The Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia 

Situated along the Dangrek mountain range at the northern edge of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva and unfolds along an 800-metre axial plan of sanctuaries, terraces, and processional stairways. While much of the standing architecture dates to the early 11th century, the site’s origins can be traced to earlier foundations in the 9th century. Its dramatic cliffside setting distinguishes it from other Khmer temples and underscores its historical and symbolic significance.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Preah Vihear has been the focus of sustained conservation and management efforts under the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV), supported by international coordination through the ICC–Preah Vihear.

More recently, the site has been affected by damage associated with the 2025 regional conflict. Reports indicate impacts to surrounding infrastructure and sections of the temple complex, raising renewed concerns about the vulnerability of heritage sites in contested border regions and the challenges of protecting them during periods of political instability.