Pre Vihia - Temple in the Clouds
Description:
Route: Siem Reap - Pre Vihia (250 km) - Siem Reap
Pre Vihia was formerly called Sri Shikhareshvara, meaning “Lord of the Mountain” and dedicated to the god Shiva. Seven Khmer monarchs took part in the construction of this temple, each trying to contribute to the beauty and richness of this place. The construction of the complex took 280 years - from the 9th to the 12th century, from the beginning of the reign of Yasovarman I to the legendary usurper Suryavarman II. This sacred monastery of the Khmer Empire is located right on the border of Cambodia with Thailand. Three times an international scandal broke out, which ended with military protests between these countries for the ownership of the temple. The last was in February 2011, when it all began with four-day border clashes. The Cambodian government has accused Thailand of using nerve gas and cluster bombs against Cambodian troops. As a result of the hostilities, several tens of thousands of civilians on both sides were forced to leave the conflict zone, leaving their homes. Cambodia defended its rights to Pre Vihia, this is what old warriors like to remember, suffocating with screws. The upper temple is located at an altitude of 657 m above sea level, on a rocky ledge of the Dangrek mountain range.
The stone cape is called "Sing Ta Di", in honor of Dee's grandfather, who laid down his life in the fight against the Siamese invaders. In clear weather, this cape offers a beautiful view of the plain, which stretches below covered with forest and seems to be a green sea, in which there are both the islands of Kampong Svai and Mlow Prey. In accordance with your wishes, this program can be combined with other tours and make your individual and unique journey. For example, combine a visit to Pre Vihia with the abandoned town of Koh Ker and the temple in the jungle of Ben (g) Milia. The cost of individual routes is calculated separately, depending on your wishes. The cost of a tour per person depends on the size of the group.
Duration: from 8 hours. The length of the route: about 500 km.