Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Locals say there are no landmines in the vicinity of Preah Khan, but stick to marked
paths just to be on the safe side.
Getting There & Away
Traditionally, Preah Khan has been the toughest of Preah Vihear Province's remote
temples to reach, but upgraded provincial highways and a new dirt road to the temple it-
self have improved things dramatically. You can now visit Preah Khan year-round, al-
though it's still easiest in the dry season.
There's no public transport to Preah Khan, so you'll need to drive yourself or hire a
moto or a taxi in Preah Vihear City or Kompong Thom, or in Siem Reap for an extra-long
day trip (possibly combined with Sambor Prei Kuk).
To get there turn west off smooth NH62 in Svay Pak, about 64km south of Tbeng
Meachey and 93km north of Kompong Thom. From here an all-season dirt road via
Sangkum Thmei commune takes you to Ta Seng, about 56km from the highway and just
4km from the temple. These last 4km used to be impassable in the wet season, but are
now in good shape.
Coming from Siem Reap there are other options for hard-core trail bikers. The most
straight-forward route is to take NH6 to Stoeng and then head north. You can also take
NH6 to Kompong Kdei, head north to Khvau and then ride east on a difficult stretch of
NH66 (see below).
An amazing alternative is to approach from Beng Mealea along the ancient Angkor
road (Cambodia's own Route 66 - NH66). You'll cross about 10 splendid Angkorian naga
bridges, including the remarkable 77m-long Spean Ta Ong , 7km west of Khvau. The
road from Beng Mealea to Khvau is now in fine condition. However, it deteriorates rap-
idly after Khvau. The 23km from Khvau to Ta Seng are impassable in the rainy season.
Only experienced bikers should attempt these alternative routes on rental motorcycles,
as conditions range from difficult to extremely tough from every side and you could end
up lost in the middle of nowhere.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search