Hello

Erected in 1955, the independence Monument symbolizes Cambodian Independence regained from French colonialism in 1953. The monument is a copy of Bakong temple (the group of Roluos in the 9th century). The one hundred Nagas and snake motif can be seen in historical, cultural, archeological, and business contexts.

The Cambodian-styled building was built in 1920. it is located to the north of the Royal Palace.

Wat Phnom

By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer Washington 30 October 2009

---

As prince, head of state and king, Norodom Sihanouk accomplished many things, but as the former monarch prepares for his 87^th birthday, he should be remembered as bringing peace to Cambodia, a former director of the Royal Cabinet said Thursday.

Sihanouk, who abdicated the throne in 2004 and has been struggling against cancer, was born Oct. 31, 1922, oversaw independence in 1953, was exiled by a US-backed coup in 1970, held under house arrest by the Khmer Rouge, and finally returned as king.

His main legacy was peace, said Truong Mealy, the former cabinet head, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

“With such peace, we can now talk,” he said.

Sihanouk is also remembered for his efforts to bring Preah Vihear temple under Cambodian control, through legal pursuits at the International Court in 1962, one caller to the show recalled.

Cambodia Attractions

Cambodia is located in the heart mainland of Southeast Asia, which conjures images of a glorious and mysterious past and rich of the cultural heritages, particularly the world's renowned ancient temple city whose magical image draws ever-increasingly tourists from all over the world. The divergent facets of the Kingdom provoke both the serious and casual traveler, generally charmed and sometimes bewildered by its mysteries. Not only Angkor Wat, Bayon, Taprohm, Sandstone of ancient holy places, the giant

Please click on the name on the map for more rdetail.

roots of ancient trees, the graceful shapes of Apsaras and some temples buried in the jungle, hill tribes settled in the remote areas, colorful pagodas, strings of pristine islands and the century beach, as part of cultural tour that Cambodia is proud of her presentation, but also the splendor of the Khmer civilization and its people who have shown their friendliness everywhere you move in the country.

For most, Cambodia first conjures up the legendary Angkor (the magnificent Empire erected by Kings between the 9th and 13th centuries) that continues to admiration from Khmers and foreigners alike. The humanity and disaster of the nature have failed to compromise the awe of Angkor. The temples remain with an enigmatic grandeur, as a testimony to the Empire that symbolized the country at the present day.

They are the silent witnesses to the perennial cycles of life, which occur with each rainy season. The Kingdom emerges from its lethargy and springs back to life. Clouds, swollen with moisture, burst their monsoon rains to fill in the Tonle Sap (Great Lake ) that bring over thousands tones of fresh water fishes.

Every year, the country is transformed in a nature cycle, which is unique to Cambodia. The flow of the mighty Mekong River swells until it forces the Tonle Sap to reverse its course, pushing up stream from the ancient capital. Every year, the reversal of the river is celebrated with the country's most spectacular Water Festival in November.

The Angkor Civilization
During the Angkor period, Cambodia was the largest, most powerful and prosperous nation in the Southeast Asia region. The Khmer civilization had reached it peak during the 9th - 13th century AD.

Evidence of its glory is can be found in the area of land covered by the Khmer Empire, which dominated almost the entirety of Indochina to the Myanmar border in the west. Thousands of Prasats (temples or monuments) were build and decorated with beautiful and priceless ancient sculpture, stunning architecture, and countless stone-inscriptions written in both Khmer and Sanskrit. Other antique items that can be found in the region include infrastructure such as Baray (ancient water reservoirs), irrigation systems, ancient highways and bridges.

All of these achievements were constructed over 800 years ago, during the peak of the Angkor Civilization.

The Angkor Wat Temple Angkor Wat is the largest and greatest stone-structure temple in the world and took more than 30 years to build. There were 4,000 elephants and some 380,000 men are believed to have contributed their labor to this world-class project. Sandstone, the main material for the construction was transported by elephant from Kulen Mountain, some 47km away from the site.

The great temple of Angkor Wat is remarkable, not only because of its splendid architectural arrangement, but also because of the perfect subordination of the carving to the composition of the whole: the decoration is treated, nearly everywhere, as embellishment which should not hold the eye. As a result, the variety and intensity of the shadows do not break the unity of the simple walls, yet there is ornamentation everywhere - even in the least visible corners.

Angkor Wat is the masterpiece of King Suryavarman-II's crown, and is dedicated to Hinduism. It is believed to have also served as a tomb for the King Suryavarman-II (12th century AD).

Angkor Thom City Nearby, Angkor Thom was once one of the most modern cities in the world. At one time it was populated by nearly 1,000,000 (one million) in habitants. Compare this to 30,000 people in London at around the same time (late 12th century AD). In fact, Angkor was the capital of a self-sufficient nation rich in natural resources and with unique construction techniques.

Due to the extensive and ingenious irrigation system, Angkor was able to harvest rice 3-4 times during a calendar year. Rice yields reached 150,000 metric tons within an area of 1000 sq.km; sufficient to feed 800,000 inhabitants, while still leaving 40 percent to supply other areas throughout the kingdom. It is this rice cultivation that supported the Angkor Civilization.

Back to top

PHNOM PENH, The capital city
The capital city Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia for 567 years. It was renowned as the Paris of the orient by the outside world during the 1960s due to its charm and glorious architecture. Located on the west bank of Chatomuk River, Risht in the conjunction of the upper Mekong, Tonle Sap river, which reverses its current twice yearly, Phom Penh remains attractive to visitors from countries around the world. It serves as the center of economy, culture, politics and society of Cambodia.

This bustling Asian city is populated by approximately 1.5 million inhabitants. Without skyscrapers to disturb its scale, Phnom Penh is renowned for its traditional Khmer and French colonial architecture, colorful clay-tile roofs, its Royal Palace, pagodas, monuments and the fascinating river front, Phnom Penh is a unique, exciting and pleasurable destination. Since the city Government has implement numerous beautification projects, the number of visitors has increased every year.

Wat Phnom
Is where Phnom Penh begun. A famous laywoman called Daun Penh built a small Wat on top of a hill (the hill also built by her) to house the sacred Buddha statues that were found inside the trunk-hole of a floating Koki (teak) tree. The teak was used to build the delightful little temple to store these religious relics.

The name referred to the founder of this place and it was originally called Phnom Daun Penh, and was later shortened to Phnom Penh. Behind the pagoda is a huge ancient stupa(tomb) that contains King Ponhea yat's ashes (the king who abandoned the Angkor City in 1431 AD).

Visitors should not leave the site without visiting a memorial that recalls the returning of these territories during the World War II. This memorial is located on the South side at the foot of the hill. The hill is generally covered and surrounded by the tropical trees that represent the various kinds found throughout the country. These have become home to many monkeys and birds. Ask your guide to point out the hundreds of large flying-faxes (bats) hanging from the branches of the trees.

Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda
The Royal palace was built in 1866 during the region of King Norodom, great grandfather of our current King Norodom Sihanouk. There are many Prasats inside the palace that have their own special functions relating to royal and other official ceremonies. The construction of the temples within the compound was inspired by traditional Khmer architecture of this civilization. The surrounding wall has five doors.

Back to top

AROUND PHNOM PENH
Two on the east entrance and each from the other three directions, implementing on ancient rule of palace construction also seen at Angkor Thom City which was built during the Angkor period. The beautiful building next door and to the south of the Royal Palace, is The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known to the English as the Silver Pagoda, due to the tiles that cover the floor which are made of pure silver. A total of 5,329 silver tiles, weighting 1,125 kilograms each adorn the floor of this structure. The temple does not serve as a Buddhist Monastery, but is primarily used to display the national treasure, most of which are gifts from the Royal Family and souvenirs from various countries that were once presented as gifts to the king of Cambodia. There are a number of mostly Cambodian treasures on display and the entire building is surrounded by the high galleries that are covered by tile-roofs. On the wall of the galleries there are mural paintings illustrating the Ramayana legend from the beginning to the end. This painting was done around 1903-1904 by famous Khmer artists.

Raung Domrel Museum

Next to the outer of painting galleries, there is the Rung Dorei Museum where visitors can enjoy studying some Khmer customs and tradition lifestyles. Among the items displayed are artifact from Khmer households, a model of a typical Khmer house, silk weaving samples, traditional costumes, a cultural photo exhibition, utensils, silver crafts, and common farming tool etc.

Independence Monument
A single tower of Angkorian style, standing on the heart of the capital. The independence from France on the 9th November 1953. It from all other structures in the city. The independence Monument's nighttime lighting gives it a magical aura that is striking to see and is worth photographing.

National Museum
Built in 1920, today this museum stores and displays more than 5,000 Khmer art objects conserved from Angkor era and post- Angkorian art produced until the late colonial era. The artifacts are made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, pottery and other art materials. Beside this purpose, the museum is also home to more than two million tomb bats living between the roof and the ceiling. They swarm into the sky startling those unfamiliar as its looks exactly like smoke from a steel factory.

Back to top

OUDONG (former capital of Cambodia)
Before Phnom Penh was permanently settled as the capital of Cambodia, Oudong served as the capital city almost century. Most of the rest hills were topped by ancient stupas, which were believed store the ash of the king and royal family. The number of visitors to the recent construction of a huge new stupa (Buddhist mausoleum), which has just been completed. The Grand stupa where Buddha’s teeth (a religious relic) will be moved here soon from Phnom Penh, where it is currently kept.

The new stupa is a beautiful attraction, its design based on traditional Khmer architecture and adorned with authentically reproduced Angkorian decoration. On the other side of the hill, is the Vipassana Meditation Center.

Konpong Louang (Silver Craft Village)
Not far south of Oudong, and situated between National Road No.5 and the Tonle Sap River, this village is famous for its handcrafted products of pure silver. Virtually the entire population of this village is craftsmen, the silver items from this village are distributed to both local and foreign markets.

Back to top

TOURISM IN OTHER PROVINCES
It is considered that almost all of the Cambodia’s provinces are attractive to foreign visitors for a variety of reasons including the lifestyle, culture, customs, the access to natural habitat etc. found in these places. Some provinces below are recommended for those who intend to learn more about Cambodian culture, lifestyle, civil society and history.

Shihanoukville and Koh Kong
Sihanoukville is the only shipping port in the kingdom. Koh Kong is another province that borders the sea, but facing Thailand to the West. Both are rich in seafood and offer the visitor warm tropical beaches, pristine and tranquil water-perfect for sunbathing and relaxing after a cross-country tour. It’s really and unspoiled world and ideal for enjoying nature and a swim. A trip offshore to one of the nearby islands is suggested for those who wish to escape to and enjoy a private island for a few days.

Takeo
Southern Cambodia, about 77km from Phnom Penh. Highlights of some things to see: Historic sites of earliest Cambodian history and also the Angkor era, including Tonle Bati Temples, Prsat Neang Khmau, Chiso Phnom’s hilltop temple ruins, Phnom Da, Angkor Bori, Phnom Baong.

Kampong Thom Located 167km Northwest of Phnom Penh on national route No.6. Among the most interesting places to see here are a group of 7th Century AD temples, which used to be the capital of the Khmer Empire before Angkor City. Many other day brick temples are scattered throughout the province including Angkorian-era temples such s Kuha Nokor and Rokar. One cam also observes craftsmen create sculptures of sandstone at the foothills of Santuk Mountain. If there is sufficient time, we suggest a climb up to see this historic site where you can behold ancient giant studies of reclining Buddha.

It is also worth noting that Kampong Thom was the home province of Pol Pot, who came to be known as Brother Number 1, as the infamous leader of the Khmer Rouge. He was responsible for the killing Fields and the extermination of millions of educated or intellectual Cambodian citizens between 1975 and 1979. Ask to visit his home village if you are interested.

Kampong Cham
It is located on the bank of the Mekong River at a distance of 124 km from Phnom Penh on national route No.6 and 7. Kampong Cham province has the largest population and rich red soil which presents a great opportunity for farmers of various tropical crops and rubber plantations. Highlights: 12^th century AD Angkor Bachey Temple, hnom Pros Phnom Srey, han Chey (pre-Angkorian temple), a city tour plus visits to a weaving and rubber plantations.

Kampong Chhnang
90 km Phnom Penh on national route No.5 and located near the mouth of the Tonle Sap River where the richest fish-producing lake in the world begins, Great Tonle Sap Lake. As a result, Kampong Chhnang is one of the largest fish producers. The name means “day-pot port”, because it is famous in pottery art also. Highlights: town market, floating villages, pottery village crocodile farm and the monastery of the province.

Battambang
Battambong is the Western-most province of Cambodia, famous in rice plantations and tropical fruits. More than just a natural resource, the province is reputed for ancient temples as well.

Highlights: Prahok Market, old style monasteries, antique museum, Angkorian-style temples such as Ek Phnom, Baset and Banan temples, Phnom sampeou , agriculture dam of Kamping Puoy and many remote, interesting natural sites such as water falls and other natural habitat.

Banteay Mean Chey
Bordering Thailand, Banteay Mean Chey is a new province that was only recently created from parts of Battambang and Siem Reap provinces. Beside its importance as busy border check-point, a community of skilled stone sculptors who ply their craft here attract visitors as do the great ancient temples such as Banteay Chhmar and many others.

Rattanakiri , Mondulkiri and Stung Treng
All Northeast provinces of Cambodia are popular among travelers interested in eco – tourism and natural beauty. Other highlights for tourists in these provinces:hill tribes ,a gamete stone mine and beautiful waterfalls.

Kratie
This Mekong province of Cambodia is rich in forestry and fishery products .However, many historic sites exist in this province , including the 100-Column ancient residential dwelling . The endangered river dolphin can also be spotted here.

Kampot and Kep City
This charming colonial town still retains much of its architectural style inherited during the French Colonial era. While in kampot , some visitors may care to explore the bat sanctuary inside the cave of Phnom Sarsea. Other worthwhile sights include a saltwater farm, waterfall, a zoo, a fruit plantation and many others.

Also in Kampot province, the famous but abandoned town built on the peak of Bokor is situated 1,075 meters above sea level and, being right next to the sea, enjoys the loveliest climate in the region. Bokor was a favorite haven for camping among French personnel during their period of rule here. In Kep City, a small flower-crab market is fascinating sight, which we suggest you not miss. Also, taking a boat trip to Ton say Island is must for those who enjoy nature exploration.

	Angkor Wat - One of the top 7 'Wonders of the World' for travellers | UNESCO cambodian temples		How to Access
	Angkor Wat Recently voted 2nd best 'Wonder of the World' by readers of the well respected international travel magazine 'Wanderlust' ahead of such sites as the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Egypt. Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure ever built. This cambodian temple is surrounded by a moat 190m wide and 5.5km in length beyond which is a high laterite wall. Passing through the main gatehouse one is struck by the full scale and majesty of the central temple complex at the end of a 350m long causeway. The concentric galleries are faced with bas relief stonework of such quality that after a thousand years in the jungle one can not so much as slip a credit card in the joints between the blocks. These galleries over 800m in length tell the histories and mythologies of the Angkor world. Surely one of the highlights of your southeast asia travel.		Cambodian temples 6km from Siem Reap town. Access by car, tuk tuk or bicycle. Temple pass required (purchase at entrance or through AboutAsia)
	Angkor Thom and Bayon Angkor Thom was the political capital of the King Jayavarman VII, greatest of the Angkor builders. In its time this was the largest city in the world with over a million inhabitants. At over 9 square km and completely enclosed by a moat and high laterite wall the city contains at its centre the complex of Bayon. Most visitors will approach the city from the South gate which is fascinating in its own right. Bayon is dominated by the 200 enormous stone faces of King Jayavarman VII on the 54 towers. The bas-relief carvings of Bayon provide a unique insight into everyday Angkor period life.		8km from Siem Reap. Access by car, tuk tuk or bicycle. Temple pass required (purchase at entrance or through AboutAsia)
	Ta Prohm Probably the most photogenic of the temples; dominated by giant fig trees growing on the structure; Ta Prohm provided the film set for the tomb-raider movies. The temple is large and was supported by 3,140 villages and 79,365 people. 18 high priests oversaw the ceremonies with 2,740 officials, 2,202 assistants and 615 royal dancers. Impressive as the scale of the operation must have been at the time the temple now is simply a great place to explore and wonder at the interplay of architecture and nature.		10km from Siem Reap. Access by car, tuk tuk or bicycle. Temple pass required (purchase at entrance or through AboutAsia)
	Beng Mealea, Koh Ker and other more distant temples With ever more visitors to Angkor Wat each year those with a little more time and the urge for adventure will enjoy gtiing away from Siem Reap to visit more distant temples. Usually half emersed in the jungles of Cambodia these places can be a photographer's dream. Combine these longer day trips and multiday journeys with visits to local villages and waterfalls to discover the real Cambodia beyond the temples of Siem Reap		80+km from Siem Reap. Access by car.
	Rural Cambodia - Buffaloes and rice paddies, hilltribes and water villages
	Tonle Sap water villages A photographer's dream at either end of the day. Arrange pre-dawn transport to Tonle Sap from Siem Reap by car or preferably tuk tuk. Experience the cambodian rural scenery emerge from the darkness with the dawn. Take a boat out around the water villages where all of life happens afloat; homes, work, schools, pig farms; even the catholic church is built on a raft. Visit Prek Toal biosphere for captivating birdlife		13km from Siem Reap. Access by car, tuk tuk or bicycle.
	Buffaloes and Rice paddies This remains one of the poorest countries in the world despite the end of conflict over a decade ago and the surge in international tourism. Drive a short way out of town and you are transported back 500 years in time. As you explore the beautiful countryside; the villages and rice paddies, you can not fail to be uplifted by the warmth and optimism of the Khmer people. Everywhere you travel you will encounter people who, though they have little material wealth, show overwhelming hospitality and generosity without any cynicism. Cambodians surely are one of the friendliest people in the world. The countryside itself is simple but beautiful. When planning your itinerary don't forget to leave some time to see past the obvious Cambodia tourist attractions to explore the real cambodian gem. For most international visitors it is a fast vanishing opportunity to witness a simpler, subsistence lifestyle.		Best seen travelling from a base in Siem Reap
	Mondulkiri hilltribes and elephant trekking Great scenery of forested and grasslands rolling hills. Go elephant trekking through some of Southeast Asia's last great forests. Above all an opportunity to meet local tribes people and experience that wonderfully warm welcome which can only be discovered by getting off the beaten track.		Full day's drive from Phnom Penh
	Ratanakiri forests, national park and local minorities cultures Far Northeast of Cambodia. Rough roads (axle deep mud in the wet season and choking dust in the dry season) keep the crowds away. If you want to see cultures in one of SE Asias last great wilderness areas you want to head to Ratanakiri Pictured is a stilted house of a groom seeking privacy for himself and his new wife.
	Phnom Penh
	Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda The Royal Palace is the residence of King Sihanouk in Phnom Penh. There are a number of buildings of note including the impressive Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda (floored with over 5000 silver tiles) and an iron house given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France. One can also see hundreds of gifts which have been presented to the royal family over the years including a 90kg solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds.		Phnom Penh Airport
	Khmer Rouge genocide - Toul Sleng Museum "Those that forget history are destined to repeat it" If you seek to understand modern Cambodia as you travel through it and much that you see around you you must be aware of the trauma suffered by the Khmer people in our own lifetimes. Toul Sleng was a Phnom Penh school converted into a prison and interrogation facility during the period of control of the Khmer Rouge. Thousands were killed here following torture to extract confessions.		Phnom Penh Airport 15km from centre of Phnom Penh
	Sihanoukville and the South coast
	Cambodia beaches - Crystal clear water and golden sand Beaches to rival Thailand. Relatively unspoilt and uncrowded discovery on the Gulf of Thailand.		4 hours drive from Phnom Penh or a flight from Siem Reap
	AboutAsia - working for cambodian children through tourism