Cycling from Siem Reap to the Ancient Cliff-Side Temple of Preah Vihear in Cambodia

Besides being a recent flashpoint between Thai and Cambodian military, Prasat Preah Vihear is one of Cambodia's most spectacular temples. Preah Vihear is a Khmer temple situated atop a 640-metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia. Built in the 9th-century, Preah Vihear has served as a temple and fortress. The temple as been largely off-limits over the past 40 years due to the heavy presence of landmines in the region (still a major issue in Cambodia) and occupation by Khmer Rouge, Thai and Vietnamese military forces. While the Thai border remains closed due to an on-going border dispute, visitors can make the journey to Prasat Preah Vihear via the Cambodian countryside.

On November 2, 2009 I loaded up my bike and set off from Siem Reap on my own modern day pilgrimage. My route took my through Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary, Anlong Veng (Pol Pot's final refuge), and remote sections of Preah Vihear province before ending in Tbaeng Meanchey. I had planned to continue east toward Stung Treng on some beautiful trails, but unfortunately injured my knee after riding to the top of Prasat Preah Vihear and had to cut the trip short.

Check out http://www.responsilbenomad.com for a full blog on the trip and more information on visiting Preah Vihear.