Discover and explore the contentious Preah Vihear Temple complex. Preah Vihear is an ancient Hindu temple built during the period of the Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains. Preah Vihear is at the border with Thailand and has been the subject of more than one ownership dispute.
Then after a brief stop at one of the restaurants for a traditional Cambodian curry, soups or stir-fries, continue to distant Koh Ker. Koh Ker is the modern name for an important city of the Khmer empire. In inscriptions the town is mentioned as Lingapura (city of lingams). The most impressive structure in the complex is Prasat Thom/Prang, a double sanctuary which follows a linear plan and not a concentric one like most of the temples of the Khmer kings. Unparalleled is the 36-metre high seven‑tiered pyramid, which most probably served as state temple.
Then visit Beng Mealea, identical to Angkor Wat, but smaller in size. Beng Mealea nonetheless ranks among the Khmer empires larger temples. It was the center of a town, surrounded by a moat 1025m by 875m large and 45m wide.
