Wonderful Cambodia
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Cambodia or formally known as the Kingdom of Cambodia is located at the Southern part of Indochina peninsula (mainly comprises of 3 countries: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam) in Southeast China. Its largest city is Phnom Penh, which is also the capital of the country. The kingdom practises a parliamentary monarchy, the current king of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni, was chosen to rule by the Royal Throne Council.
Cambodia is located at the Southern part of Indochina peninsula. Click on image to enlarge.
Close-up map on Cambodia. Click on image to enlarge.
As of this day, the total population of Cambodia is no less than 16 million which includes some minority groups such as Vietnamese, Chinese, Chams and 30 indigenous ethnic groups, called “Khmer Loeu” (hill tribes).
Cambodia’s rich culture and history background are some of the reasons why people from all around the world fly in to visit. One of the famous tourist locations in Cambodia, Angkor Wat, attracts about two million visitors every year. Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex and it is the biggest religious monument in the world that was built during the Khmer Empire. Buddhism has prevailed the country since the 5th century. The official religion of the country is Theravada Buddhism, practised by more than 90 percent of the population.
One of the most visited places, Angkor Wat
Cambodia’s dry season starts from November to May. According to source, April, May and June are great times to visit this beautiful country. The busiest tourist season starts from November to February when weather is the coolest. There are a couple of ways to get to Cambodia, (1) You can fly directly into Phnom Penh which is the capital city or Siem Reap where Angkor Wat is. (2) For cheaper fares, you can fly to Bangkok and take a bus over the border into Cambodia, which is something very common and easy. The visa process for entering Cambodia is quite simple, visas can be obtained from the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, it is also applicable as well.
Culture
People in Cambodia are known to be extremely helpful, warm and polite. Therefore in order to reciprocate their kindness, visitors are advised to be extra sensitive and respectful to follow the local customs. Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts in Cambodia.
DO’S
- Except when you’re by the beach or pool, do make sure that you dress appropriately. It’d be appreciated if you keep yourself covered from shoulder to knee.
- Always ask for permission to photograph.
- It is customary to remove your shoes and hat before entering temples and any place of worship. Keep your voice down and dress respectfully.
- If you’re invited to dinner at a Cambodian home, it will be more proper to bring a gift for the host. The gift can be anything such as fruit, flowers or dessert.
- It is respectful to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
DON’TS
- Women must not touch male monks or hand them something directly.
- Do not touch a Cambodian person on the head.
- Do not use your fingers or feet to point at someone directly, it’s considered very rude.
- If you are a guest at a dinner, do not start eating unless the host has started.
- Try your best to keep public displays of affection to a respectful minimum.
Food
1. Khmer Noodles
Khmer noodles or Nom Banh Chok is a typical breakfast meal. It’s sold in the mornings by women carrying it around on baskets hanging from a pole balanced on their shoulders. This noodle dish mainly consists of thin rice noodle (meehoon) and topped with green curry gravy made from kaffir lime, lemongrass and turmeric root. Bean sprouts, fresh mint leaves, banana flower, cucumbers, green beans and some other ingredients are to be served together on top as well. There’s also a red curry version which is only available during special occasions.
2. Green Mango Salad
Cambodians absolutely adore mangoes and will eat them at every stage of ripeness. Although it may look similar to Thai green mango salad, but Cambodian green mango salad is more refreshing and has a heavier citrus touch in it, and it is also less spicy.
3. Fish Amok
Fish Amok is one of the most famous Cambodian dishes, it is made of fish, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, coconut milk, fresh turmeric, shallots, garlic, and some chili. Then it is wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf for the aromatic taste.
4. Sweet and Sour Soup with Fish
This dish is also called Samlor Machu Trey, it is famous amongst most of the households in Cambodia as it is extremely easy to make. The ingredients to make this delicious dish are fish, tamarind juice, celery, lemongrass, bean sprouts, pineapple, fish sauce, garlic, salt and sugar for seasoning.
5. Stir-fried Lemongrass Beef
One of the simple dishes in Cambodia, this particular dish contains beef, red peppers, onion, lemongrass paste, galanga and kaffir lime leaves.
20 Places to Visit in Cambodia
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a world heritage-listed temple complex and it is also the world’s largest religious monument, the place is as big as 402 acres. It was built during the Khmer Empire, by the King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition from previous kings, the temple was built in dedication to the Hindu god, Vishnu. The complex gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of 12th century. It is one of the best-preserved historic sites around the world.
Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668
Entrance fees: A single day pass costs around US$20 (RM85)
Opening hours: 5am to 6pm
How to get there
From Siem Reap, you can take a private van to get to Angkor Wat. Other transportation methods such as tuktuks, bikes and taxis are available too.
Accommodations
1. The Privilege Floor @Borei Angkor
Address: National Road 6, 0369, Banteay Chas, Slorkram, 369, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 969 300
Website: http://privilegefloor.com/borei/
2. Prince d’ Angkor Hotel & Spa
Address: Sivutha Bulvard, B05, Sivatha Blvd Sivatha Road, Krong Siem Reap 93136, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 763 888
Website: http://www.princedangkor.com/
2. Koh Ker
Koh Ker is the former capital of the Khmer Empire, located towards the northern part of Cambodia. This 10th century temple complex’s main feature, Koh Ker Temple is a 7-tiered pyramid. The complex was completely left to the jungle for nearly a thousand years and has been visited until recently. The temple complex also features some very mesmerising and spectacular buildings and sculptures, making it a greta archaeological site.
Website: http://www.kohker-tours.com/
Entrance fee: US$10 (RM42)
Opening hours: 6:45am to 6pm
How to get there
The site is 130 kilometres north of Siem Reap and the road is now paved until the temple site. There are no public transports for tourists but taxi and cars can be arranged at hotels and guest houses. From Preah Vihear city, a motobike ride takes about an hour an a half for one way. US$15 round trip, including waiting time, can be negotiated.
Accommodations
1. Koh Ker Hotel
Address: #008, Watbo Road, Watbo Village, Salakamroek Commune,Corner of Acharhemchiv St., Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 963 234
Website: https://www.cleartrip.com/hotels/info/koh-ker-hotel-535443
2. Lotus Blanc Resort
Address: National Road 6, Kruos Village, Siem Reap 17252, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 969 300
Website: http://lotusblancresort.com/
3. Kratie
A small town located towards the northeastern part of Cambodia. It is known to be one of the best places in the country to spot Irrawaddy dolphins that live in the Mekong River close by. It’s beautiful landscape and tranquility have attracted visitors from all over the world.
How to get there
Buses to or from Stung Treng (one of the provinces that borders with Kratie) takes about 3 hours. With the improving road conditions, bus services have improved and there are a number of transportation options between Stung Treng and Phnom Penh. There are daily buses from Siem Reap to Kratie. They leave at 07:00 and cost US$10. You will have to change buses half way through this journey at Skuon or Suong.
Accommodations
1. River Dolphin Hotel
Address: Sangkat Orussey, Kratie, Cambodia
Phone: +855 72 210 570
Website: http://www.riverdolphinhotel.com/
2. Rajabori Villas Resort
Address: Mekong Road, Koh Trong Island, Kratie 855, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 215 651
Website: http://rajabori-kratie.com/en/home/
4. Kep
Kep was founded as a colonial retreat for the French elite in 1908, the small town is still full of ruined shells of old villas that where destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime. There’s a famous beach near Kep which people call it the Rabbit Island, some outdoor activities like snorkeling is available.
How to get there
Take a bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot and from there additional 25 kilometres to Kep. The buses to Kampot departure each day at 7:30am and midday around 1:15pm from the central bus station near the central market (Sorya Bus Company; No 168). You may also take a bus directly to Kep taking National Highway No 2 and for the last strip Major Road No 31, which is a little bumpy. The prices with an old air-con bus for both ways are around US$4 per person. The trip usually takes about 4-5 hours.
Accommodations
1. Knai Bang Chatt
Address: Phum Thmey, Sangkat Prey Thom, Kep 908, Cambodia
Phone: +855 36 210 310
Website: http://www.knaibangchatt.com/
2. Le Flamboyant Resort
Address: Rue des Flamboyants, Route 33a, Kep 9547, Cambodia
Phone: +855 17 491 010
Website: http://www.leflamboyant-resort.com/
5. Banlung
Banlung is located towards the nothern part of Cambodia. There are a few tour companies that provide overnight trip into the jungles, allowing adventurous visitors to have a closer connection with mother nature. Visitors can also take this chance to visit the Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake that allow travelers to take a look at some beautiful deep sea lakes.
How to get there
From Kratie, take a public minibus to Banlung, it leaves around 8am and the journey takes 5-6 hours. An alternative would be via the Phnom Penh Soraya Transport bus which will take about 5-7 hours to arrive in Banlung.
Accommodations
1. Terres Rouges Lodge
Address: Boeung Kan Siang Lake, Banlung 16000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 12 770 650
Website: https://ratanakiri-lodge.com/en/home/
2. Ratanakiri-Boutique Hotel
Address: Sangkat Boeung Kan Seng, Banlung, Cambodia
Phone: +855 97 916 7221
Website: http://ratanakiri-boutiquehotel.com/
6. Battambang
Battambang is the second most famous city in Cambodia, especially with travelers and tourists who are interested in Cambodian history. This city was built during the 18th century which later became part of French Indochina. The town has many Angkor-style temples, statues of gods and animals can also be found in public spots.
How to get there
From Siem Reap, there are buses available at 7:30am, 10:30am and 1:30pm. The Capitol bus costs US$4.50 if booking is done at their office in Siem Reap, they will pick you up from your accommodation for free if necessary. Buses are no longer allowed to drive into the city. The new bus station is about 3 kilometres west of the city centre. A tutuk to the city centre will cost about US$1. The major bus companies, e.g. Capitol, Sorya, are still running their offices in the city and offer a free minivan transfer to the bus station.
Accommodations
1. Bric-a-Brac
Address: 2 No 119, Street, 1 block south of Central Market, Battambang 02000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 77 531 549
Website: http://bric-a-brac.asia/
2. Battambang Resort
Address: Wat Ko Village, Battambang 02000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 12 510 100
Website: http://battambangresort.com/
7. Sihanoukville
This beach was named after a former king, Norodom Sihanouk, Sihanoukville also known as Kompong Saom is the most famous Cambodian beach on the Gulf of Thailand. This is the place where America fought its last battle during the Vietnam War. It is popular amongst backpackers who prefer to stay in huts on the beach rather than some luxurious hotels.
How to get there
From Phnom Penh, take a bus via Capitol Tours near Orussey market, it will take about 5-5.5 hours to arrive. The bus makes stops along the way to pick up people and goods. It will drop you off in downtown Sihanoukville, about 3 kilometres from Serendipity beach, motorbikes and tuk tuks will be waiting there quoting 3-4 dollars for the trip to Ochheuteal or Serendipity.
Accommodations
1. Deluxx Boutique Hotel
Address: 4 St 1035 Sangkat, Sihanoukville 18000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 34 934 854
Website: http://www.deluxxhotel.com/
2. Sokha Beach Resort
Address: Street 2 Thnou, Sangkat 4, Mittapheap Dist., Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Phone: +855 34 935 999
Website: http://www.sokhahotels.com/sihanoukville/
8. Siem Reap
Siem Reap houses the world famous Angkor Wat, it is Cambodia’s fastest growing city. Siem Reap is now a major tourist hub, offerings pleasant places to stay while touring the ancient temples. Hotels and restaurants can be found almost anywhere here.
How to get there
Siem Reap International Airport is the second biggest airport in Cambodia, and it is served by various airplane companies like Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, China Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, Hong Kong Express, China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and many more. For more details, you can always refer to your choice of airline company.
Accommodations
1. Saem Siemreap Hotel
Address: Krom 6, Phoum Sala Kanseng, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 763 711
Website: http://www.saemsiemreaphotel.com/
2. Diamond D’Angkor Boutique
Address: Road 50 (Sok San), Group 08, Sang Kat Svay Dangkom, Siem Reap 17355, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 966 987
Website: http://www.diamondangkor.com/
9. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the biggest city in Cambodia, it also acts as the capital of the country. Used to be known as “the pearl of Asia”, this beautiful city is one of the most delightful cities built by the French in Indochina, the city currently is still recovering from war. Some of the attractions in the city include the National Museum and the Royal Palace.
How to get there
Phnom Penh International Airport is the largest airport in Cambodia, located about 7 kilometres west of the city. It is served by various airplane companies like Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Dragon, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hong Kong Express, China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and many more. For more details, you can always refer to your choice of airline company.
Accommodations
1. The 252
Address: Street 252 #11, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 998 252
Website: http://www.the-252.com/
2. TeaHouse
Address: 242 #32 Street, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 212 789
Website: https://maads.asia/teahouse
10. Popokvil Waterfall
Popokvil Waterfall is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall, it takes its name from the expression meaning ‘swirling clouds’ due to the mist that constantly surrounds it. Absolutely a great spot to stop by for a relaxing swim.
How to get there
From Phnom Penh, there is regular bus service to Kampot. The cost of the bus trip is usually around US$5 and takes around 3 hours. A quicker and more flexible option is to use a private car transfer, which will cost you US$25 to US$35. From Kep, you can catch a motodup or taxi. The fare is negotiable, around US$5 for a motodup or US$10 for tuk-tuk. From Sihanoukville, there is regular bus service for the two hour trip, or your can use a taxi service for around US$25.
Accommodations
1. Nataya Roundhouse Coral Bay Resort
Address: Prek Ampil, Off Road No. 3, Kampot 07000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 88 402 8944
Website: http://www.natayaresort.com/
2. Thansur Bokor Highland Resort
Address: Bokor Mountain, Kampot 855, Cambodia
Phone: +855 33 683 8888
Website: https://www.thansurbokor.com/
11. Preah Vihear
A stunning Khmer temple built during the 11th and 12th centuries on a 1,722-foot cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. The temple’s structure mainly consists of four levels and four courtyards, it was built in dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach Preah Vihear is from the town of Sra’em, 30 kilometres south. Buses run directly from Phnom Penh via Kompong Thom to Sra’em, leaving in the morning and arriving in the evening. (Be careful not to book a bus to Preah Vihear since these may actually go to the town of Krong Preah Vihear and not Sra’em). They drop you off at the Sra’em central roundabout. Minibuses, once daily, US$8 and shared taxis, US$10, run from Sra’em to Siem Reap via Anlong Veng.
Accommodations
1. Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel
Address: Street Oknha Franna, Choum Ksann Dist, Srah Emm, Cambodia
Phone: +855 88 346 0501
Website: http://preahvihearhotels.com/
2. Sokha Home
Address: National Road 62, Krong Preah Vihear, Cambodia
Phone: +855 77 600 400
Website: http://sokha-home-kh.book.direct/en-gb/
12. Ream National Park
House to beautiful mangrove forests, huge unspoilt beaches, islands, coral reefs and more than 200 bird species including some endangered species. It is an ideal location for boat trips and forest treks.
How to get there
If you take a taxi directly from Phnom Penh, it will take you about 3.5 hours to get to Ream National Park, the price should be around US$25. If you take off from Sihanoukville with a taxi, it will cost you roughly US$6 with a 41-minute drive to get there.
Accommodations
1. Monkey Maya
Address: Monkey Maya, Ream Beach, Ream National Park, Cambodia
Phone: +855 78 760 853
Website: http://www.monkeymayaream.com/
2. Ream Yacht Club
Address: Ream River (PREK TOEUK SAP RIVER), Ream National Park, Sihanoukville, Cambodia, 855
Phone: +855 70 505 350
Website: http://www.sihanoukville.com/hotel-guesthouses/ream-yacht-club-bungalows/
13. Tonle Sap
It is the biggest freshwater lake in South East Asia. During the dry season, the Tonle Sap drains into the Mekong River but when the raining season hits, the flow changes its direction and thus forming a huge lake. It houses many Vietnamese and Cham ethnic communities.
How to get there
Tonle Sap and its many floating villages can be accessed from Siem Reap, Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang, Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang, Kompong Luong, and Battambang. At all these locations on the lake, tourists are able to rent a boat and driver. Prices vary.
Accommodations
1. Tonle Sap Hotel and Restaurant
Address: Thi 1 Village, Kha Sham, Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia
Phone: +855 12 576 811
2. Tonle Sap Hotel
Address: 4-6E0, Street 104, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
14. Silver Pagoda
It is located within the Royal Palace premise, it houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues. Some of the most well-known statues are a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha and a life size gold Maitreya Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds.
Entrance fee: US$3 (RM13)
Opening hours: 8am to 11am ; 2:30pm to 5pm
How to get there
The Royal Palace is located on Sothearos Boulevard near the riverfront of Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. The easiest way of getting to the Royal Palace is by tuk tuk.
Accommodations
1. The 252
Address: Street 252 #11, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 998 252
Website: http://www.the-252.com/
2. TeaHouse
Address: 242 #32 Street, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 212 789
Website: https://maads.asia/teahouse
15. War Museum Cambodia
It is the only war museum in Cambodia, it offers visitors an insightful view of what Cambodia had to face during the last few decades. If you have a passion for history, this is a must visit as it houses a unique collection of war machines.
Website: http://www.warmuseumcambodia.com/
Entrance fee: US$5 (RM21)
Opening hours: 8am to 5:30pm
How to get there
The War Museum is located near National Highway No. 6, between the city of Siem Reap and Siem Reap International Airport. A taxi can definitely bring you there.
Accommodations
1. The Privilege Floor @Borei Angkor
Address: National Road 6, 0369, Banteay Chas, Slorkram, 369, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 969 300
Website: http://privilegefloor.com/borei/
2. Prince d’ Angkor Hotel & Spa
Address: Sivutha Bulvard, B05, Sivatha Blvd Sivatha Road, Krong Siem Reap 93136, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 763 888
Website: http://www.princedangkor.com/
16. The Killing Fields
It is one of the largest graveyards in Cambodia, more than a million people were tormented to death during the Khmer Rouge rule in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. There is a stupa at the site that is adorned with the skulls of the victims who were killed.
How to get there
The Killing Fields are located in the city of Phnom Penh, a taxi can definitely bring you there.
Accommodations
1. The 252
Address: Street 252 #11, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 998 252
Website: http://www.the-252.com/
2. TeaHouse
Address: 242 #32 Street, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 212 789
Website: https://maads.asia/teahouse
17. Cambodia Landmine Museum
It is one of the very few places in the world where you will learn about landmines and their dangers, how they impact people especially children and how to disarm them. There is a nursery behind the museum that houses children who were saved from landmines.
Website: http://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/
Entrance fee: US$3 (RM13)
Opening hours: 7:30am to 5:30pm
How to get there
It is located at the south of the Banteay Srey Temple complex, 25 kilometres north of Siem Reap, and inside the Angkor National Park. A taxi can definitely bring you there.
Accommodations
1. The Privilege Floor @Borei Angkor
Address: National Road 6, 0369, Banteay Chas, Slorkram, 369, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 969 300
Website: http://privilegefloor.com/borei/
2. Prince d’ Angkor Hotel & Spa
Address: Sivutha Bulvard, B05, Sivatha Blvd Sivatha Road, Krong Siem Reap 93136, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 763 888
Website: http://www.princedangkor.com/
18. Bokor Hill Station
The Bokor Hill Station is another must visit attraction in Cambodia. Built in the mid 1920’, it used to serve as a resort town for the French fighters which was later abandoned by them. The place can be a little spooky during the foggy days as the visibility drops to almost nothing.
How to get there
The summit of Bokor (1,080 metres high) is reached at the end of one of the worst roads in Cambodia and the journey is about 30 kilometres. Heavily potholed and scattered with reefs of the original asphalt surface, it is best traveled by 4WD or motorbike.
Accommodations
1. Nataya Roundhouse Coral Bay Resort
Address: Prek Ampil, Off Road No. 3, Kampot 07000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 88 402 8944
Website: http://www.natayaresort.com/
2. Thansur Bokor Highland Resort
Address: Bokor Mountain, Kampot 855, Cambodia
Phone: +855 33 683 8888
Website: https://www.thansurbokor.com/
19. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
This is a must visit for people who are a fan of wildlife, covers an area of over 6,000 acres, it is the largest zoo in Cambodia. The rescue centre is run by the Cambodian Forestry Administration in association with an ecological non-benefit association called the Wildlife Alliance.
Website: https://www.wildlifealliance.org/wildlife-phnom-tamao/
Entrance fee: US$5(RM21) for adults and US$2(RM9) for children
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm
How to get there
The wildlife rescue centre is located roughly 40 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A bus or taxi can be chattered to get to the location.
Accommodations
1. The 252
Address: Street 252 #11, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 998 252
Website: http://www.the-252.com/
2. TeaHouse
Address: 242 #32 Street, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 23 212 789
Website: https://maads.asia/teahouse
20. Kampot
The land of peppers, Kampot is a city located at the southern part of Cambodia. It is known for its pepper plantations and salt fields. Many buildings and architectures that date back to the colonial period can be found here.
How to get there
You can take a taxi from Phnom Penh to Kampot for between US$35-50, buses are also available.
Accommodations
1. Sebana Guesthouse
Address: No 39 Street 7 Makara, Krang Village, Krang Omphil Commune, Kampot 07000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 13 590 522
Website: http://www.sebanaguesthouse.com/
2. Two Moons
Address: Riverside Road, near the Aquatic Center and the Fish Market, Sungkat Kompong Kandal, Kampot 07000, Cambodia
Phone: +855 77 808 537
Website: http://www.twomoonshotel.com/
Travel Books
Below are some of the travel books you may find helpful if you are planning for a trip to Cambodia.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cambodia & Laos
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Cambodia and Laos is your in-depth guide to the very best of these two countries. Whether you want to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, take a boat trip through the famous Tham Kong Lo caves, or sunbathe on stunning white beaches in southern Cambodia, Cambodia and Laos offer exhilarating options for visitors.
Lonely Planet Cambodia (Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Cambodia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Stand under the glimmering spires of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, trek the lush rainforest of the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, or explore the floating village of Kompong Luong; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Cambodia and begin your journey now!
Sources:
- www.wikipedia.com
- www.wikitravel.com
- www.tripadvisor.com.my
For more interesting information:
- Wonderful Sri Lanka
- Wonderful Myanmar
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara-A sacred place to visit
- Exquisite Nagadeepa Vihara in Sri Lanka
- Must visit Chengdu (exotic and exciting)
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Cambodian people can be seen as a mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism.Their culture and tradition had a rich varied history dating back many centuries.
From the article we can know that many intersting sites in Cambodia that is worth visiting especially the temples and most famous Angkor Wat.Thank you very much for sharing this article .
Being on of top tourist destination with historically rich in culture Cambodia has many impressive discovery. The world heritage Angkor Wat is one of them. Angkor Wat is being famous for its sensational architecture and for the biggest religious monument in the world. It also understand that the majority of its population in Cambodia are Buddhist.
Through this article I have discovered many other interesting places and the ancient temple found along the city of Siem Reap. The best season to visit Cambodia for a perfect holiday was well guided with full information. All the necessary information to do and not at Cambodia will be very useful. Thank you for sharing this article and listing all the beautiful places and sceneries. I’m too getting excited to explore and visit Cambodia in near future.
I recently visited Angkor Wat and a few temples around, Tonle Sap and Sihanoukville with my family. Though Angkor Wat and the temples around are usually the most talked about, we actually enjoyed our boat ride to see sunset at Tonle Sap. Along the river leading to the biggest lake in South East Asia, what welcomed us were the local fishing village communities that lived in houses that were built with long legs to prevent water from floating their home during the monsoon season. It was interesting for us to see how the local lived happily with what they had. A good experience for us to reflect and understand that it is really not what we have outwardly to be happy and contented.
Very amazing sites and interesting looking foods! Some of these looks yummy!.. 3. Fish Amok, 2. Green Mango Salad, 1. Khmer Noodles. Places that caught my eyes are….12. Ream National Park, 18. Bokor Hill Station, 11. Preah Vihear, 4. Kep, 4. Kep, 10. Popokvil Waterfall. 2. Koh Ker. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for this wonderful article.
I missed Cambodia. Was bacpacking with 2 friends. Indeed is a place must visit. Is full of historical and the structure and every peace of the wall are crafted but unfortunately alot of buddha head missing.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in phnom phem. It will make you tears when you see a hill of skeleton heads. They were totured and extermination. It does show us how much suffering during that time and wonder what will happen when Maitreya comes. Will there be another war, killing ,totured and suffer?
I came to know about Cambodia because of Angkor Wat. Other than that, through this article it opened to me more about Cambodian.
Angkor Wat is listed as the 7th wonder of the world, and was so famous that is one of the most significant religious centers in the world and it has become the Cambodian symbol and even appears on the country’s national flag. It is the most visited attraction site in Cambodia and one of the hottest attractions in the world. The temple represents Mount Meru. From the ground, Angkor Wat has a height of 213 meters attained with 3 rectangular levels with each one progressively higher than the rectangular below it. It is also said that Angkor Wat is actually a replica of universe on a stone and represents the earthly model of cosmic word. (source: http://www.tourist-destinations.net/2013/08/angkor-wat-cambodia.html)
Other than Angkor Wat, through this article, I came to learn about Koh Ker which is a temple build like pyramid and have been left in jungle for thousand years.
Other than temple view, I also get to know beautiful beach at Cambodia, famous food, the unique museums and even learn their culture that we should be aware when we visiting Cambodia.
Through reading this article, I felt that I have went to Cambodia.
Travel through reading.
I went to Cambodia before, and the Angkor Wat is certainly a mesmerizing place to visit. It has Buddhist and Hindu influences weaved into this complex, as the Kings of Cambodia shifted from Buddhist to Hindu and vice versa.
There was a school I visited, which was a prison and there many people died. The genocide of the Cambodian was done by their own people, who wanted a new society to emerge, some kind of social engineering. I think most religions are not perfect belief systems but most of the established ones do not condone the massacre of one’s own people just to proof a point. The lesson to learn is that we have to be careful of what we belief in, and check if those things we believe in does it cause unnecessary harm to others?
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article about Cambodia. After reading this article, I come to know many interesting sites in Cambodia that is worth visiting especially the temples. Phnom Penh is such a beautiful and a city that is continually growing. Cambodia is really a country that caters to different groups of tourists depending on their interest ranging from food, sceneries, buildings, animals and leisure. Most of the tourists like to visit Cambodia is because their people are known to be extremely helpful, warm and polite.
With folded palms,
Vivian
As these old bastions of Buddhism come online after the years of conflict and bloodshed. we can see the beauty of the land and the culture not to say the beauty of the Buddhism that used to blossom in these countries. We can see Myanmar and Cambodia slowly returning to spirituality.
But most of all the natural beauty reflects the beauty of the soul of the country.
I like looking at the various architecture of buildings. I have been to Cambodia a few times and I like Siem Reap the best. Angkor Wat is so unique and beautiful. We watched the sun rise in Angkor Wat and it was amazing. A place that I would definitely recommend people to visit. I hope the restoration work will continue and the government would be able to receive sufficient fund for this work, so more people are able to visit and to learn the history.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.
The almost-landlock Cambodia is a very enchanting place to visit, not only because of the grand temple complexes that took after her rich Hindu influence but also due to her glory yet bittersweet history. Recent wars had set Cambodia back decades compared to her peers in the region, with several museums filled with real skeletons to remind us of the brutal history.
Fortunately, the alluring French-style architectures in Phnom Penh are a bright contrast to the gloomy past, especially if we appreciate spacious courtyard, with wide porches and plenty of tall French windows.
About a decade ago, visiting Cambodia can be a humbling experience; children as young as 3 years old are seen actively vending pirated Lonely Planets travel books to tourists. Most of them looked mixed, and when enquired further, one will realize they do not know who is their father. Today, Cambodia is fast catching up in terms of modernization. It is a good place to visit.
Amazing ….Cambodia’s history has experience the modern and ancient historic past events.Cambodian culture and tradition have had a rich varied history dating back many centuries.The Cambodian people can be seen as a mixture of hinduism and buddhism, and reflects a country rich in history and heritage. I did not know much of Cambodia except the killing fields and about the war the Khmer Rouge rule in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979..After reading these post it sound interesting to visit these place maybe the Angkor wat and a few historical places are worthy visiting.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these wonderful post and it brought back memories to me about the Khmer Rouge rule…the movie of killing fields.