Cambodia is a big history yet a small country. It is also slowly recovering from the known horrors of the Khmer Rouge`s reign of terror. Even though some major problems such as devastated infrastructure as well as poverty still exists, the country`s healing process and reconstruction is now well under way. There has been also an increase number of tourists visiting the country as they discover new as well as rediscovering Cambodia`s attractions. Except from the stunning temples of Angkor that usually draw a large number of tourists the country has much more to offer. This include; the colonial buildings the tropical beaches and a profusion of natural tourist attractions.
The sleepy towns and cities of Cambodia are a delight, with their old fashioned charm and the faded colonial architecture of the colonists. The country side also has memorable landscapes that you can’t resist to be part of, from the great Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River to the forested highlands of Rattanakiri, the cardamom Mountains and the Mondulkiri. The coast also will serve you right with its party lifestyle hedonism cocktail, idyllic beaches and the magic islands. Also an interesting thing about Cambodia is that it still is a rural society and something of a regional backwater.
The following are the top travel in Cambodia
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat means a city of temple. It is the largest of all Angkor temples and the most magnificent of them all too. It is the top tourist attraction site in Cambodia. It was built by King Suryavarma II around the first half of 12th century. It is characterized by its balance composition and beauty thus making it one of the finest monuments in the world. It is surrounded by a huge rectangular reservoir that rises up through a series of three rectangular terraces all the way to the central shrine and tower at a height of 669 feet. This reflects the idea of the traditional Khmer in which the temple is symbolizing Mount Meru the home of gods of Hinduism.
The Bayon Temple
This is part of the world most famous destination of Angkor. The temple features a sea of over 200 massive stone faces that are usually looking in all directions. It was built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It was a part of a massive expansion of his capital Angkor Thom. The Bayon is located exactly at the center of the royal city.
Banteay Srei
This temple was completed 967 AD and it has this unique feature of it being built of red sandstone. It has decorative wall carvings that you can still clearly see even today. Also this is also the only temple that was not built for a king. It was constructed by one of the counselors of King Rajendravarman known as Yajnyavahara.
Koh ker
This was the capital of the Khmer empire for just a very brief period of around 16 years. It is in this period that very amazing buildings and immense sculptures were constructed. It is dominated by a 30 meter tall temple whose design is that of pyramid that rises above the surrounding jungle. It is guarded by a giant Garuda that is curved into the stone blocks.
Kratie
This is a small town that is located on the banks of River Mekong. It is dominated by a central marketplace that is surrounded by old French colonial buildings. This is the place to be in Cambodia for those who love dolphins for they will see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that live in River Mekong.
Bokor Hill Station
This is a colonial station that was built by the French in the 1920s so that it can be used as a retreat from the heat of Phnom Penh. To access the place independently is quite challenging due to the ongoing infrastructure being put in place. However there are hiking tours that are usually arranged by local travel agents.
Silver Pagoda
It is located within the Royal Palace compound in Phnom Penh. It houses many national treasures such as jeweled Buddha statues as well as gold. It is a very attractive place whose inner walls are decorated with a richly colored and detailed mural of the Ramayana myth.
Tonle Sap
This is the largest South East Asia fresh water lake. It is also a big deal to Cambodia. The lake also shrinks and expands dramatically depending with the season.
Sihanoukville
This is a port city as well as a beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand. The major attraction here is the white sand beaches and underdeveloped tropical islands. It is a very suitable place for relaxing.
Preah Vihear
This is a Khmer temple that is situated on top of a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. It has the most spectacular view when compared to the rest of the Khmer temple.
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