Cambodia & History: 17 years of glory for the Preah Vihear temple, a World Heritage Site

On July 7, 2025, Cambodia celebrated a historic date: the 17th anniversary of the inscription of the Preah Vihear Temple on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 This ancient sanctuary, perched atop the Dangrek mountain range, is not only a marvel of Khmer architecture but also a symbol of national pride, resilience, and cultural diplomacy.

The journey to UNESCO recognition was as spectacular as the silhouette of the cliffside temple. The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, made the temple's inscription a strategic national objective. The campaign began in earnest in 2001 and culminated in the 32nd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Quebec City, Canada, in July 2008. The inscription was more than a cultural distinction; it was a diplomatic victory that reaffirmed Cambodia's sovereignty over the site, a status first established by the International Court of Justice in 1962.

The Preah Vihear temple is an architectural marvel stretching 800 meters along a north-south axis at the top of a 525-meter-high cliff. Its construction, begun in the early 9th century and completed in the 12th century, is the work of a succession of Khmer kings, each adding his artistic touch and devotion. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple's shrines, gopuras (gateways), and intricate carvings are a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual vision of the Khmer people.

Unlike the temples of Angkor, Preah Vihear was built to blend in with its vertiginous landscape. Its unique design, dictated by the contours of the cliff, offers both breathtaking views and a formidable challenge for conservators.

The 17th anniversary was celebrated with fervor throughout the country. The festivities included a heritage race, which attracted participants from across the country to the spectacular setting of the temple, and a royal message emphasizing the enduring importance of the site. This event was not only a commemoration but also a call for responsible management, echoing the words of King Norodom Sihamoni and cultural leaders who have fought for the preservation of the temple.

Over the past decade, Preah Vihear has benefited from international cooperation. The International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear), established in 2014, has brought together experts from Cambodia, China, India, and elsewhere. Recent plenary sessions have focused on the restoration of the temple's five gopuras, and in-depth studies have paved the way for major consolidation work in the coming years.

The history of Preah Vihear is marked by conflict. The temple's location on the border with Thailand has made it a flashpoint for territorial disputes, which have at times resulted in damage to the monument and tragic loss of life.

UNESCO and the Cambodian government responded by calling for dialogue and joint efforts to safeguard this world heritage site.

Restoration projects have repaired the damage caused by the conflict, with teams working to restore bullet-riddled stones and stabilize ancient structures. The National Authority for Preah Vihear, supported by UNESCO and international partners, continues to reconcile the demands of preservation, tourism, and local community development.

Seventeen years after its inscription on the World Heritage List, Preah Vihear is a symbol of Cambodia's cultural renaissance. Visitor numbers have increased, attracted by the temple's mystery and the panoramic view from its summit. New management and tourism development plans are being developed to ensure that increased access does not compromise the integrity of the site or the surrounding environment.

Education and awareness remain central to the temple's future. UNESCO and the Cambodian authorities emphasize the role of heritage in promoting peace, respect, and mutual understanding, values that resonate far beyond the stone walls of the temple.

As Cambodia celebrates this important 17-year milestone, the temple of Preah Vihear is more than a relic of the past. It is a living symbol of national unity, international cooperation, and the enduring power of cultural heritage. The road ahead will require vigilance, innovation, and collective will, but the temple's history, carved in stone and in the minds of all who stand in its shadow, continues to inspire.

Photos C. Albate & CK Leung