Travel Preah Vihear Province (Preah Vihear Province)

Travel to Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia: The charm of mountains and ancient Khmer history

Hello, I ammr.hotsiaToday, I will take friends on a trip to Preah Vihear Province, which Cambodians call Preah Vihear Province. It borders Thailand’s Sisaket Province. This place has unique importance and charm in terms of history, culture, and beautiful nature, which I experienced firsthand on my recent trip.

Traveling to Preah Vihear Province

Since the Preah Vihear Temple area is not an international border crossing, I chose to enter via Siem Reap Province, driving through Kampong Thom and then continuing to the provincial capital, Phnom Tbeng Meanchey. This route is more convenient and safer. There is also a road connecting Stung Treng Province to Preah Vihear, but I have not tried that route yet.

For those wanting to hire a car from Siem Reap to Tbeng Meanchey, locals say the price is about 100 USD or around 3,000 THB. I was lucky to get it for only 50 USD, which included a stop at Koh Ker, the Khmer pyramid and ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Read more details aboutTraveling to Preah Vihear Province (Preah Vihear)that I wrote.

Phnom Tbeng Meanchey: A small town with hidden charm

The capital of Preah Vihear Province is a small town located in a valley, surrounded by mountains about 600 meters high to the southwest, creating a peaceful and cool atmosphere. The town has both a day market and a night market in the same area. The morning market is much livelier, offering fresh vegetables, fish, and local fresh produce. I even saw large eggplants similar to those in Kampong Chhnang. You can see photos and the market atmosphere atPhnom Tbeng Meanchey Market, Preah Vihear Province

Local foods I fell in love with in Preah Vihear

Speaking of food in this town, it’s easy to find street food and market snacks. There are stalls selling steamed beef offal served with spicy dipping sauce or fermented fish sauce with herbs that taste amazing. The dipping sauce is spicy and flavorful, similar to what I’ve had in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. I tried the sauce here and rated it excellent. There are also made-to-order dishes and noodle shops in the morning market.

In the evening, I sat down to eat made-to-order dishes by the roadside near the town park. The local food flavors are simple and balanced, fitting the atmosphere of this small town. For those who like sweets, I recommendKhmer Bamboo Sticky Ricewhich I bought to eat on the way back from Koh Ker. It is sticky rice roasted in small bamboo tubes. The taste does not include sugar or coconut milk like ours but has a unique fragrant and deep flavor. You can watch the clip I recorded on YouTube.

Accommodation in Tbeng Meanchey: A challenge for travelers

Accommodation in this small town is interesting and raises questions. Prices are relatively high compared to other provinces in Cambodia, about 600 THB per night. I stayed at 27 May Guesthouse, which has air conditioning but no Wi-Fi and a cigarette smell in the room. There are not many other accommodations in town, roughly about 4 hotels total. The hotel with Wi-Fi is opposite the Soraya bus station. I didn’t ask the price but it should be acceptable for those who want internet access.

For those traveling to Koh Ker or Preah Vihear Temple on the Cambodian side, there are small guesthouses in villages near the tourist sites, but I haven’t had the chance to stay there yet. Read more aboutHotels and accommodations in Preah Vihear Provincethat I wrote.

Koh Ker: The Khmer Pyramid and Ancient Capital of the Khmer Empire

Instead of climbing Preah Vihear Temple on this trip, I decided to visit Koh Ker, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire before they moved to build Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Koh Ker is about 100 kilometers from Siem Reap and is well known as the Asian pyramid because of its large stepped stone pyramids and temples that are very impressive.

Koh Ker was forgotten for over 1,000 years until rediscovered by archaeologists in 2003. The structures here are unique and very sturdy, with defensive methods unlike any other at that time. Traveling to Koh Ker is an experience I highly recommend for those who love history and nature. Read more stories and details aboutThe Khmer Pyramid Koh Ker (Koh Ker)that I wrote.

Atmosphere and lifestyle in Preah Vihear Province

Preah Vihear Province has beautiful mountain scenery, some resembling ancient volcanoes like Mount Fuji in Japan. Roads in town and between villages have few cars; ox carts remain the main transport for locals, reflecting a simple and peaceful way of life.

I recommend that for a deep and free travel experience, rent a car from Tbeng Meanchey to visit various spots to closely experience the local atmosphere and lifestyle.

Summary of experience and recommendations for travelers

Preah Vihear Province is historically and culturally significant in Cambodia, with interesting ancient sites like Preah Vihear Temple and Koh Ker, as well as a unique local lifestyle. Although travel may not be as convenient as in more popular provinces, I believe it is a worthwhile journey full of impressive stories.

For those interested in this trip, you can study more aboutTraveling to Preah Vihear ProvinceandLocal food in Phnom Tbeng Meancheythat I have compiled to prepare you before your trip.

Thank you for following the stories frommr.hotsiaSee you again on the next journey!