Whether you are planning a trip to Cambodia or are currently in the country, there are some places that you can't miss. The country is a southeastern Asian nation that spans low-lying plains, mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand. The capital city, Phnom Penh, is known for its glittering Royal Palace, art deco Central Market, and National Museum.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the most spectacular archaeological site in Southeast Asia. It is a religious and cultural landmark that is located in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The site was once the largest pre-industrial city in the world. It is home to a number of temples. The main site measures 162 hectares.
The Angkor complex includes thousands of temples. The site is divided into three levels. The upper level has a queuing system and is only open to a limited number of visitors per day.
The central tower rises 55 metres above ground level. It is the largest structure in Angkor Wat. The tower is also surrounded by a moat.
The Angkor archeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers 402 acres. There are several temples in the park. The most popular temples include Preah Khan, Bakong, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom.
The Bayon temple is a masterpiece of Khmer art. The temple is decorated with 54 gigantic smiling faces. There are also bas-reliefs that depict historical events and mythology. The Buddha statue is adorned with over 9,000 diamonds.
The best time to visit Angkor Wat is during the dry season, which runs from November to February. The weather is still warm but not as hot as in the hotter months. The monsoon season is not as pleasant and does not begin until May.
Preah Vihear Temple
Located in the Dangrek Mountains on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, Preah Vihear temple is one of the most beautiful places in Cambodia. The temple is built on a cliff over 500 metres high and has a unique layout. Its architecture and carvings are impressive. It was once one of the most important temples in the Khmer Empire. It was constructed by Suryavarman I (1002-50).
Preah Vihear is a Hindu temple and is considered one of the oldest temples in Cambodia. It is also one of the most renowned temples in Cambodia. The temple is known for its unusual layout and high quality stone carvings. In 2008, it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The temple has been in dispute between Cambodia and Thailand for several decades. In 1962, Cambodia and Thailand took the matter to the International Court of Justice, which ruled in favor of Cambodia. But this did not settle the issue completely. In the meantime, a number of sections of the surrounding land had been marked off from the public.
The temple was also surrounded by land mines laid by the Khmer Rouge. The border issue has flared up several times in the last century. However, in 2013, Cambodia and Thailand agreed on the issue and have settled their dispute. Currently, the temple is still under repair.
Preah Vihear is accessed from the Thai side of the border, but access to the temple has been restricted for several years. Visitors are expected to pay the Cambodian authorities for access.
Koh Rong
Located near the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong is an island in Cambodia. It is known for its sandy coves, coral reefs, and dense jungle terrain. It is also home to a variety of water activities, including boat tours and jet skiing.
Koh Rong has a warm, tropical climate year-round, with an average temperature of 30 degC. It is also a great place to snorkel and see exotic marine life. It is also a popular spot for seeing bioluminescent plankton at night.
Koh Rong is the second largest island in Cambodia. It is located about 25km from Sihanoukville. You can reach the island by boat or by foot.
The island is a popular tourist destination because of its white sand beaches and coral reefs. It is also home to many cultural attractions. If you are interested in learning more about the island's Khmer culture, you can visit the Sok San Village. There are also several restaurants.
The best way to get around the island is by foot. You can also hire a scooter. The roads are gravel and can be very slippery when wet. If you are travelling on a budget, you can stay at one of the many hostels and guest houses on the island. If you want a bit more privacy, you can also stay at the Royal Sands Koh Rong. This resort offers luxurious villas, a spa, and a pool.
Killing fields
Located just outside of Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields are among the most important sites in Cambodia's history. These fields served as execution sites for the Khmer Rouge during the years 1975-79.
During this period of time, more than a million Cambodians were killed. The victims were rounded up and tortured, beaten to death with machetes and bamboo poles, and then thrown into the pits.
One of the most famous Killing Fields is the Choeung Ek Killing Field. It was a former orchard, and was home to around 17,000 Cambodians. It was the largest killing field in Cambodia.
Aside from the Choeung Ek killing field, there are many others. There are also some places in Cambodia that have the name Killing Fields, but are actually not the same thing. Visiting a site such as the Killing Fields can be a heart-wrenching experience, but it is important to understand the magnitude of the place.
A good idea for visiting the Killing Fields of Cambodia is to take the requisite audio tour. These guides are available for free, and will tell you all you need to know about the site. The audio tour also has first-person accounts of people who lived in the field.
Visiting the Killing Fields of Cambodia is also a great way to support Cambodia's recovery from its devastating past. Many local charities have been started to aid the country in this regard.
Silver Pagoda
Located on the south side of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the Silver Pagoda is a temple with a beautiful collection of Buddha statues in gold and silver. The complex also includes the bell tower, Buddha foot imprint and repository of texts. The pagoda is officially owned by the Cambodian royal family. During the Khmer Rouge era, many of the temple's treasures were looted.
The temple was first built as a wooden construction under King Norodom. In the 19th century, the building was remodeled into a reinforced concrete structure. The walls were covered with Italian marble. It was designed by Oknha Tep Nimit Mak.
The Golden Buddha is a life-sized Buddha, and is encrusted with more than 2,000 diamonds. It weighs about 90 kilograms and is made of solid gold.
It is also the richest Buddhist statue in Cambodia. It was created by King Preah Bat Samedech Preah Sisowath in 1904. It is also adorned with a 25-carat diamond crown and a 20-carat diamond in its chest.
The floor of the temple is paved with 5,000 silver blocks. These are covered to protect them from rust. This floor weighs six tons. It is also the most precious part of the temple.
The Pagoda's gallery contains Buddha statues and gems. There are also paintings of the Ream Ke epic. These paintings were created by 40 Cambodian artists between 1903 and 2004.
Bamboo Island
Located about an hour away from Sihanoukville, Bamboo Island is a small, unspoiled, and off the beaten path island. It has two beaches, a small shop, and a bar, all of which are quaint and impressive.
Bamboo Island is one of the most photographed places in Cambodia, and has a long list of awe-inspiring features. It is a great place to visit if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday. Unlike the more popular Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island offers a unique experience.
Bamboo Island is not only a nice beach, but also offers excellent snorkeling and kayaking. The area is safe to swim and dive, and is home to a multitude of colourful fish.
Bamboo Island is home to three bungalow resorts, each of which are located on a casuarina-lined beach. These are not luxurious, but are affordable at US$7 to US$8 for an overnight stay.
Bamboo Island is also home to one of the best places to watch the sunset. The beach is sheltered by a coral reef and is perfect for snorkeling. The beach is relatively undeveloped, but you can easily explore it by foot.
Bamboo Island is the perfect place to play a game of beach volleyball. There is also a volleyball net on the beach. It is also a good spot for a sunset cruise.
Bamboo Island is also home to a number of other attractions. This includes a small shop, two bars, and a quaint, uncrowded, and quaint bar.