Iconic images

An iconic image for many Cambodians, as their flag flies proudly above Preah Vihear

In the surge of patriotism that has engulfed Cambodia in recent weeks, the picture of the country's flag flying proudly above Gopura V of Preah Vihear has never been far from the headlines. And it was never far from my photos of Gopura V, the first entranceway you encounter after climbing the monumental steps and sweep past the naga balustrades, on my visit in March 2002, even though my entry was via a different route. The sweeping gables of the ruined gopura signal the start of your visit to Preah Vihear as they look down on the 162 steps of the monumental stairway and look up along the 100m processional avenue lined with a few remaining stone pillars. To the right a demining team were hard at work making the area safe and had indicated a few safe walkways with white markers. Nevertheless it was the Cambodian flag with the towers of Angkor Wat on its face that made the only noise as it fluttered in the strong wind and soon became engulfed in fog alongwith the rest of the temple. Today, the flag and the temple are wrapped up in that surge of patriotism I mentioned earlier, and Preah Vihear has been elevated into the consciousness of all Cambodians, alongside their beloved Angkor Wat.

The 162 steps of the monumental stairway as they descend to the small Khmer village below and the border with Thailand

As you approach Gopura V from the naga platform at the top of the stairway, the Cambodian flag flies high

The sweeping gables and carvings on view at Gopura V are reminiscent of Banteay Srei

The distinctively powerful naga heads of Preah Vihear, just below Gopura V

Seven-headed naga protects the steps leading to Gopura V

One of the ruined doorways at Gopura V, where traces of red paint can be found that used to decorate the temple walls

Deminers clear a path to Gopura V, where the national flag stands proud

Halfway along the processional avenue, Gopura V is being engulfed in fog

One of the stone pillars (there were 65 of these) in the shape of a lotus bud, with Gopura V in the background