Unspoilt and still relatively unexplored beyond its capital Phnom
Penh and the world-famous Khmer temples of Angkor, Cambodia is shaking off
memories of its recent strife-torn past – replacing them with images of a rich
cultural heritage, smiling people, awesome temples, great rivers, lush forests
and tropical beaches. You can still find the ‘Asia of old’ in charming
Cambodia. Come to Cambodia soon –
before the rest of the world arrives!
WHAT TO SEE
Phnom
Penh
Don’t
miss the resplendent 19th
century
Royal Palace, which has a stunning and famous Silver Pagoda. The Palace contains
the Khmer-style Throne Hall, the Royal Treasury and the Villa of Napoleon III,
originally built in Egypt for
the opening of the Suez Canal. The famous
Silver Pagoda has a floor inlaid with 5,329 solid silver tiles. The French-built Khmer-style National Museum of Arts has a fascinating and
extensive collection of Khmer artifacts. Tuol Sleng
Museum of Genocide: The
interrogation centre of the Pol Pot regime is now a chilling museum. Just
outside the city is the Cheoung Ek Memorial, now a pleasant orchard setting, but
which commemorates the horrors of Cambodia’s infamous Killing
Fields.
Oudong
A short distance from the capital and located on a hill overlooking
vast plains, Oudong is famous for its burial chedis of the Khmer kings. Little is
left of this one-time royal capital - but the first glimpse of the ruins on the
hill is unforgettable.
Angkor
Wat
Virtually every visitor comes to Cambodia to see the awesomely spectacular temples
of Angkor, the remains of the once-mighty Khmer
civilisation. Angkor Wat itself, built over 1,000 years ago to honour the Hindu
god Vishnu, is arguably one of the most extraordinary architectural creations
ever built, with its intricate bas-reliefs, strange acoustics and great soaring
towers. Be sure to see the much photographed Ta Prohm, too. It’s easily
recognisable because of the roots of massive trees growing through the building
- now holding the structure together!
Bokor
In the Bokor National
Park, this former French colonial hill station, now
abandoned, contains the eerie remains of a hotel, casino, church, villas and a
royal residence. Enjoy the fabulous view down to both the Cambodian and
Vietnamese coastline from the ramshackle hotel terrace.
Lake
Tonle
Sap
Shallow Tonle Sap, between the capital and Siem Reap, is the largest
of Southeast Asia''s lakes. A boat trip takes
you to the bustling floating village of Prek
Toal – a chance to glimpse the local lifestyle close
up.
Sihanoukville
Cambodia''s
only beach resort, with sandy beaches and offshore islands makes a reasonable
base for exploring the south coast and nearby Ream National Park.
WHAT TO DO
Excursions
While in Phnom Penh take a short
Sunset Cruise on the mighty Mekong and Tonle Sap River to watch the daily lives of the
people living on and around it. From Siem Reap, near Angkor, you can visit a silk farm to see silk production
from mulberry bush to lustrous fabric.
Shopping
Handicrafts and gemstones are among the best buys in Cambodia, which is also known for its
wood carvings. Cambodia has excellent silverware of
both classical Khmer and Chinese design – you’ll find it in the main markets of
the capital and hotel shops. Take care if buying gemstones, as authenticity and
cutting may require an expert eye! Phnom Penh’s Tuol Tom Pong Market, the Old
Market and the Central Market are the best places for buying jewellery. Textiles
of silk and cotton, woven in traditional designs and tie-dyed, are also popular
– and a traditional item, mostly made from cotton, is a krama, a coloured checked scarf.
Nightlife
Many larger hotels have nightly entertainment. Traditional
Khmer-style Apsara dance performances are held between November and March.
Karaoke bars and a range of taverns, restaurants and night spots are scattered
across Phnom
Penh, with a number along the riverfront. You can find
live music (even jazz), Friday DJs and other musical
happenings.