Any discussion about tourism in Cambodia is incomplete without a mention of the Angkor Archeological Park in Cambodia and the Angkor vat. The temple complex is spread out over an area of 400 square kilometers. Angkor contains remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century CE. These include the Temple of Angkor Vat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its numerous decorative sculptures. In 1992 the temple was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and was also put in the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO has now established an exhaustive program to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.
Another place that you must find a mention in an article on tourism in Cambodia is the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Take a cruise across this lake float past villages and spend a day or two at Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, Southeast Asia's premier bird sanctuary.
Another really great part of tourism at Cambodia is a trip to Kompong Luong which is a permanently floating town located on the Tonlé Sap.
Tourism in Cambodia also includes a visit to these delightful locales like:-
- Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake in Cambodia
- Virachey National Park in Cambodia
- Bokor National Park in Cambodia
- Preah Vihear in Cambodia
- Kampong Cham in Cambodia
Unspoilt tropical beaches, jungle haunts and a bustling capital: tours in Cambodia will cover it all.
Cambodia History
The kingdom of Cambodia, often referred top as Kampuchea, is a Southeast Asian country. The nation is flanked by Vietnam in the east, Laos in the North and the Gulf of Thailand to its Southwest. Cambodia has recently emerged as one of the top destinations in the tourism map and is known for its idyllic beaches and exotic temples, rivers and banana plantations.
Early History of Cambodia
The Khmer People in Cambodia were the one of the first to adopt religious and political practices from India and to establish centralized kingdoms with large territories. The earliest known kingdom in the area, Funan, flourished from around the first to the sixth century AD It was succeeded by Chenla, which controlled large areas of modern Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
Khmer Empire
History of Cambodia talks also mentions how the country of Cambodia came to be called so. The Khmer empire's golden ages were between thirteenth and nineteenth century when the kingdom of Kambuja was in power and ruled regions of Angkor and western Cambodia. The name Cambodia was derived from Kambuja. The Angkorian monarchy ruled the country till 1431 when it was captured by the Thai's and the Cambodian King was forced to take shelter in the southern part of the country.
French Colonial History of Cambodia
After 1863, when King Norodom signed a treaty with the French to establish protectorate over his kingdom, the country came under the rule of the French. A partial agreement for more autonomy was struck in October 1953. King Sihanouk declared that independence had been achieved and returned in triumph to Phnom Penh.
Modern History of Cambodia
A period of civil war between opposing parties and factions ensued from 1970s and peace efforts started to show results only after 1989 and 1991 with two international conferences in Paris, and a UN peacekeeping mission helped maintain a cease-fire. In the mid 90's Norodom Sihanouk was reinstated as King. After some conflict in 1997-1998, a coalition government, formed after national elections, brought renewed political stability and the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces in 1998. Compared to its recent past, the period of1993-2003 has been relatively peaceful in Cambodia. However, political violence continues to be a typical problem to Cambodia history.Culture of Cambodia
Cambodia is a land of culture, tradition and ethnic civilization. Cambodia records a prosperous and diverse history which has its influence from the Indian continent. The land of Cambodia is even influenced by the customs of Thailand ad Laos that can be witnessed in its prevailing society. The Culture of Cambodia is subjected to Indian customs, which developed its way of life from the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. The language and art of Cambodia is believed to have been brought in the land by the seafaring merchants around the 1st century A.D., via the gulf of Thailand and the Pacific port during while operating business with China.
The civilizations of Japanese, Chinese, Lao, and Thai have a great impact on the Culture of Cambodia. About 90 percent of the Cambodian Culture is Khmer in nature thereby speaking the native Khmer dialect. The French, Chinese, Vietnamese and English are the other dialects that can be frequently heard in the region.
Cambodian Civilization primarily believes in the Buddhist culture wherein about 95 percent practice the traditions of Theravada Buddhist. While the rest of the population follow the principles of Islam, atheism, or animism.
The Culture of Cambodia initiated from the monarchy of Angkor, which was a prosperous empire that thrived along the northwestern provinces. The Angkor kingdom once controlled most of the areas of the present Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The ancient Angkor Monarchy left behind its impression on the fields of art, architectures, music, and dance, which is still retained today.
The Culture of Cambodia is hierarchical in nature and follows certain guidelines. As per the tradition of Cambodia one is supposed to show respect to their elders. At times, the elder of the family are denoted with their family title as per their higher rank or seniority. Wearing a checkered scarf known as Krama is something quite unique in the Cambodian culture. The scarf is worn with a purpose of style, safeguarding from the sun, aiding while climbing trees, a hammock for infants, as a towel or for many other reasons. Sampeah gesture is an ideal way to show respect to an elder. Touching of feet with somebody's head is considered disrespect in Cambodia, as head is known to control a person's soul.Cambodia Popular Destinations
Cambodia is situated along the mainland area of Southeast Asia which boasts of a rich cultural heritage. Cambodia is known as a popular tourist destination, which attracts several tourists round the year. Cambodia is known for its ancient holy destinations, vivid pagodas, untouched islands, hill tribes settled within the isolated jungle, beautiful architecture and much more. The temples of legendary Angkor kingdom is worth appreciating which is inscribed with excellent motifs of apsaras, Hindu deities, nagas and other mythological characters. Travel to this wonderful destinations and tour to the Cambodia Popular Destinations which are worth appreciating.
Travel to Siem Reap, identified as one of the Cambodia Popular Destinations which is known for its Angkor Wat temples, constructed by King Suryavarman II during the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. The region of Siem Reap is spread with several sandstone temples, chapels, causeways, terraces and reservoirs. Watch out the excellent masterpiece of architectural works on the pillars which depict the gods and demons of the ancient times.
Sihanoukville is one of the renowned Cambodia Popular Destinations, which is even known as Kampong Som by the natives. It is an excellent place of attraction in Cambodia which is recognized as a beach resort spread about 230 km along the southwest of Phnom Penh. The area is surrounded by breath taking beaches which appeals innumerable tourists from all corners of the world.
The other Cambodia Popular Destinations where one can jaunt to are Sambo Prei Kuh, which is known for its 179 ancient temples that are present since the Angkor reign. Phnom Santuk is an attractive hilltop pagoda, which is situated about 12 kilometers of Kampong Thom Town along the southern end. Kirirom National Park is a beautiful national park which is located about 85 km off the National Route 4, which is famed as a popular picnic spot. Ratanakkiri an adventurous tourist spot and Khmer Thai Border are some of the awe-inspiring places of sightseeing in Cambodia.Cambodia Tourist Attractions
The Kingdom of Cambodia is popularly known as Kampuchea. This vibrant nation in southeastern Asia is home to more than fifteen million people. It is flanked by Vietnam in the east, Laos in the north, the Gulf of Thailand in south and Thailand in west. The geography of Cambodia is fairly diverse. Innumerable Cambodia tourist attractions have made it one of the most popular destinations in southeastern Asia.
Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake in Cambodia is one of the well -known Cambodia tourist attractions. Formed out of volcanic eruption, this lake and its jungle-covered surroundings is probably the most scenic spot in the Cambodian province of Ratanakiri.
In the list of Cambodia tourist attractions next comes the Virachey National Park in Cambodia. It stretches along the border of Laos and Vietnam. This national park was set up with an objective to bring down the incidence of unnecessary exploitation and degradation of natural biodiversity.
Bokor National Park in Cambodia is another one of the well-known tourist destinations in Cambodia. This national park is home to several endangered species of tiger and elephant. Its high altitude allows you to experience the awesome beauty of Vietnamese and Cambodian coastal line.
Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia is probably the finest of all tourist attractions in Cambodia. For its huge historical and archeological significance, this archeological site has been placed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Angkor Wat Temple, the Bayon Temple and the Angkor Thom are the main attractions of Angkor Archeological Park.
Among the other Cambodia tourist attractions, Kompong Luong in Cambodia is worth viewing. This floating village is popular for its picturesque setup. With its colorful shops, restaurants, vegetable shops, petrol stations- all floating on the Great Lake, Kompong Luong is indeed a great experience in itself.
Kampong Cham in Cambodia is one of the top tourist destinations in Cambodia.
It is one of those sites, which reflects the real charm of this nation's cultural heritage.
Your trip to Cambodia tourist attractions cannot be complete if you miss the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. This huge dumbbell shaped fresh water lake has been the most distinctive feature of Cambodia's landscape.
Festivals and Events in Cambodia
Cambodia or the Kingdom of Cambodia is a very beautiful country located in the Southeastern region of the Asian continent. The country of Cambodia is a very beautiful and one of the most famous tourist destinations. The country has a rich cultural and traditional background. Several colorful festivals are celebrated in the country of Cambodia through out the year. The festivals and events in Cambodia are really very colorful and full of entertainment. So, when you are traveling through the country of Cambodia in southeastern Asia, also enjoy the cultural and traditional activities and also the colorful festivals and events at Cambodia.
The festivals and events in Cambodia include a large number of the same. Some of these are the Tet Festival in Cambodia, which is celebrated between the months of January and February and then the Cambodian New Year in Cambodia, which is celebrated during the month of April. On the other hand, the Birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk in Cambodia is celebrated between the months of October and November. Some of other festivals in the country of Cambodia are Christmas in Cambodia, Independence Day in Cambodia and many more. All these festivals and events of Cambodia are celebrated once in every year.
Various types of cultural activities are arranged during these festivals and events in Cambodia. Thousands of people from various corners of the world come to visit the country of Cambodia to enjoy these festivals and events in Cambodia. So, next time you plan to visit Cambodia try to visit the country during some of these festivals so that you can enjoy the trip more beautifully. The festive mood that pervades at that time is really magnificent and charming.How to get in
Cambodia one of the major popular tourist destination among Southeast Asian nations is thronged by thousands of tourists from all corners of the world every year. Bordered by Vietnam in the east, Laos in the North and the Gulf of Thailand to its Southwest getting to Cambodia is possible by all means i.e. by air, by land and by sea.
By air:
Getting to Cambodia by plane is one of the most convenient options of traveling to the nation. You can directly get there from countries like China, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. Other international airlines also operate flights to and from Cambodia. Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport are the two airports.
By Bus:
There are no direct bus services for getting to Cambodia from Thailand but there are Thai bus services to main border crossings. Only Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh have direct bus services.
By Ferry services:
One can get to Cambodia from Vietnam and Laos through the means of ferry services. However there are no ferry services available from Thailand.
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