Cambodia Overview:
Cambodia in Asia is bordered by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, has a fabulous
heritage, warm friendly people and an untamed wild landscape. It was the center
of the Khmer (Cambodian) kingdom of Angkor, a great empire that dominated
Southeast Asia for 600 years. The most comfortable way to travel to Cambodia is
to fly directly to its capital, Phnom penh. Much of Cambodia is strewn with
staggering artifacts of the dynasty that ruled throughout the 12th and early
13th centuries, based at the famous temple complex of Angkor Wat.
• Cambodia Overview
• Phnom Penh
• Angkor
• Angkor Attractions
• Additional Useful Information
• Climate / Weather
Cambodia Overview:
These temples are regarded as some of the most astounding architectural creations worldwide. Tourism industry is the Cambodia's second-greatest source of hard currency after the textile industry. More than 60% of visitors of Cambodia come to Angkor and the remaining go the capital city of Phnom Penh. The other tourist spots are Sihanoukville and the area around Kampot. Forests cover over 55 percent of Cambodia’s land. Wildlife in Cambodia includes elephants, bears, deer, wild ox, panthers, and tigers. Cormorants, cranes, parrots, snakes and wild ducks.
Phnom Penh:
It is famous for its French Colonial architecture and is the fascinating capital of Cambodia with rich history and culture. Phnom Penh is located on the banks of two rivers, Phnom Penh, has a rich history and culture. It has many museums and Cambodia temples. Activities include taking a boat tour down the Mekong River. Other attractions include The Royal Palace of Cambodia , The National Museum, The Silver Pagoda Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom of Cambodia , Mekong Island, Angkor Borie, Toul Sleng & Choeung Ek, Koh Dach, Sunset Cruise on the Mekong & Tonle Sap, Baset, Oudong, Wat Nokor, Tonle Baty of Cambodia , Prasat Neang Khmao, Phnom Chiso, Phnom Tamao of Cambodia and Sambo Prey Kuk.
ANGKOR Tourism:
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. The beautiful and extensive ruins of Angkor temples, now a UNESCO Heritage site, represent the glorious Khmer civilization. The majestic Angkor temples, the Lost City, were discovered in 1860 and are spread across a 64km site surrounding the modern village of Siem Reap. It is a huge complex of more than 100 Angkor temples dating to the 9th century AD, which served as the capital of the great Khmer Empire. One has to see to believe the beauty of these Angkor temples. Once here, you can visit the 'temple mountain' monuments of Angkor which will take you to a different realm altogether.
Angkor Attractions (Angkor temples):
The Angkor Wat
The magnificent Angkor Wat is the Khmer's most significant architectural achievement. The Angkor temples complex, which took thirty years to complete, covers 500 acres, is a gigantic representation of Mount Meru. It also represents Hindu Cosmology. Five towers made of stylized lotuses rise from the center, with the innermost tower rising to a height of 699 feet. The five central towers are enclosed by still more towers, courtyards, and galleries. Angkor Wat is the largest single religious monument in the world which was built for King Suryavarman II in the early twelfth century. This area is considered the biggest temple complex of the world and revealed itself after being hidden in the Jungle for many years.
Khmer Temples
The Khmer Angkor temples are located at two main sites. The first, at Roluos, 16 km south east of modern day Siem Reap, is where a select few of the earlier temples were constructed. This was home to the first Khmer capital in the Angkor area, but in the late 19th century Yasovarman I created his new capital at Angkor, itself and it is at this much larger site that the majority of the bigger Khmer temples are located.
Bayon Temple
The Bayon is a massive complex with incredible 1,200 m bas relief carvings including a series of mysterious Buddha faces on the third level. This temple looks best in the morning just after sunrise or at the end of the afternoon as the sun shines on the faces.
Ta Prohm
Still covered by the jungle, this place is just like it had been discovered giving it a romantic and mysterious aura. It is one of the largest and the most beautiful complexe of Angkor temples.
Banteay Srei
This is a small and delicate temple, a fine example of a multi-building temple complex and has intricate, well preserved pink sandstone carvings. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is well preserved. Even though it lays a little away from the rest of the Angkor temples, it is absolutely worthy of a visit.
Along with these there are several other Angkor temples that are worth a visit. It is advisable to hire a local tourist guide from the Siem Reap Airport who will show you around the whole of Angkor area. It is safe to have a local guide who will function as a chauffer too.
Additional Useful Information:
Cambodia Currency
Riel
Language of Cambodia
Khmer, Some people also speak French, English and Chinese
Ministry of Tourism
3 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12258, Cambodia
Website: www.mot.gov.kh
Embassy of Cambodia websites
www.cambodianembassy.org.uk
www.embassyofcambodia.org
Time
GMT + 7
Religion
95% Buddhist
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Health of tourists in Cambodia:
Health Insurance is highly recommended. Hospitals in Phnom Penh are most reliable. Water and milk should be boiled before drinking or use bottled water. Food should be well cooked and avoid food from local vendors. Consult your doctor for various immunizations that might be needed. consult travel.state.gov for latest safety information.
Nightlife and bars: Best in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Climate / Cambodia Weather:
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate.
December and January are the coolest months.
March and April are the hottest.
May to October is the rainy season.
The best time to go is in the dry season from December to March.
