Travel to Preah Vihear Province (Piewihea)

Traveling to Preah Vihear Province: Routes and Real Experiences by mr.hotsia

When talking about Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia, this name is probably familiar to travelers interested in ancient Khmer temples and culture. However, getting here is not as easy as it seems because the Preah Vihear Temple, the highlight of this province, is located on the Thai-Cambodian border where there is no international border checkpoint. This made me, mr.hotsia, plan the travel route carefully and choose the most suitable method for this trip.

I chose to travel from Siem Reap, which is the main connection point for tourists heading to Preah Vihear. The route I took was by bus from Siem Reap to Kampong Thom Province first, then transferred to a bus running from Phnom Penh through Kampong Thom to Phnom Tbeng Meanchey, the capital city of Preah Vihear Province. This method is not very popular among general tourists, but I think it is a good option if you want to experience the real life of Cambodians and enjoy the changing scenery along the way.

Getting to Know Phnom Tbeng Meanchey, the Capital of Preah Vihear

Phnom Tbeng Meanchey is a small lively town with the local market as the heart of the community. I took a walk atPhnom Tbeng Meanchey Marketboth in the morning and evening. The morning market is bustling with fresh vegetables, fish, and various ingredients sold by locals. In the evening, there are made-to-order food stalls and a shop selling steamed beef offal with spicy dipping sauce that I tried and must say it was really delicious. Their dipping sauce is unique and rich, which made me come back for several meals during this trip.

Besides that, local food in this town is easy to find. There are noodle and pork rice shops in the morning market, and for dinner, I usually choose to eat roadside in a small park-like area with a friendly atmosphere, watching people pass by. Eating like this made me feel closer to the local community. If interested in details and locations of various food stalls, you can read in the articleLocal food in Phnom Tbeng Meanchey, Preah Vihear Provincethat I wrote.

Travel Options: Taxi Hire or Car with Driver

Besides regular buses, I asked locals and tourists who traveled to Preah Vihear and found that hiring a car with a driver from Siem Reap to Tbeng Meanchey is a convenient option suitable for group travel. The price I heard was about 100 USD or around 3,000 THB, but after bargaining and using the service, the price was about 50 USD (1,500 THB). This price includes a stop at Koh Ker, the Khmer pyramid, an ancient capital of the Khmer Empire and another amazing site in Preah Vihear Province.

If you come in a group of 4-5 people, hiring a car with a driver like this is worth it because it is not only comfortable but also allows you to customize your itinerary, such as starting from Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear, and Stung Treng. Fuel and driver accommodation costs are shared, making the price per person per day no more than 600 THB, which I think is suitable for those who want to travel freely and explore many places together.

Atmosphere and Accommodation in Preah Vihear Province

Speaking of accommodation in Preah Vihear Province, I must honestly say that hotels in Phnom Tbeng Meanchey are quite expensive compared to other provinces in Cambodia. The guesthouse I stayed at, 27 May Guesthouse, costs about 600 THB per night, has air conditioning but no WIFI, and the room smelled of smoke. I still wonder why the price is much higher than elsewhere.

There are not many hotels and guesthouses in this town, only about 4 that I saw in the city center. Those with WIFI are located opposite the Soraya bus station, next to Tbeng Meanchey transport station, which might be a better choice for those who need internet access during their stay.Read more details about accommodation in Preah Vihear ProvinceSure

Experience Local Life and Culture through Local Food and Snacks

On the way back from Koh Ker to Phnom Tbeng Meanchey, I stopped to eat Khmer bamboo rice, which is different from the Thai version I am familiar with. Khmer bamboo rice uses small bamboo and does not include coconut milk or sugar but has a slightly salty taste, giving a new and simply delicious flavor. It is suitable as a snack to curb hunger during travel. If anyone wants to see and learn more about Khmer bamboo rice in detail, watch the video and read the story atKhmer Bamboo Rice in Preah Vihear

Local food in Phnom Tbeng Meanchey also features a shop selling steamed beef offal eaten with spicy dipping sauce and fermented fish sauce, which I liked so much I had to return several times. This shop is near the evening market and is one of the flavors that made me feel this trip was worthwhile and truly immersed in the local culture.

Explore World Heritage: Koh Ker Pyramid and Preah Vihear Temple

It is impossible not to mention Koh Ker because it was the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, located about 100 kilometers from Siem Reap. I had the chance to experience the large stone pyramid that looks like it came from another world. This temple was rediscovered in 2003 after being forgotten for over 1,000 years. The charm of Koh Ker is its tranquility and the grandeur of ancient Khmer architecture that remains well preserved.Read more about the Khmer Pyramid at Koh Kerthat I recorded on this trip.

As for Preah Vihear Temple, the important symbol of this province, it is located about 100 kilometers from the capital city and adjacent to the Thai-Cambodian border. Although there is a territorial dispute, it remains a place of great historical and architectural value, perfect for those who love ancient sites and want to study Khmer history deeply.

Summary of Impressions and Recommendations by mr.hotsia

Preah Vihear Province is not a place for casual travelers because of the difficulty of access and border checkpoint restrictions, which keep it peaceful and natural with local community life. I, mr.hotsia, recommend planning your trip well and spending 2-3 days to explore the markets in Phnom Tbeng Meanchey, taste local food, visit the Koh Ker pyramid, and don't forget to visit Preah Vihear Temple to experience the grand history of the Khmer Empire.

If you want a deep and diverse experience, I suggest hiring a car with a driver who can take you around the province at a good price. Or if you want to save money, you can travel by bus as I did.

For an overview of Preah Vihear Province and more information about tourist spots, you can read the articleTravel Preah Vihear Provincewhich I have compiled completely, and I hope this article helps you plan your Preah Vihear trip more easily and full of great memories from this fascinating land.