Khao Phra Viharn
This unique temple is located on the top of a steep cliff about 1700 feet above the flat plain of northwest Cambodia. The temple is actually in Cambodia, but can only be reached from Thailand. It is about a 4 hour drive from Bangkok.
We know we are here because the roadblock ahead is the Cambodian border. Left turn into the national park containing the Khao Pra Viharn Temple.
Steve and Khun Pirate, our chauffeur and friend, hoof it the half mile to reach the entry to the temple grounds.
Outside the entrance gate there are many small stalls selling souveners and trinkets. This pretty mom and daughter were selling cards and flower jewelry.
Faye was recording all the cute kids...
One stall was selling rare skins like this lepoard. Forbidden stuff in most of the world.
The gate to the temple grounds is also the border with Cambodia.
Immediately inside the gate we find the ubiquitous warnings of mines. Welcome to Cambodia.
The stairs to the temple are a daunting chore - almost a half mile in length, and climbing about 200 feet vertically.
Khun Pirate leads the way. Here, nearing the top, we can see the looming naga heads.
Stopping for breath, Faye shows the size of the naga.
The first building of the temple group is on top of this mound and commands the site. Also, the cloud cover has lowered and is starting to shroud the temple and mountain top in fog.
Unfortunately, the fog has increased. Visibility is limited to only about 50 feet.
Classic doorway entry to one of the buildings making up this complex.
Interior doorway and classic lentel.
Another.
A lentel.
Windows all have dowels for bars. Hard work for the builders.
The grounds are strewn with many fractured carvings. Mostly the result of looting over the years.
We were surprised to find many offerings of flowers and candles. Still a holy place.
Lotus blossom offering.
Steve helps straighten up the place...
Quiet sightseeing.
Still a holy place.
Faye takes some final photos of the fog enshrouded temple.
The long and slippery walk down.
The Cambodians used Khao Phra Viharn to decorate their 100 Kip bank note. This is the front, and...
This is the back. This is a good perspective which shows the scale and size of the temple complex, and how it dramatically hangs out at the far end over a sheer cliff that drops about 1700 feet to the plain below.
Down at last, we stop at a local outdoor restaurant for a Singha and snack.
Faye immediately bonds with the host cat.
The owner and his family got a laugh out of our visit. They wouldn't part with their cat, much to Faye's disappointment.
Back to our local motel for a night's sleep and another adventure somewhere tomorrow.
