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Two day tour based in either Ubon Ratchathani or Si Saket. Excursion to Khao Phra Wihan (Phra Viharn or Preah Vihear in the Khmer language). Includes a vigorous walk to the summit rewarded by extensive views over the Cambodian plains. A memorable historical, cultural, and religious excursion to the Thai-Cambodian border.

Si Saket is a quiet province on the Cambodian border and home to many Angkor ruins. The province's most famous Angkor site is actually in Cambodia. Khao Phra Wihan (Phra Viharn or Preah Vihear in the Khmer language) was built over 10 centuries ago and is one of the most spectacular sites from the Angkor period. Built as a Hindu temple, it begins in Thailand and rises to 600 meters with the main sanctuary being in Cambodia. On the top, a breathtaking view over the Cambodian plains to the southeast awaits you. A visit to Khao Phra Wihan can best be incorporated into a roundtrip through southern Isan, see for instance Angkor secrets of Thailand.

Phra Wihan is one of the most impressive and majestic examples of architectural design from the Angkor period in one of Thailand's most beautiful natural areas.

Rising to Cambodia
"....on the highlands of the valleys and on the mountains of the Phnom Dong Rek Range, several ethnic groups scattered. Their lives depended on the richness of Lam Trao, the stream that was their lifeblood. One of the important ethnic groups was the Kuai, referred to as the barbaric Angkor during the Ayuthaya period. They were a dark-complexioned people of the same race as the Kha. They lived in an environment surrounded by nature and geography that nurtured beliefs in sacred objects and supernatural powers. The people in this area looked up to the steep cliff of Phra Wihan Mountain as a sacred place, the abode of the God. King Yasovarman (889 - 900 BC) established Sri Sikharesvara at a religious site on Phra Wihan mountain or the Bhavalai, the traditional sacred place of the local people. Phra Wihan was their heavenly sanctuary that soared majestically beyond the mist into the bright blue sky...."

The walk to the summit is long and steep. On the top, a breathtaking view over the Cambodian plains to the southeast awaits you. The size and complexity of the temple itself is impressive. Long periods of war have prevented several highly needed renovations and some parts of the complex are still in state of decay. This only adds to the sense of historical value. The Pha Mo Ee Daeng cliff to the other side of the mountain is also visited.
Take your passport along as you need to cross the Cambodian border. No special visa is required. Please note that occasional border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia may cause the border post to be closed. Before booking please check the latest situation with us. Best time to visit is on the quiet weekdays. Location: Si Sa Ket or Ubon Ratchatani.

Remark: The Khao Phra Wihan temple (Preah Vihear in Cambodian language) is presently closed indefinitely for tourism due to a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. This tour can therefore not be booked until further notice. Visit this page frequently, as soon as the temple is open again then we will mention that.