Spectators crowd annual puppet parade

More than 1000 Siem Reap school kids and their families participated in an hour-long parade through town on Saturday night as part of the fifth annual Giant Puppet Project.

One of the aims of the project is to revive the lost art of Cambodian street parades, and organisers said crowds attending the march were the largest since the project was first started in 2007. Up to 5000 spectators thronged the route to catch a glimpse of the 10 giant tissue paper and rattan puppets on parade, many based on creatures from Khmer folklore, or designed to promote causes such as road safety.

The puppets, assembled by students and volunteers at a series of local workshops over the past few months, wound their way through the streets of downtown Siem Reap before the parade terminated outside Raffles Hotel d’Angkor, where spectators witnessed a display of bokator by children from the Green Gecko Project.

Many tourists in the crowd praised the parade as one of the highlights of their visit to Siem Reap. Dutch tourist Marleen Herten said she stumbled across the parade and “did not expect to see a street carnival like it while visiting Cambodia”.

US charity volunteer Elliot Linzer said the parade was the second he has witnessed. “It’s a great example of a project serving the local community in an original way.”

The Giant Puppet Project is the brainchild of a trio of UK artists and, since its inception in 2007, has grown into an annual parade with 10 different NGOs participating and financial support coming from a number of local businesses.

Giant Puppet Project artistic director Jig Cochrane said the parade’s organisers have trained an increasing number of artists and students from the Phare Ponleu Selpak Art School in Battambang to conduct workshops at local primary schools where the puppets are made.

Cochrane explained that the annual Puppet Project is tightly scheduled with planning beginning in early February before volunteers fan out to 12 local organisations and schools to conduct puppet-building workshops with an estimated 600 to 800 students.

Cochrane says that most puppets in the parade can be assembled in workshops within two days. Tissue paper used to build the outer coverings of the puppets is sourced from local suppliers following a series of fundraisers at Siem Reap bars in the lead-up to the parade each year.

Cochrane says one goal of the project is to repopularise street festivals in Cambodia.

“To me it’s a very ordinary thing but you speak to people on the streets in Cambodia and they’ve never seen a street parade before.

“All the countries in this region have carnivals and street parades, and it’s something that would have been going on here in pre-Khmer Rouge period,” he said.

Another key element to the parade is that it’s aimed squarely at children who both create the models and make up the majority of spectators.

“One of the main things is to create something wonderful and incredible and make people go: ‘Wow, look at what those kids did’.”

He said that for most of the kids who take part in the parade, “it’s really unusual to be in a situation where people are waving at them”.

This year the Puppet Project had support from 10 NGOs working in Siem Reap. Globalteer volunteers Emma Fisher and Kay Yasugi spoke at length about their experiences teaching children how to assemble the early stages of each puppet at local workshops, and explained that the process involves several volunteers spending two days with groups of between 15 and 30 children and translators assembling the frame of each puppet.

The puppets are then placed on trolleys and electrified in the days leading up to the parade. 

Puppet Project marketing and communications coordinator Bina Hanley said this year’s money donated by spectators during the parade was just over $1000. She said fundraising efforts are active all year with over $3000 collected through donations to the project’s Virgin Money Giving Account and several fundraisers at local bars including Abacus and Funky Munky raising $2250. Organisers this year also received a $5000 donation from an anonymous source.

Local hotels and businesses also donated accommodation and supplies for the volunteers and participants. (source: Phnompenh Post)
Cambodia Tours

Visit Preah Vihear at this moment

Fevers have been running high again along the Thai-Cambodian border, with casualties on both sides and damage to the 11th century Preah Vihear temple grabbing headlines. We give you the run down of the latest developments, how it might affect your trip, and what the background to the whole issue is.

(travelfish)

What happened?
On February 4, firefights between the Thai and Cambodian armies broke out in and around the disputed ruined temple of Preah Vihear. Skirmishes reached a peak two days later when both sides carried out full-scale heavy artillery bombardments. Both sides claimed civilian casualties, with the Thais showing photographs of destroyed buildings in nearby villages and Khmers claiming Thai shells had reached up to 20 kilometres into Cambodian territory.

Both sides claimed the other had fired first and made exaggerated claims of victory. Thai officers claimed 64 dead Khmer soldiers; Khmers reckoned they knocked out two Thai tanks. On Monday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed to the UN, insisting that Thailand was invading his country and pointing out that they had caused serious damage to the ancient temple. As of February 10, the shooting had stopped and all appears calm — for now.

Implications for tourists
Access to Preah Vihear from the Thai side had been curtailed even ahead of the recent violence. But it had been possible to reach the temple from Cambodia up until very recently. (We visited in August 2010 and though we had the place to ourselves we were willingly given a guided tour by a couple of Khmer soldiers.) Work on the Kompong Thom-Preah Vihear and Siem Reap-Anlong Veng-Preah Vihear routes mean it's possible to reach Preah Vihear in a day from Phnom Penh.

The temple can also be visited as a day trip from Siem Reap, meaning the temple could be firmly on the Cambodia tourist circuit. But the new sealed road leading to the top of the mountain passes through disputed territory, so if the Thais want to be awkward then this will be a major sticking point. If that stumbling block is overcome, expect access from the Khmer side to be feasible in the not too distant future. Do not expect Thai access to be reinstated in the near future — try Phnom Rung instead.

Please note that most Western governments including the UK and US have been warning against travel to Preah Vihear for some time already. Travel insurance bought in those countries is may be invalidated if you chose to ignore their advice.

The atmospheric little border temple of Tha Muean in Surin was off limits as of last weekend, but since we hear Thai and Khmer soldiers there were planning on having dinner together, that one may re-open soon.

As of Monday February 8, all border crossing points between Cambodia and Thailand, including Koh Kong and Chantaburi, were closed except for Poipet, but we wouldn't expect that to last long. (Half the casinos on the Khmer side of the border are owned by Thai generals.)

The background
To the Khmers, Preah Vihear is both the name of a province in north Cambodia and an Angkor-period ruined temple on the Thai border. For Thais, Khao Phra Viharn applies to a national park, temple, (Prasart Khao Phra Viharn), and the mountain the temple is situated upon.

The temple itself is located on the edge of a 400m escarpment of the Dandrek mountains, a range forming the border between northern Cambodia and the Thai provinces of Ubon, Sisaket, Surin and Buriram. To the north the land slopes down to the plains of the Khorat plateau, while the south provides a dramatic view over the forested lands of north Cambodia.

The temple
Though a sacred site to the Khmers from probably at least as early as the 6th or 7th centuries, most of the ruins seen today date from the reign of Suryavarman I in the 11th century. Additions by subsequent kings are apparent and earlier remains can still be identified. The spectacular and relatively well-preserved temple is classic Suryavarman I period, with a lengthy approach staircase from the north separated by a series of elaborate gateways, or gopuras, and a raised central shrine area with 'libraries' preceded by 2 'palaces' or entry pavilions. (Unusually for Khmer temples, the main entrance is to the north, undoubtedly due to the lie of the land.)

The border

 (travelfish)
When they controlled Cambodia, the French delineated the border with independent Siam by following the watershed of the Dandrek mountains, though making a slight detour at Preah Vihear. A dispute over ownership, since the Thais pointed out it was on their side of the watershed, was settled in 1962 when a UN ruling confirmed it as part of Cambodia. However, the owner of 4.6 square kilometres of wooded hillside directly west of the temple was not determined — leading to the current problems.

The western slopes and hillside opposite were Khmer Rouge territory until the mid-90s and remain strewn with mines and unexploded ordnance. No one really bothered about the area until recently when it became politically expedient to do so for both Thai and Khmer domestic political purposes.

Recent events
The first serious squabbling began in mid-2008 when UNESCO awarded Preah Vihear World Heritage status and recognised it as being Cambodian — ignoring Thai claims that it should be jointly administered.

Thai nationalists demonstrated near the temple and a military build-up ensued, with an exchange of fire in August 2008. Sporadic low-level outbreaks of violence continued throughout 2008-9, leading to deaths on both sides. Verbal and diplomatic spats persisted through 2010, generally caused by political posturing and agendas, and the stirring up of nationalist sentiments by military/politico cliques in Phnom Penh but particularly Bangkok, where the political scene has been highly charged and unstable.

In the build up to the current fighting, groups such as the People's Alliance for Democracy and Thai Patriotic Network have sought political leverage by prodding the unhealed Preah Vihear wound and Thai-Khmer relations in general. This culminated in the late January arrest of seven members of TPN for trespassing on Cambodian soil. There's not so many domestic political points to be gained by the Khmer government, but a longstanding fear and resentment of their powerful neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam, means the Khmer government is more than willing to retaliate at the least provocation. (Source:TravelFish)

(Cambodia Tours)

Water beds: a luxury ecolodge in the Cambodian rainforest

There’s more to Cambodia than beaches and temples. A luxury waterborne ecolodge offers a wilderness break in style. It’s pitch black as I set off tentatively in my kayak, the starless sky merging seamlessly into the inky river. The only sound is of my paddle in the water and a faint chirping of cicadas. Suddenly the darkness is broken – a tree decorated in a thousand fairy lights is frantically flickering on the riverbank.

“It’s the firefly disco,” says Chilly, my guide, pointing at the twinkling display. I am, it’s fair to say, in the middle of nowhere. This is the Tatai river, east of Koh Kong, in the southern reaches of Cambodia‘s Cardamom mountains. Half-way between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, this is a pristine area of rainforest and coastal mangroves that barely features on the tourist trail.

What’s more I’m camping – though it’s not exactly pop-up tent and baked beans. I’m staying at the Four Rivers Floating Lodge, which takes glamping to a whole new extreme.The brilliant idea of Romanian owner Valentin Pawlik, the entire resort is waterborne. You get here by boat, arriving at one of a series of floating wooden platforms. A central pontoon houses bar, restaurant and library.

There are 12 huge and super-luxurious South African safari tents (six more are planned), with private decks and sunloungers, double-sinked en suite bathrooms, and flatscreen TVs and DVD players that seem a tad incongruous in the heart of the jungle. But, hey, this is wilderness in style.It’s all very eco-friendly too – largely solar-powered, and staffed mostly by locals – so you needn’t have a guilty conscience. Move it away and there’d be little sign that it had ever existed.

Leaving the fireflies to party I paddle slowly back home and feast on spicy shrimp and freshwater fish with coconut, cooked in banana leaves, before heading for a blissful night’s rest, lulled to sleep by the gentle bobbing of the water.Most visitors to Cambodia flock to the revitalised capital of Phnom Penh further east, and the temples around Siem Reap in the north. This coastal region, part of the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, is home to some of the country’s most impressive natural sights. The long civil war kept developers and loggers at bay, and the potential for ecotourism is huge (although the threat of hydroelectric power plants looms).

Four Rivers, with its gorgeous setting on a bend in the river, is magical at all times of day – misty in the morning, glowing at sunset and prettily lit up after dark – and as tranquil a place as you could wish for. I spend much of my time here kayaking through the mangrove maze (spotting those fireflies, and watching monkeys gather at the water’s edge at dusk), swimming in the river from steps outside my tent (a pool is planned) and visiting waterfalls, where the pounding torrent gives a great back massage.

There are excursions into the jungle, led by a former poacher, to spot wildlife and to visit villages and fruit plantations (overnight camping is a new option too). As I’m here at the end of the rainy season, when leeches and mud make trekking treacherous, we take a boat downstream instead. Thick mangrove forests line the banks, and dolphins can sometimes be spied in the estuary opening on to the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Kong island appears on the horizon, an as yet undeveloped paradise with pristine beaches and untouched rainforest.

We stop at Koh Sra Lau, an island with one tiny fishing village, and wander around while women sit mending nets and offer us fried fish with tamarind sauce and papaya. There’s no tourist fatigue here, just friendly welcomes. A little boy grabs my hand and leads me to the village school, where children proudly sweep the classroom before the teachers appear.

I’m keen to explore more, so the next day head to Chi Phat village, and a community-based project started by conservation charity Wildlife Alliance in the Southern Cardamoms Protected Forest. It aims to preserve the rainforest by helping villagers earn a living from ecotourism, instead of illegal logging or hunting endangered animals, and giving tourists a unique green adventure.

 It’s a winding bus journey down to the port town of Andoung Tuek and a two-hour boat ride along Phipot river to the village. There are several guesthouses, but I choose a homestay on the outskirts of town with Chou and her young family, who sit underneath the stilted wooden house, a cow curled at their feet like a pet dog. A far cry from the luxuries of Four Rivers it may be, but it’s clean, comfortable and a great way to see everyday village life.

Chi Phat is all about outdoor adventure: you can trek or cycle into jungle and mountains for days at a time, sleeping in hammocks or rustic campsites, go birdwatching, take boat trips or check out the nearby bat caves and an area dotted with mysterious ancient burial jars. I sign up for a 28km mountain bike tour to O’Malu waterfall.

Crossing grassy plains and traditional farmland, we follow Lucky – a 23-year-old from the village who’s been trained in everything from bike maintenance to wildlife spotting – up steep paths through the tangled jungle, with gibbons calling high overhead. It’s a challenging ride in parts (yep, I end up on my bum in a puddle at one point) but jumping into the cool pool at the base of the waterfall is a great reward.

There’s no one else around as we tuck into lunch, sitting on rocks in the sunshine, surrounded by rainforest, the waterfall roaring. Marvellous though the sights of Angkor Wat and the buzz of Phnom Penh are, I can’t help thinking that it’s Cambodia’s more remote natural attractions that offer the best adventure – and one it would be a shame to miss.

(CambodiaTours)

Adore Cambodia!

Cambodian tourism businesses have launched a colorful, global campaign, Adore Cambodia!, to let gay and lesbian travelers know they are especially welcome in the Kingdom of Wonders.

With the spread of ultra-cheap flights from regional hubs like Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, gay and lesbian tourists have discovered a quiet haven of tolerance, culture and world heritage that is actively reaching out to the economically powerful GLBT niche travel market.

“Siem Reap is remarkable because major players in the hospitality and service industries are comfortable extending a genuine welcome specifically to GLBT visitors,” explains John Goss, director of Utopia-Asia.com which lists more than 70 gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses around Cambodia. “These include Travel and Leisure’s #1 hotel in Cambodia, dozens of gay-run boutique accommodations, trend-setting restaurants, and fashion and design innovators that are part of a hip, emerging contemporary arts movement dubbed Cambodia Cool.”

Siem Reap also boasts Cambodia’s first men-only leisure complex combining an uber-stylish hotel, spa, and gym designed by one of the country’s leading architects. The New York Times even stood up and took notice recently, proclaiming Siem Reap to be a “gay haven” in 2010.

“Mutual respect between people is deeply a part of Khmer culture. Gays and lesbians are included as long as cultural traditions are respected,” explains openly gay business owner, Sopheara. “More and more Cambodians, in all strata of society, are living an open gay life. But you won’t find provocative displays of sexuality here, as you might in some other countries. Cambodia is refreshingly free and easy for gays wanting to blend in with our live-and-let-live lifestyle.”

There’s lots for gay and lesbian travelers to adore in Cambodia. Here are some of the charms to be discovered on your next weekend getaway or extended tropical holiday…

Romantic, gay-run boutique hotels for every budget. Inexpensive foodie thrills, from Khmer fusion fine dining to the handsome grilled banana vendor’s cart. A thriving arts, crafts and fashion scene splashing vivid colors across glossy magazines and runways around the globe. Rainbow travel services and tour guides to show you the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat. Responsible eco-tours to remote ruins and forests while viewing wildlife and interacting with locals in rural, community-building projects. A relaxed, no-hustle selection of gay-run bars, gyms, saunas, and spas to add just the right amount of fun and fitness to the laid-back local lifestyle.

Super cheap flights on budget airlines to connect you to many of Southeast Asia’s heritage cities. And, the tolerant and kind Khmer people who work so hard to make your holiday relaxed and trouble-free.
Discover the beauty of a warm Khmer welcome. You’re sure to Adore Cambodia!

The Adore Cambodia! logo design is based on the Cambodian national flower, the Rumbdul, depicted in the six colors of the internationally recognized “gay rainbow.”

For more information, please visit www.cambodiatours.com

Preah Vihear temple damaged in Thai-cambodia clashes

The 11th Century temple - a UNESCO World Heritage site - has been damaged during continued cross-border clashes of Cambodia with Thai troops.

Part of Preah Vihear temple collapsed after a Thai bombardment, officials said. Thailand has not commented.
The fighting has claimed five lives since Friday and thousands of villagers have been evacuated
There has been increased tension in the region since Cambodia won World Heritage status for the temple in 2008.

An international court ruling in 1962 said that the temple belonged to Cambodia although its main entrance is in Thailand and the surrounding area is claimed by both sides.

"A wing of our Preah Vihear temple has collapsed as a direct result of the Thai artillery bombardment," said the Cambodian military commander, in a statement.

The most recent tension was sparked this month when a Cambodian court sentenced two members of a Thai nationalist movement to up to eight years in prison after finding them guilty of espionage.

The two were among seven Thai politicians and activists charged with illegal entry after crossing into the disputed border area in December. (Source: BCC)

(Cambodia tours)

Chinese lion dances performed at Cambodia to celebrate Spring Festival

Chinese traditional lion and dragon dances were performed at Cambodia's Royal Palace and the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh on Wednesday morning to celebrate the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) starting Feb. 3.

Six groups of lion and dragon dances from Chinese community in Cambodia performed at the Royal Palace in order to bless King Norodom Sihamoni and his subjects with happiness and prosperity in the Lunar New Year, Lao Shi Heng, vice-president of Chinese Association in Cambodia, said.
The groups were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Kong Sam Ol, minister of the Royal Palace.

Then, the groups performed at the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh.

The ambassador Pan Guangxue said that the Lunar New Year is the most important festival in China. In Cambodia, most people also celebrate it.

"It reflected good linkages of people and cultures between Cambodia and China," he said.

Chinese New Year is one of the largest festivals in Cambodia, up to 80 percent of Cambodian people celebrate it every year, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said recently.

According to the figure from the Chinese Association in Cambodia, there have been some 700,000 Chinese-blood descendants living in Cambodia.

Traditionally, Lion Dance is invited by traditional Chinese families to perform as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Spring Festival and to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. (Xinhua)

(Cambodia Tours)

Congratulations Cambodia

A visitor travelled to Cambodia 4 years ago, and now he makes a comeback and admired the development of the country. On the occasion of the trip, he noted some words titled “Congratulations Cambodia” for the complete hospitality.

Suat Tore, the name of the visitor who wrote some words about the innovation and development in Cambodia as well as the development of its tourism services.

He noted that he came to Cambodia last time in 2007 and visited glorious Angkor Wat in Siem Reap city that is also listed by UNESCO. Besides, “I noticed only some hotels in capital Phnom Penh, lack of road and transportation, almost no dining and touristic attractions”.

“Cambodia made big progress in the last 4 years. International hotel chains opened properties in these two cities. Transportation grew with new roads and vehicles. Number of touristic facilities increased and Las Vegas style hotels & resorts already opened. This development in tourism also reflected number of tourist arrivals that reached 1,5 million in 2010 with an increase of almost 100%.”, Suat Tore told.

The tourist also hope that Cambodia will name itself one of the leading tourism destination in the region with its increase of tourism professionals, growing incoming tourism and outgoing tourism with its increased income.

(www.cambodiatours.com)

2010: Visitors to Preah Vihear increase

The thousands years old Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia, a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, increased by 3.6 folds in 2010. To get the result, it is up to good security and better infrastructure in the area, according to cambodia.org.

Preah Vihear temple

The number of tourists increased 80,356 in 2010 and grew up 3.6 folds to the amount of 17,174  people in 2009. Especially, foreign tourists grew up 1,937 from 769 people in 2009.

"It's a huge increase of the tourists to the temple in 2010 due to better security and stability as the border tension with Thailand has been eased, and the good condition roads--easy to travel,"said Kong Vibol, adding "so visitors feel safe and more confidence to visit the temple."

Preah Vihear province has three attractive ancient temples for tourists. They are Preah Vihear temple, Koh Ker temple and Preah Khan Kampong Svay temple.

According to the Cambodia.org, in 2010 the province as a whole received 135,657 tourists, up 119 percent from 61,903 in 2009. Of the figure, foreign tourists were up 32 percent to 11,249 from 8,512 in 2009.

(www.cambodiatours.com)

Chinese art performances in Cambodia to celebrate Chinese New Year

A free concert performed by an art delegation from China's Shanxi University was held here on Sunday evening at the Southeast Asia Television (SEATV) and it was live televised across the country.

It's the first Chinese art performance that live-televised in Cambodia.

The concert, featuring musical and cultural shows by Chinese artists, has also been joined by Cambodian artists, who dressed in Chinese costumes and performed in Chinese traditional dances and songs.

The event was also attended by secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Kao Kimhuon and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guangxue as well as Chinese people living in Cambodia and thousands of Cambodian viewers at the SEATV station.

Yu Guodong, director of the university's foreign affairs office, who led the Chinese art delegation consisted of 24 artists, said that the concert was to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

"Moreover, China wishes to make closer cooperation in cultures with Cambodia and wants Cambodian people to learn more about Chinese traditional arts," he said.

The group arrived in Cambodia on Jan. 25 after their performances in Laos from Jan. 15 to 24.

Preir to Sunday's event, the group had performed twice in Cambodia, on Jan. 26 at Meanchey University in Banteay Meanchey province and on Jan. 29 at Prime Minister Hun Sen's Bodyguard Unit.

President of the Royal Academy of Cambodia Khlot Thyda said " the visiting art delegation was essential to strengthen and expand cultural cooperation between Cambodia and China. Through their art performances, Cambodians would learn more about Chinese richness in culture."

The shows in Cambodia are organized by the China's Confucius Institute.

(khmerization.blogspot.com)

A gift to you!

Vietnam Today Travel give all of travelers a tour to Vietnam - Cambodia on the occasion of Lunar new year- the traditional holiday in Vietnam.   
This program combines the hidden charm of Vietnam and the mystical treasures of Angkor in Cambodia with a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and traditional lifestyle found throughout the Mekong Delta.

(www.cambodiatours.com).

Lost in Ta Prohm temple

Being among the Angkor temple complex, Ta Prohm temple was built in the Bayon style in 1186 AD. The meaning of original name, Rajavihara, was considered as the royal temple. It was dedicated to Buddha in the Khmer King dynasty. To the travelers, Ta Prohm gets its mystique surrounded with the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins.

 Ta Prohm temple

The King built Ta Prohm with the aim of Buddhist monastery and university. As the first temple constructed in the Khmer dynasty, the King wanted to honor his royal blood. The temple’s main image of Ta Prohm represented Prainaparamita which personificated the wisdom, was modelled on the King’s mother. After the fall of the Khmer empire in 15th century, Ta Prohm temple was abandoned and neglected until people found it in the early of 20th century. Today, the Cambodian try to restore and conserve the temple.

Ta Prohm's gate 

Although the temple now has a part in ruins (and being in conservation and restoration), it still remains the original shape covered by large and long tree roots. Time passing with the wind and sunlight but can not destroy the imposing temple. Things may change, but the trees coiling the temple and its walls, the ruins have existed for centuries. Tree trunks throwing their roots cover and coil the wall so large that the Ta Prohm exposes only its doors with the dark inside. From the outside, the combination of trees and ruins evokes the mystique to be curious to people.

  

The galleries in dark along with the columns line

Along the lines of axises of the temple, there are galleries running inner enclosures. People have recognized that the most substantial part of Ta Prohm are galleries which were set to surround the central sanctuary. Majority of the temple walls are made of sandstone being firmly set layer by layer. Few narrative bas-reliefs does not make the temple less fascinating and photographed. The whole structure of Rajavihara combines with the plants and jungle that feature the unique and the secret of temple. However, the stone reliefs of minor female deities  or so called Devatas, meditating monks and temple guardians take travelers to the hidden charm inside; help them understand more structure and knowledge about the history marking favourite style of art of Khmer King.

  

Another gate of Ta Prom temple

Today, Ta Prohm getting the firm hugs from trees is in the best protecting condition. Mosses and creeping plants cover all the walls, the enclosure and the axises as well the delicately carved reliefs. The whole temple seems to be enlightened by the light green.

Some people said that being lost in Ta Prohm like you are in the Angkorian ancient time and forget reality. The far-away-from-city temple is a secret jungle temple with mystery and magic.

To get more support with information and traveling, you can contact to Vietnam Today Travel ltd., company with the assess to www.cambodiatours.com.    

Susan
(www.cambodiatours.com)

The mystique of Cambodia

Have you ever been to the country of temples and pagodas? It’s such an amazing country with the ancient temples which may have existed for thousands of years. Discover the mystical temples from Khmer dynasties in Cambodia is the same with a journey to the past to experience architecture and art as well culture in Angkorian times.

Bayon Temple

Beautiful temples and pagodas can be considered as the real landmarks popping into scenery in most parts of Cambodia. Angkor temples are well known in the world although they are damaged. Angkor was once the capital of Cambodia and centre of the Khmer empire for centuries. 

The time has passed and worn the buildings or temples, then let them in ruins, but not all the temples among Angkor temple. The whole complex of temples include the most impressive Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with Bayon temple or Ta Prohm and other ancient temples. The Khmer King built these architectural master pieces dedicated to Hindu Gods 300 years ago. 

Bas-reliefs in the temple

Angkor Wat which was listed in the UNESCO World heritage site symbolizes Cambodia. Once being deep in abandoning and neglecting for centuries, the temple then found and restored. Plants and mosses have invaded the temple with the ancient shape, visitors must have had much nostalgia when walking from the gopuras to the ruins and sandstones building up the temple. The adapted Khmer architecture, the central temple was decorated by galleries with bas-reliefs boasting the super power of ancient Khmer.

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is in the afternoon, when the sun sets. At that time, the whole temple appears in the spectacular and fantastic beyond the sight surroundings.    

Temple complex in Angkor

Contrast to the tranquil in Angkor temples, Phnom Penh -the capital city of Cambodia has a lot of shopping malls with crowded streets. The stunning French-designed city mixing with the modern architecture of new building in Phnom Penh feature its attraction. Coming to Phnom Penh, you will have chances to visit some interesting destinations like the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, Killing Fields, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. And these attractions do not just bring you the relaxing but the feeling pains, sorrows mixing with peace in the once Pearl of Asia – one of the most beautiful cities.

To help you get more information about this country and arrange the tours, Vietnam Today Travel will support you with all the best services. At first, it’s good for you to assess to www.cambodiatours.com for reference. Moreover, you can experience from the ones who traveled to Cambodia, or at least you will have advice and support from the travel consultants in the company at any time.

For reference, some tours on www.cambodiatours.com may be the best for your choice:
Cambodia Discovery
Biking Angkor
Secret of Angkor
Inclusive Indochina Discovery   

(www.cambodiatours.com)

Angkor National Museum

To the other museums in the world, maybe you walk quickly to look through all the artifacts. However, go to Angkor National Museum in Cambodia, you need much time to walk through slowly and admire every gallery as the world of history, culture and religion.

    

 A Buddha statue in the Angkor National Museum

Famous for the Angkor Temple complex, the Cambodian today try their best to conserve and restore a lot of artifacts from the temples in the Angkor National Museum. The museum, a profound landmark, is located in Siem Reap with the area of 20 000 quare meters, including the museum that reveals the time of Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom and the museum mall that assists visitors with services.

The head of a statue in Angkor National museum

Visting the museum, you will have a good understanding of ancient Khmer civilization. The society in the Khmer time has been revealed, you will know the Angkorian kings who showed his own style in art architecture. Admire the artifacts, you will appreciate a fascinating millenarian culture. Besides, the worshipping of Vishnu in the Khmer Kingdom has proved the religiosity of the king, the Hinduism, dedicated to the god Vishnu and then the Buddhism.

In the museum, the whole collection of artifacts are divided into 8 galleries in perceptive orders of evolution. Coming to the hall, you reach to the Thousand Buddhas gallery which can be considered as the inspriration on the Preah Poan hall of Angkor Wat. Standing here is statues of Buddha. Majority of the statues were in Theravada school of Buddhism, the one of Cambodia and South East Asia. Those images of statues have exited different centuries in two thousands years. Reaching to next room located after corridor, is wide enough for meetings and other celebrations. The coming room offers you the history of Khmer empire. 

Among the collections in the museum, one is column collection which depicts many kings in different cenruries. On the columns, there are elaborate carvings which showed the peace of the country at that time. When the country was peaceful and wealthy, the kings had more time to make the carvings elaborate.

Moreover, the more impressive is the room in which artifacts depict the Bayon temple with the four-face towers attributed to King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century.

You take relaxing time in the museum and then you enjoy all the artifacts retelling the stories in the past. 
            
(http://www.cambodiatours.com/)

Cambodia – Golden land

Yellow is key colour of Cambodia with golden pagodas, palaces, mausoleums, old citadel as well Tonle Sap. The river leading to Tonle Sap, part of waterway to Siem Reap is driedly in this color.

Besides, the temple complex of Angkor architecture is known as “gold mine” of the local in the country of pagoda and temple.

Angkor Wat temple

Tonle Sap river is still dried up at the end of December. Lots of floating villages along a bank of the river symbolize the better life of local people. The other bank is full of palmyras vertically grown beside the ancient golden pagoda. The trees have been the witness of history in the country.

The Tonle Sap lake leads you to Angkor in the length of 300km with imposing river. After traveling to Angkor, you will experience the mysterious and fantastic attractions of the temples. If you go to Angkor by road or by air, you won’t be able to enjoy complete magnificence here.

The country of Pagoda and temple features the images of buddha

Siem Reap habour makes people disappointed because of sleazy sights, very muddy and dirty water near the banks. After you are at Phnompenh port to catch highway cruiser to Angkor, you can go to Siem Reap centre by taxi with a cheap price of 2 dolars  for a 10km road and 5 people with much luggage. The cheap price offer is to attract you using his service for the next 2 days of 50USD.

On the way to the centre of Siem Reap, the road is full of dust and hidden holes. Though it is quite a short distance. Proper road is awating ahead to lead you to the centre of city.

Ta Phrom temple

Siem Reap is impressed with the ancientness of temples, pagodas and statues of Apsara. The prices of food, a can of soft drink, a box of cigarette are more expensive in this city than in Pnompenh 1 dollar in average.
The temple of Angkor is truly the wonder of nature, created by the incredible local.

Beholding Angkor sunrise is ever a great experience. The 5 towers rising up with the gliding shines in the morning features a magic scene.

In the temple complex of Angkor, Bayzon temple in Angkor Thom which had been built in Jayavarman II from 1190 to 1210 was a large palace. Traveling here, you have a chance to experience more the spectacular of the country of temples and pagodas.     

Angkor will be always the craddle of the human with the sightseeings that has existed for centuries. 

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Kep, Cambodia by the sea

Famous for the beach, Kep, a city in Cambodia was constructed in 1908 in the French colonial time. Till day, some hotels and resorts adapted French architecture still exist. Practically, Kep attracts people with its breathtaking beach, the beach city, Samot Reansey pagoda and others. 

Kep in the sunset

Kep was considered as a playground for the budget or the elites among the Cambodian and the French for a long time. Sitting atop the hill is the King’s crumbling mansions which make a witness for the splendid time of Kep.

These days, Kep beach is the most favourable one to the travelers. In stead of the far gone old buildings, brand-new bungalows, resorts, hotels have been built incredibly increasing. The beachside promenate 5km – 6km long around the sea snakes around the bottom of the mountain. Besides, the narrow strip of sand lies between the waving sea on the skyline and a good range of guesthouse, hotels and other beautiful bungalows. Sometimes, a group of travelers with colorful costumes speaking and laughing break the quietness on the original beach.

 Kep beach with the nature

Today, Kep remains best known for its fresh crab, and on weekends lots of locals come to eat all the crab they can get their hands on. For Phnom Penh based expats Kep becomes an ideal weekend getaway. Kep's popularity is a little strange though, as the beach here remains a barely-there strip of sand. Suitable for a float in a car-tyre or a potter around in a sailboat, this is beachside for eating and rarely tanning. 

On the other hands, the beach has a delightful resort atmosphere. Staying at one of the hotel and you can use bicycles for leisurely exploration around town. The bungalows are also crowded and set in nice grounds with views over the jungle. In the morning, your breakfast is already and everything else of a new day begins from the beach.

 Monks on the road in Kep

The islands off Kep are well visiting like Rabbit Island. It is easily visited by boat from Kep on a day trip or rudimentary accommodation is available should you want to overnight there. On the island, there are strips of white sand, lines of coconut trees, blue and pure sea water. No coral under the water but lots of fishes waits for the travelers to swim or dive with. Far from Rabbit island, you can see offshore is Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island.   

Samot Reangsey pagoda, a tourist site where is 2km far from the city is worth visiting. The pagoda’s feature design attracts people coming Kep.

Kampot is 25km far from Kep whose proper road makes the moving easier. It’s a quiet town on a river and the base for day trips up to Bokor Mountain. There's also many sightseeing and river activities around Kampot. It's a half hour drive to the West from Kep, and also on the way to SihanoukVille. The town is on a river, which flows both ways, depending on the tides. There are many small guesthouses in town and several riverside bungalows

Bokor Mountain was a popular destination because of the rough ride up the dirt track to the top, the views of Southern Cambodia and Vietnam, and the cool temperatures; not to mention the abandoned casino and summer palace of the former King. 

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Battambang: Countryside in Cambodia

Battambang is the biggest rice bowl of Cambodia. The provincial capital, Battambang, still keeps its spectacular rural scenery and rarely affected by the bustling lines of tourists. Majority of buildings still followed French colonial design and others were built in Cambodian traditional design. Rarely over-3rd-floor buildings have been built in this province. Besides, you will always see horse carts running parralel to car on the same street. 

 Monks on the way to fields

Unlike other tourism towns, Battambang’s economy depends on cultivating rice, growing vegetable, exploiting wood and Sapphire.

This province has a range of tourist sites including Angkor-period temples, mountain viewpoints, wetlands and typical day-to-day rural scenery. Despite the wealth of attractions, Battambang makes it onto the itinerary of relatively few travellers, making it an off-the-beaten-track destination. Some places like Ba Set Temple, Wat Ek Temple, Ba Nan Temple, Prasat Snung can drive tourists making more plans of traveling in Battambang. 
Ba Set Temple was built during the reign of King, Soriyak Varman I (1002–1050) and located on a hill at Ba Set village, Ta Pun commune in 15-kilometre distance from the provincial town. Ba Set temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond having 20-metre length 12-metre width and 10-metre depth. The pond is never dried, though in the dry season. In rainy season, the water level is higher than usual.

The bamboo train in Battambang

Wat Ek Temple adapted the architecture of 11th century and built in 1027 during the reign of King, Sorayak Varman I (1002–1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune in 14-kilometre from the provincial town.

Ba Nan Temple adapted the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by King, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050–1066) and finally by the king, Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). The temple is located on a 400-metre top of mountain at Koh Tey 2 commune. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural well, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.

Prasat Snung characterizes as three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill in Snung pagoda’s area, Snung commune, Ba Nan District. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12th century. Behind the temple, there is another new constructing temple.

Norris which the local call a kind of train is the name of bamboo train. Almost traveler comes to Battambang and try to visit the rural scenery by Norris which made of bamboo piece (2.5mx4m) fixed with motor engine and 4 wheels of train. The Norris runs on the rail of Cambodia train, from Battambang to Phnom Penh. In case, Norris faces with the train, tourists and the driver of Norris will have to pick it off the rail. The speed of bamboo train can reach to 25km/hour. Sitting on bamboo train and eating some snacks and watching landscapes around are so wonderful for you.   

Battambang province borders Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey to the north, Pailin Special Zone and Thailand to the west, Pursat to the south and east and the Tonle Sap to the east. The provincial capital is linked to Phnom Penh by an excellent all weather road and to Siem Reap by a slightly more patchy affair. You can also travel by boat from Battambang to Siem Reap — a stunningly beautiful (if occasionally very slow) way to cross the broad Tonle Sap lake.

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Siem Reap: way to Angkor temple complex

Along the bank of Tonlé Sap lake, in the Northwest Cambodia, Siem Reap province is best known for being home to the incredible Angkor ruins. As a recognition, the Angkor complex of ancient temples with the magnificent Angkor Wat were listed the World Heritage.

The Angkor temple in Siem Reap

From the bustling city to stunning country

The principal capital which has the same name with province is the city of green color from trees. Along the road, two lines of over 300-year-old trees lead the travelers to the city and then to the Angkor complex of ancient temples. Traveling to Siem Reap, you stride from Angkor Thom to Angkor Wat, and then visit Ta Prom or Ba Kheng hill. Today, the complex is surely is realized as one of the globe’s most amazing historical sites and the province is also home to array of other ruins, such as Beng Mealea and Bantaey Srei.

Siem Reap biking tour

The whole Siem Reap stretches out a flat land which is covered in bright gold rice fields and green brushes. To the spectacular rural scenery, it is pity if the travelers do not explore fully.    

The principal capital is now a tourist town where you see a lot of local people and travelers on the streets. In the city, you can have some great deals on souvernirs and clothes in the old market. Luckily, you sometimes also get some interesting and real beautiful souvernirs. 

To help the travelers have transportation facilities, the international airport has been built in the city. Nowadays, the airport takes in more and more tourists who take part in the development of the tourism in the local. As a transportation hub, many people come through the city to Phnom Penh, Poitpet or another way is by boat to Battambang. Some travelers back from this place once said that “Siem Reap has exploded from a relatively small backwater town to the fastest growing settlement in the nation.”

Angkor temples in Siem Reap

Practically, almost houses in the city have terraced tiled roof, many apartments, Apsara bas-reliefs and old Khmer traditional statues. Not only being in Angkor or taking a walk on Siem Reap street but you can see Naga seven-snake-head statues in the bridge, sluiceway, walls around the park and park in the city. Those have created the traditional and cultural features in the country of pagoda and temple.            

Although being fastest development in Cambodia, Siem Reap still keeps its rural landscape with outstanding natural beauty of stunning rice paddies and ancient trees around it. The attractions,  nature and people in this place are harmonious to become a complex site. Besides, the province is situated along with the blue rivers under the range of interminable mountains and lines of thousands–year–old trees.

To the Angkor Archaeological temple park, it takes you a short time traveling 3km from the principal capital. The quietness of the Angkor temples make you forget the busy and bustling in city to experience what is called the ancient of the cradle of humankind.
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Shopping malls in Phnompenh

There are a lot of trade centers, shopping centers in such a big city like Phnom penh. Almost goods sold here are classified from international branding products to local ones. You can find the fashion brands like Pierre Cardin, Gucci… However, tourists purchase the most are electronic items with 30% – 50% the lower price than Vietnam’s products, including mobile phone, music player, camera.

Paper centipedes on sale on street in Pnompenh

To attract tourists, several shops make discount. Some said that Cambodia is a “Paradise for the housewife” from vegetations… to aromatic alcohol, fitting well even with the most price-sensible shoppers.

When you go to shopping, you are advised to bargain because the local people always ask for higher price. Half of the given price would be fine.

 Phsar Thmei market

There are following featured shopping centres:

Sorya trade centre
It is one of the most luxurious and largest centres in Phnom Penh.There, you can easily buy clothes, shoes, waistband,… all of them are branding products. The centre can be compared to the ones in Hong Kong or Singapore. However, go shopping in such luxurious trade centre in Cambodia, you also have to bargain a half of the price until the seller accepts the lower price.

Bamboo market
Bamboo market is known as the symbol of Phnom Penh capital and also the most crowded market. The market is famous for dried lotus seed, green bean, dried red bean and many kinds of vegetations. Especially, the electronic devices like mobile phone and music player are also displayed in bamboo market. They are thought to be prestige and cheap.  

 Street vendors sell sweet potatoes and tamarinds

Other products such as sourvernirs including postcard, T-shirt printed in the symbol of Cambodia and Krama traditional scaft of Cambodian girl are popular in this market.

New market
New market is famous for silk embroidery designed pattern of Cambodia. You will be surprised at the exquisite embroidery. Besides, some kinds of precious stones like Ruby, Saphia… are also sold in the New market. Before having intention to buy those items,you should have knowledge about this matter to check the quality. Do not forget to bargain before paying money.

Dried shrimps

On the other hand, tea is also a Cambodian speciality. Tens kinds of tea are sold here to attract tourists with their flavours.  
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Phnom Penh

The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, once considered Pearl of Asia - one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, now is more developing sizeable, largely. The stunning French-designed city mixing with the modern architecture of new building in Phnom Penh feature its attraction. Moreover, the Golden Pagoda, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace,… have a lot more to offer travellers than a quick, depressing swing through Toul Sleng Genocide museum and a run out to the Killing Fields.

Phnom Penh was establised at the crossroads of the Tonle Sap Lake, the Bassac river and Mekong river. The system of rivers has featured the breathtaking city, so it was pretty nice to relax as well see Phnom Penh from the water. The best way to soak up the beauty of the river is to take an evening boat cruise on the river, watch the sunset, eat some disks from the food stall outside. The price for each boat cruise is really cheap (you can pay 22 USD for 1.5 hours). What a pretty nice to relax and see Phnom Penh from the water!

As being gifted by nature, the weather in Phnom Penh is favourable, nearly similar to the one of the southern Vietnam with hot climate year round, a raining season and a dry season.     

The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda have witnessed periods of history and stored historic remnants in the city. You are a nostalgic man about the old days, you will be interested in those places. The palace was built over a century ago. According to the local, it serves as the residence of the Cambodian King and his family, foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual and as a symbol of the Kingdom. From the outsite, the wall sculpted and the golden spired Chanchhaya pavilion stand against the riverfront of Mekong river.

Inside the Royal Palace, streets sound silent, various Royal buildings sit like islands up growing from the tranquil and from the trimmed tropical garden. Except for the area of royal residence, the Khemarin Palace, most of the Palace grounds and Silver Pagoda are opened to the public. Admission fee is about $3/person.

The Silver Pagoda is next to the Royal Palace and separated from each other by a wall. The proper name of the pagoda is Wat Preah Keo Morokat, meaning “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha” which was changed into the Silver Pagoda after the solid silver tiled floor that adorns the temple building. The Silver Pagoda is a compound of buildings like several structures and gardens, the primary building being the temple Wat Preah Keo Morokat and other structures including a library, various stupas, shrines, monuments, minor buildings and the galleries of the Reamker.

The Pagoda is considered as a sanctuary and popular to almost people know Cambodia, because the King came here and saw monks to listen their sermons. Ceremonies are also performed here and historical objects including the Emerald Buddha. Visiting the pagoda, you can enjoy quiet time in the pagoda compound including Wat Preah Keo Morokat – the Temple of Emerald Buddha, Ramayana Frescoes – the interior of the pagoda compound walls, Dhammasala – open hall for Buddhists, Keong Preah Bath – Shrine containing Buddha footprints, the library, Phnom Mondop – artificial hill, statue of HM King Norodom – equestrian statue of the King Norodom, Stupa of HM King Ang Doung…  

Get out of the Silver Pagoda and its compound, you do not forget to reach to the Killing Fields, Cheung Ek. Unlike the visiting to other places in Phnom Penh, you will experience the hard-to-say feeling about the place of mass graves and seeing the devastation. You can learn a lot and be interested in history and where societies come from.

Another experience in Toul Sleng, where there is torture prison makes travelers affecting. Nearby is the Russian Market, a mazelike complex and the best place in town to buy fairly-priced souvenirs and handicrafts.
Traveling Phnom Penh, if you are not much impressed by food, do not be surprised. However, street food like fried bananas are simple enough to always be fresh and reliably good. In the morning, there are plenty of these stands near the Independence Monument, as well as noodle stands frying up Khmer-style noodles, vegetables, meat and a fried egg. Be a true Cambodian when you have breakfast.

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Angkor – The Wonder of Mythology

Traveling to Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat is always at the first choice of tourists. The listed world wonder symbolizes Cambodia and also attracts foreigners with its ancient architecture and mystery. Up to the top, the towers in the temple complex are gradually smaller. Angkor represented the image of the Indian “Meru universe”. 

Angkor temples in Cambodia

The central temple was decorated by many galleries with bas-reliefs on the ceiling, corridor,… which show skillful hands and the super power of ancient Khmer.

Way to Angkor Wat from Siem Reap makes you surprised at two sides of ancient trees which are big enough for the hugs of 6 to 7 people. Architects and skillful workers lived in the 9th century built up an imposing temple complex concluding 600 buildings scattered in a 45- square - kilometre jungle. Angkor temple is among of them. Unless you go to the complex and witness the temple, you will experience the spectacular and truly attractive sites. To the tourists, Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Bayon temple and Taprom are the most breathtaking and attractive among the ancient buildings.

The Bas-relief in Angkor temple

Bayon temple was built up by 50 stone tower tops. The entire temple is a terraced complex of construction with 16 medium towers connecting with many small towers; in the centre sits a golden round tower. At the top of each tower, the whole four sides were carved four smiling face statues. The Bayon’s bas-reliefs which depicted Buddhism god are chronicles told about the Cambodian life in Angkor times.

Taprom temple was known as a queen tomb. The terrain landscaped by ancient trees grown around was shaped bizarrely. Besides, there is also a mysterious corridor; Enter and clap your hand, you will hear echoing sound from the walls. 

Being oriented to the west, the best time to visit Angkor Wat is in the afternoon when the sun sets. At that time, the temple which can provoke motion of visitors is at its most spectacular and fantastic. In the Angkor, you can see a quite open space, a lotus with its fragrance in large and deep moat around the temple. All give you a relief at a moment.  

The entire Angkor includes towers, temples, bas-reliefs and a wide corridor made of stones stacking together naturally, even on the arch top. All the decorated stone patterns like Buddha statues, dancers, warriors and lotus represented Ramayana and Mahabharata epics very lively. Besides, 1700 Apsara girls who were in the dancing performance were quite different from each other, with good shape, behaviors in their face, postures and their actions.

Spending whole day sitting in the corridor of Angkor Wat, being sunk in mind at Bayon temple to see dragon – flies flying or elephants wandering around the old citadel, must be the most interesting moment for you.     

On the other hands, you can talk with the monks here. To the ones who want to enjoy specialities, should find oneselves a seat in front of Angkor Wat entrance to taste the best disks of the Khmer like roast chicken and seafood from Tonle Sap lake.

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Cambodia Discovery

Located in South east Asia, once known as the Eastern Pearl, Cambodia is a developing country. Today, this country is booming tourism field in the region. 

Statistically, tourism has developed the most and brings effection to the country of pagoda and temple. Travel to Cambodia, you will admire mysterious beauty, delicate carves in Angkor Wat and untouched beach in Sihanoukville city. All make this country harmoniously refined and spectacular beauty of the local people.

Besides, Cambodia is a land of temples and ancient pagodas built in the solemn, imposing architecture, which can be compared to the World Wonders of Egyptian pyramids or Chinese Great Wall.   

Phnompenh always invites tourists to visit the Royal Palace, Silva Pagoda, the famous Angkor temples located outsite Seam Reap city, in which magnificent Angkor Wat is outstanding.

Angkor temples

Traveling in the cruise on Mekong river crossing Pnompenh, you are able to view the sunset, an immense river, watch famous and attractive Apsara dance.

All have created special attraction to any tourists who once travel to a land of rich traditions and customs- Cambodia Kingdom – one of the newest discovery and the most beautiful places of interest in the world.

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Thousands years Preah Vihear temple

Situated in a 525m- high cliff atop in Dangrek mountain, the Preah Vihear temple is in the province of northern Cambodia and borders with Thai Lan. The thousands - year- old temple is dedicated Shiva of Hiduism, Sikharesvara, Bhadresvara mountain gods. In 2008, Preah Vihear was listed the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Preah Vihear Temple (Source: Internet)

Preah Vihear temple has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-century-long Khmer empire. As a key edifice of the empire's spiritual life, it was supported and modified by successive kings and so bears elements of several architectural styles. Being built in the 9th century, the oldest parts of Preah Vihear have remained since the Koh Ker time dated back the early 10th century when the capital of Khmer dynasty was near Angkor.

The temple was designed in Banteay Srei style by the end of the 10th century. Since then, majority of the temple structure adapted the architecture of Suryayarman I and Suryayarman II dynasties on the first half of 11st and 12th century. Especially, relics found in the temple have depicted the rituals, religious festivals and some presents for the King (like elephant, golden bow…) in the Suryavarman II time.

The Preah Vihear from the outside

The temple is unusual among Khmer temples in being constructed a long north-south axis, rather than having the conventional rectangular plan toward the east, and was obviously built to serve the region to the north.
Among other temples, Preah Vihear is a unique architectural complex of series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800-metre-long axis. Moreover, it is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.

The structure of Preah Vihear is different from other temples in Angkor, it is dedicated to the god on Meru peak. On the way to the temple you will see 5 big columns numbered from the outside. You have to make some steps to reach each column, which is at different elevation but you cannot view the panorama until you come to the main gate.                  

The fifth column was built in the Koh Ker design and still remained red paint marks. The fourth column is behind the fifth, built from the Khleang/ Baphuon dynasty and considered as “the masterpiece of Preah Vihear”. The third biggest column is in the middle of 2 large rooms. If you want to come to the temple, you have to go through 2 connecting yards.

The Preah Vihear is an attracting site concerned by both Cambodia and Thailand. In the end 1998, Thailand opened one way for the tourists visiting. The temple is called Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand language. Till now, Cambodia also completed its way to the temple in 2003.

The other way leading to the temple is the Prasat Khao Phra Wihan national park, Thailand where you can visit Preah Vihear without visa.         

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