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| Cambodia Travel Guide |
| Funan The first civilization of Cambodia existed from the 1st to 6th century in a State referred to as Funan. It was the oldest Indianized state in Southeast Asia, and from this period Cambodia's first writing language Sanskrit began. Influenced by Indian cultures, Funan accepted Hinduism, which was latter converted to Buddhism. What makes Cambodians different from its neighbors is due to the fact that Cambodians wear scarves, called Kramas, rather than straw hats. Angkor From 9th to 13th century Angkor period existed. The period began with King Jayavarman II taking the throne in 802. At its peak, Angkor Empire extended from the border of modern day Burma east to the South China Sea and north to Laos. Of great Kings who built famous temples were King Suryavarman II who built the world's renowned Angkor Wat, whereas King Jayavarman VII successfully made aggressive construction of most of largest temples of Angkor, particularly Great City known as Angkor Thom. Not only the temples were the success of those Angkor Kings, but also vast man-made lakes with water exits for centuries together with its sophisticated system of irrigation such as canals and dikes. This enabled rice cultivation for 3 times a year, and that Angkor was a wealthy empire. As Angkor period ended, the city moved to Longvek, then to Oudong and finally to the present day capital of Phnom Penh. The fall of Angkor marked the collapse of Cambodia Empire, which resulted in invasion and ransacks by its neighbors including the Thais and Vietnamese from the 15th to 17th centuries. This was mainly to conflict by royal courts. The post Angkor era also brought about a rapid expansion of Theravada Buddhism. Present Day In 1863, Cambodia agreed to protection from France that ruled Cambodia for nearly 100 years. Like other colonial countries, France introduced modern Western government structure, education, courts and architectural styles on its land, thus one can see today many colonial buildings remain. In 1945, the Japanese briefly ousted the French protectorate. After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the French returned and ruled until 1953 when Cambodia gained full independence. King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne to his father and led political party to unite the country from 1950 to 1960, during which Cambodia reached its peak surpassing its Southeast Asian nations. In 1970, Vietnamese war spilled over into Cambodia, and King Norodom Sihanouk was overthrown by General Lon Nol. Lon Nol government was defeated by the Khmer Rouges in 1975, then Cambodia embarked a dark period for more than 3 years. During the Khmer Rouges time, the country's entire infrastructure was completely destroyed. No religion, no money, no education, no school and so on that the historical wheel turned to year zero. In 1979, The Khmer Rouges was toppled by Vietnamese backed movement People's Republic of Kampuchea which administered the country against the Khmer Rouges who was then ousted to northern jungles. In 1991, Paris Peace Accords was signed, which then brought United Nations to temporarily administered and organized a free and fair elections in 1993 whereby an internationally recognized Cambodia government headed by two prime ministers was created. Monarchy has also been reinstated and King Norodom Sihanouk is a head of State. This was by no means putting an end to Cambodia civil war. In 1997, factional fighting between ruling political parties took place in the capital of Phnom Penh until cease fire was agreed to and next national elections administered by Cambodians themselves was conducted in May,1998. After creation of new coalition government headed by Prime Minister Hun Sen, and with establishment of House of Senates in addition to the lower law making institution the National Assembly, Cambodia has experienced stability in terms of politics and economics. This allows Asean to accept Cambodia as its final 10th member. Being part of regional groupings, Cambodia needs to look forward to attracting investments from the region and elsewhere. Phnom Phenh Situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap Rivers, Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, has a population of approximatively 1,000,000. Despite the dilapidation resulting of the recent decades of war, the city retains its traditional and colonial charm. French colonial villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of South East Asia. Recent political changes have encouraged an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs spring up around the city. Once known as "The Paris of the East", the forced evacuation of the population by th infamous Khmer Rouge in 1975 left it a ghost town for five years. Today the city has revived, while retaining its ppre-war charm. Motorbikes and transport for the populace, and a leisurely ride in pedicap, (called "cyoclo") is a relaxed way to get acquainted with some of the many highlights of this once beautiful city, whose classic villas and parks are being restored. Taxis are available for short excursions. The capital still retains an undeniable charm despite its tumultuous and often violent past. It has several impressive wats (temple-monasteries) that include: Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and Wat Lang Ka. It is also home to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, which is one of the few places in Cambodia where artefacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture can still be viewed. There are also displays of Khmer crafts in the National Museum and the Royal Palace, King Norodom Sihanouk's official residence. The National Museum Situated near the Royal Palace, Cambodia's National Museum offers a charming setting for the display of a stunning collection of khmer art. On display inside are more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 6th to the 13th century. Treasures include sculptures, 19th century dance costumes, Royal barges and palanquins. Visitor can rest by the peaceful, palm-shaded central courtyard and lotus ponds and contemplate one of Asia's richest cultures. The Royal Palace Located on the site of the former citadel, it was built in 1866 by King Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdach Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Hohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the Queen. Most of the buildings inside the palace walls are closed to te public except on special occasions. Within the palace compound are the coronation hall, the entrace, which houses an open-air theater for the Royal Dance Troupe, and a balcony for Royal apearances, an open-air pavilion often used for entertaining and viewing of the King's movies, and the King's private residence, which houses a collection of Cambodian artwork from artists around the world, and his office, where he actively pursues Royal duties. The architecturally incongruous Napoleon III pavilion-shipped and reassembled in Cambodia - was a gift of the French Empress Eugenie in the early 20th century. Outside the southeast wall of the palace is the house of the white elephant traditionally used for special regal occasions including Royal births, deaths or weddings. The Silver Pagoda Also called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, it is located in the walls of the Royal Palace. Inside, it's floor is comprised of 5,000 silver blocks. In the center of the pagoda there is a maginficent 17th century emerald buddha statue made of baccarat crystal. The walls enclosing the pagoda are covered of frescoes depicting esisodes from the khmer version of the Ramayana, the Reamker. Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek A genocide museum was established after 1979 at Tuol Sleng, a central torture centre of the Khmer Rouge. Choeung Ek, a mass graves site located 15 kms. outside of Phnom Penh, also serves as a memorial to those killed under the Khmer Rouge rule. Wat Ounalom Facing the Tonle Sap near the Royal Palace, this pagoda serves as the headquarters for one of Cambodia's Buddhist patriarchs. Wat Phnom A top the artificial hill built in the 15th century stands a stupa containing the ashes of a king from the same period. There is also a small Buddhist pagoda. Wat Phnom is a city landmark and a popular place for worship. Around Phnom Penh Koki Foreign visitors and cambodian alike flock to this riverside picnic resort just outside of Phnom Penh. It is a perfect place to enjoy the watery world of rivers and lakes. Koh Dach Traditional silk weaving villages on a Mekong Island. A half day boat trip Mekong Island A one hour boat trip brings tourists to this resort situated on a Mekong Island. Tourist may dine in the restaurant, visit the zoo and the weaving villages, ride elephants, and watch traditional dance performances. Sunset Cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap A one hour cruise will take you along the river to watch the daily live of the people living on and around it. You will admire the sunset, a pivileged time when the water is all shining of gold under the declining rays of the sun. Oudong Situated about 40 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, Oudong served as the country's capital under several monarch's from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Royal ruins stand upon a hillock offering panoramic views of the countryside. Tonle Bati 38 kilometers southeast of Phnom Penh, Tonle Bati hosts two noteworthy 12th century temples. Ta Prohm, built by Jayavarman VII, is consecrated both to Buddha and to Brahma, and is interesting for its refined bas reliefs. Yeay Peou also has very refined bas reliefs. Prasat Neang Khmau Also known as the temple of the Black Virgin which may once have served as a sanctuary to Kali, the dark goddess of destruction, it is situated at about 55 kms. south of Phnom Penh. Its towers were built in brick. Phnom Chiso 59 kilometers southeast of Phnom Penh Chiso is and eleventh century temple set upon a small mountain offering a panoramic view of the countryside. the health and vigour of Khmer civilisation. Their irrigation purpose is nowadays a matter of debate among Angkor specialists. The East Baray is now empty, whereas the Western one is still half full. Roluos At about 10 kms. from Siem Reap, lies the complex of Roluos, one of the first Khmer capital built by Jayavarman II, then called Hariharalaya. Today we can visit three remaing Hindus sanctuaries: Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. All three temples were built of brick and though they are not as spectacular as the other temples of Angkor, they are well preserved and very interesting. Siem Reap The world-renowned temples of Angkor are situated in the Northwestern province of Siem Reap. Within an area of approximately six hundred square kilometers, over one hundred temples have been discovered. All were built between the 9th and the 13th centuries. The remaining temples only constitue the skeleton of what was once the religious and administrative centre of the Khmer Empire. If time is limited, visitor may choose to follow "the petit circuit", including visits to the Royal City of Angkor Thom with its numerous temples, Angdor Wat, the royal bathing pool of Sras Srang, and several other monuments. Extended tours contimue to the "grand circuit", visiting a number of other prestigious temples such as Banteay srei or Bantey Samre, Situated slightly further from the main temple complex. Note : One day pass ticket costs USD 20 per person. Two day pass ticket will cost USD 40 per person. Three day pass ticket will only cost USD 40 per person. Please buy tickets only from the official counters and do not accept to purchase the 2nd hand tickets. Ticket must be kept by the visitor and shown on demand during its validity. Angkor Wat This temple was constructed under the reign of Suryavarman II. It is probably one of the largest religious monument ever built. The temple complex covers 81 hectars and is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. It aligned East to West as are funeral monuments. The temple is a representation of the Hindu cosmology. The central monumnet represents the sacred Mount Meru, and the 5 towers symbolise Mount Meru's five peaks. The temple greatest's sculptural treasure is it's 2 kms long bas-reliefs around the walls of the outer gallery and the hundred figures of devatas and apsaras. Angkor Thom This Royal City was built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the eleventh century and was renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. Inside its walls we find many monuments The Bayon This temple mountain built by Jayavarman VII is stauated in the centre of the royal city. It is a three-tiered pyramid wiht its entrance facing East. The central shrine is surrounded by 54 towers all crowned by gigantic faces, representing Lokiteshvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII. They gaze out to the north, south, east and west and wherever you are in the temple, you are surrounded by these enigmatic faces smiling at you all the time. The Baphuon This temple built by Udayadityarvarman II was the most poorly constructed af all the temples constructed in Angkor. From the remaining ruins, it is possible to see how it was imposive and must have been an important one. This temple hill was dedicated to Shiva, but in its reliefs many motives from the Vishnu epic can be seen. Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Lepper King At the north of the Baphuon lies the Royal city from which very little remains except this towo Terraces. The first one owes its name from the outstanding depiction of elephants and the second one owes it to the sculpture of King Yasovarman, popularty known as the Lepper King. This statue is now in the Phnom Penh National Museum. Small Circuit Ta Prohm This temple was a monastry built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. It has deliberately been left under the destructive power of the growing trees by the French archeologists to show how nature can destroy man's work. Takeo This temple was built in the 10th century by Surayavarman I and its construction stayed unfinished. It is a pyramid on 5 levels whose total height is 22 meters. It is dedicated to Shiva. Banteay Kdei This temple was constructed by jayavarman VII between tyhe 12th and 13th centuries. Its system of galeries and vestibuls that were added after the construction of the main towers makes it look like a cloistre. It was built in sandstone and is now very dteriorated. There still are some very beautiful lintels and pediments. Sras Srang The royal pool is situated opposite the east gate of Banteay Kdei. It is known as the King's bath. Big Circuit Pre Rup This temple was built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman. Its proportions are just perfect and it is a beautiful piece of work. In its construction we can already see the first apartion of long halls which are very common in the construction of temples with continuous galeries. The Khmer people believe it was a funeral monument. East Mebon Built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman, this temple was situated on a small island in the middle of the Oriental Baray. It has all the characteristics of the mountian temple. It was accessible by boat only. From the inscriptions found close to it, we know that Rajendravarman dedicated it to his parents. Neak Pean Built by Jayavarman 12th, this temple is the perfect representattion on earth of the cosmic world. It has been said that this monument was consecrated to Buddha who reached the perfection in Nirvana, and the ornemental lake surronding it were meant for the pilgrims to wash and purify themselves before reaching the supreme perfection. In the centre of these ornemental lakes there is a small temple surrounded by two nagas whose heads allow a passage on the west side. This temple is one on the beauties of Khmer art. Other Temples Banteay Srei This temple was built by a Brahman and was dedicated to Shiva. Built in pink sandstone, it is an unique piece of art with its very beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Phnome Krom Built by Yacovarman I in the 10th century, this temple built on top of a hill is intersting mostly for the view that it offers upon the valley and the Tonle Sap Lake. The temple is in a very bad conditions, but it's remaining ruins are worth visiting. We recommend the visit at the end of the afternoon, to enjoy the landscape and the refreshing winds. Barays East and West Barrays are tow enormous lakes, both built by men. They were central to the health and vigour of Khmer civilisation. Their irrigation purpose is nowadays a matter of debate among Angkor specialists. The East Baray is now empty, whereas the Western one is still half full. Roluos At about 10 kms. from Siem Reap, lies the complex of Roluos, one of the first Khmer capital built by Jayavarman II, then called Hariharalaya. Today we can visit three remaing Hindus sanctuaries: Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. All three temples were built of brick and though they are not as spectacular as the other temples of Angkor, they are well preserved and very interesting. |