Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Angkor’

Discover the Sights and Sounds of Cambodia

March 11th, 2010 No comments

As a tourist you have several places to visit in Cambodia, starting from the country’s second biggest city, Battambang, located in the north-western province of Battambang. The city’s architecture, especially the Buddhist temples have a unique French touch, while you will also find some rare and worthwhile items in some nearby French stores. The city gives an overall feeling of peace and tranquility as the soothing lush green countryside gives you a much deserved break from your routine urban life.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia houses a gem of a tourist attraction in the Royal Palace. The capital city has a remarkable characteristic that its location is the same where three rivers meet up. The Royal Palace attracts many visitors as it has many wonderful works of art and precious statues, moreover, it stands along the river which adds to its beauty and glory. Inside the Palace, ‘The Throne Room’ marks the place where rituals and ceremonies where held in old days, while ‘The Napoleon Room’ shows the lasting mark the French have made on the Cambodian traditions. ‘Silver Pagoda’ is a special place to visit in the Palace as it the home of a life-size statuette of Buddha. The features of this statue are truly mind-blowing as it is wholly made of gold and is also ornamented with diamonds. Life-size Buddha statue made of solid gold acts a major tourist attraction and many people head towards the ‘Silver Pagoda’ to set eyes on this true piece of art. With the ‘Silver Pagoda’ statue set aside, you will also find several smaller Buddha statues in the Royal Place.

If you have a passion for precious jewelry, the capital city’s markets are the right place for you to buy the best jewelry made of gold and silver. Apart from the appetizing food, tourists like to collect artifacts and items of apparel from shops in Cambodia.

Spectacular frescoes decorating the Palace’s walls very accurately depict the epic Ramayana, while you can also set your eyes on works of art both pre-Angkor and post-Angkor in the beautiful National Museum made of red brick.

In your trip to Cambodia you should also visit ‘Angkor’ which was the capital city of the Khmer Empire and is regarded as a center of Hinduism in the region because of its magnificent temples. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are two of the most famous tourist attractions in the city; meanwhile, the highly decorated gates of two temples in Bayon and Prohm are also worth visiting. Despite the fact that the city hasn’t retained its old glory and grandeur, it still has a touch of mystery and you will be fascinated by its sights and places.

Sihanoukville is rapidly getting popular as a beach resort among tourists especially in summer. You can have some real fun at the beach as apart from swimming and scuba diving you can always choose to relax under the sun and get a tan. You can even rent a boat and give your family a closer peak into the aqua life living in the shores of Cambodia, while you can also sail to neighboring picturesque islands.

Find out more about Cambodian entertainment like Khmer movies and Khmer dubbed at www.KhmerAccess.com

Cambodia, a Rich History a Beautiful Country

September 6th, 2009 No comments

There is no doubt that tourists flock to Siem Reap, Cambodia for the plain reason that it houses one of the greatest temples on earth; Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, it has caught the publics interest and it is wowing travelers from around the world.

Hundreds of Temples are scattered throughout hundreds of acres and while once you could view the ruins in total privacy, it now attracts over a half a million people each year. For only $20 you can enter the complex and explore the grounds by tuk tuk, elephant, bicycle or on foot.

What makes Angkor Wat unique is to see the many temples that have been overtaken by the jungle. Many temples have been restored, but some have been left to show the true strength of the earth. When you arrive, the first place that you will see is the main temple of Angkor Wat. A giant structure overlooking a moat spanning over a km long and rising high into the air. It is a breathtaking view.

There are two must see temples at Angkor Wat. Ta Prom and Angkor Tom. Each is unique in different way. Ta Prom is a great display on how much the jungle really overtook the complex with trees and vines growing all over it. Angkor Tom is impressive to see the dozens of demons and gods lining the path leading up to the temple.

Take your time to visit the temples, there is a lot to see. Study the intricate etchings in the walls, walk to the many ruins or take a look at the complex from above. You can climb to the top of Bakhen Hill for free at sunset or you can hire a hot air balloon to fly you over the jungle for a breathtaking view.

Don’t spend all of your time at Angkor Wat however, there is a lot to see around the town nearby. Siem Reap is a popular stepping off point for tours. The French influence is alive and well and you will see the leftover colonial buildings in the quarter. Surprisingly, you will have a taste of France in the food as well. Coffee and baguettes are a popular choice for everyone.

Cambodian tradition is alive and well however and nowhere will you see it more than in the Old Market. It is crowded and hot, but you will find a real bargain here and get a sense of the true Cambodia here. See live fish on display for this evenings dinner. Everything you could possible want is available, fresh fruit, clothing, souvenirs and household items. It is all there at the market.

Another place to visit is the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. It is located just outside of town and it is a good history lesson into the struggles of the Cambodian people. The founder Aki Ra has been clearing mines for over 15 years and here you will find his collection of many of the bombs that he has cleared himself. It has started to attract so many visitors, that there is actually plans to build a larger museum in the works.

It is unbelievable to think that there are four to six million live landmines scattered throughout the country. People die by the thousands and it is common to see victims all over the country living as amputees. Aki Ra’s hard work is paying off however as government officials and civilians alike are taking notice.

If you can only visit one area in Cambodia, Siem Reap is the place to go. It is building up to the point where you can find world class hotels or stay in a small guest house. You can eat street food at the market or enjoy an elegant meal at a fine restaurant.

It is well worth it to get out of town as well. The countryside makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Oxen pull wagons down the street and cows walk in the middle of the road. People dress in traditional clothing complete with conical hats. You can visit a silk farm to see how it is spun by traditional means or you can visit a nearby lake to bird watch. Ton Le Sp Lake is South East Asia’s larges fresh water lake and you won’t be disappointed to visit it.

If you are looking for something different for our next trip abroad. Put Cambodia on your list. It will be the most exciting and interesting vacation you have ever had in your life.

Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an Adventure Couple from Canada. Together they have Check outed over 35 countries on 5 continents. Each new adventure takes them to remote corners of the planet where they paddle, hike and trek their way around the globe. Check out their website theplanetd.com for new tips and information on exotic locations around the planet. For photos of their travels click on picturetheplanet