. It’s well preserved although it appears to have never been completed with carving … Read more
Located just west of the village of Svay Damnak Thmei in Rovieng District of Preah Vihear, Svay Damnak is the curious remains of an ancient temple site. But what type of temple? The site features a .5m tall laterite terrace around 25 m long on its east-west axis and around 18 m or a bit … Read more
Located on the Cambodia-Laos border, in Preah Vihear province, is a spectacular feature of the majestic Mekong River known as Preah Nimith or Sopheakmit waterfall, and also known by some locals as Lbak Khoun. It is quite a sight, where the power and sheer volume of the Mekong river meet a grand limestone plateau and … Read more