Cambodia Overview

February 16th, 2012Photo Travel0 comments

Cambodia is a country steeped in an ancient history based around the Khmer Empire, once the largest empire in South East Asia. Angkor was the region of Cambodia that served as the seat of the empire during its heyday (approximately the 9th century to the 15th century A.D.). The temples of the Angkor area numbered over 1000, and today many of them still remain, but in wide range of scales and forms. When you explore them, you’ll come across everything from piles of rocks and brick overrun by huge tree roots to the world’s largest single religious monument – Angkor Wat. Together these temples comprise the most significant example of Khmer architecture and ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you visit Cambodia and Angkor, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a mystical world of the past. After a day in Phnom Penh to see the National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom, it’s off to Siem Reap, the starting point for any exploration of Angkor and its amazing temples. Your journey will take you to Angkor Thom, a giant walled and moated royal city that was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. With its 37 towers featuring carved faces that stare down at you from every angle, Bayon is one of the most recognizable places in the ancient kingdom. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also impressive.

Ta Prohm, a former Buddhist monastery, was one of Jayavarman VII’s first major temple projects. Of course, Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to this ancient kingdom and you will be astonished by its scale and immense beauty. The remainder of the trip focuses around a floating village and other interesting shopping and cultural excursions that will perfectly compliment the entire Angkor experience.

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