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Preah Vihear is Cambodia's quiet north: forest, red laterite roads and temples that few travellers ever see. The provincial capital, Tbeng Meanchey, is the gateway, and the journey from Siem Reap takes you out of the Angkor crowds and into the countryside.
The cliff-top temple of Preah Vihear (Khao Phra Wihan) on the Thai border is not open to visitors at the moment. The UK Foreign Office lists it among the closed border temples and advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the land border with Thailand.[1] Plan the trip around the town of Tbeng Meanchey and the temples of the province instead.
Siem Reap to Preah Vihear by Van
A regional van is the usual way to go. It covers the trip in about 3 hours, and on booking platforms a seat costs about $16 (November 2026).[2] Several bus and van companies serve Preah Vihear town, among them Mekong Express, Sorya, Larryta, Virak Buntham and Cambodia Post VIP Van.[3]
The direct road from Siem Reap runs for more than 200 km over packed laterite via Anlong Veng. A newer road links Siem Reap with Koh Ker; beyond it, the tracks to Preah Vihear are rough dirt and sand.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Regional van | About $16[2] | From about 3h |
Tips for Traveling from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear
- Confirm the pick-up point: Ask whether the ticket includes a hotel pick-up in Siem Reap, so you do not have to carry your bags to a bus office.
- Allow for the road: Delays are common on unpaved sections, especially in the rainy season, so do not book a tight onward connection.
- Keep small notes: Carry small US dollar bills or Cambodian riel for water and snacks at roadside stops.
Timetable
| Van Siem Reap - Preah Vihear $ 15.47 3h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear, including current prices and schedules.
A regional van is the usual option. On booking platforms a seat costs about $16 (November 2026).
The regional van, which takes about 3 hours. There is no rail or air link to Preah Vihear town.
The van takes from about 3 hours, longer on the unpaved sections or in heavy rain.
No. The UK Foreign Office lists Preah Vihear (Khao Phra Wihan) among the closed border temples and advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the land border with Thailand.
The direct road runs from Siem Reap via Anlong Veng over more than 200 km of packed laterite to Tbeng Meanchey.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Cambodia travel advice: Warnings and insurance. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Siem Reap - Preah Vihear. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [3] Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, TourismCambodia.com: Transportation - Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.