The Asia Series - Part Six - Cambodia

The Asia Series – Cambodia

The Visual Experience

During a tour of Southeast Asia, Cambodia was a natural stop between Vietnam and Thailand. Looking back, it is one of my favourite Asia countries second only to Nepal. The people, the culture, the immense history that envelops its lands, - there is something for everyone. If you an avid historian, a scenic admirer or a nightlife crawler, - Cambodia literally has something for everyone’s taste. We started our journey from a night train into Siem Reap and then hustled through to Phnom Penh. Here are my top places to visit in both!

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

One of the UNESCO listed wonders of the world, Angkor Wat is a marvel to behold. It is the  religious monument in the world, spanning a massive 400 plus acres. The fascinating history of the Khmer Empire surrounds you throughout this vast and well preserved ruins. It deserves a full day to experience the enormity of the place and is well known for its sunset/sunrise tours. It is easily accessible from Siem Reap, (just 5km) and if you don’t pull a pose from a Lara Croft movie, - did you even go?

From here travel on to the majestic Bayon temples and take in the views from the Terrace of the Elephant, - but do take head of the “do not climb” signs.

Kompong Phluk Floating Village Tour  

The Mekong river draws tourist from all over the world. The chance to experience just a glimpse into local culture is evident here. From Siem Reap, you must tour the famous Kompong Phluk floating villages by riverboat. A lovely way to spend an evening in the area just soaking up the local ambiance.

Kulen Mountain Waterfalls

The birthplace of the Khmer empire, Kulen is a majestic place included in many day tours from Siem Reap. The main attraction is the waterfalls at the top of Kulen Mountain and it’s also a great picnic spot; well set up in Cambodian style with hammocks and shelters to keep you shaded from the

Eat Red Ants. – any publican will tempt you… it’s a personal choice.

·         The Old Market.

The Siem Reap Old Market on the west side of Siem Reap River is where the local population head to in the early mornings to shop for a wide array of fresh vegetables, seafood, and meat as well as household items. Locally known as Psar Chas, it’s the oldest Khmer market in Siem Reap and a must-visit for those looking to experience the local lifestyle.

Other Sights:

·         Cambodia Landmine Museum

·         Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

First stop while visiting Phnom Penh would have to be the Royal Place. A beautiful series of structures (don’t forget to cover your shoulders – always have a shawl) It contains a series of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. “The Kings of Cambodia have occupied it since it was built in the 1860s, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the  Khmer Rouge. On the south side is the Silver Pagoda, to the north side is the Khemarin Palace and the central compound contains the Throne Hall and to the west is the private sector or the Inner Court. The buildings of the palace were built gradually over time, and some were dismantled and rebuilt as late as the 1960s. Some older buildings date back to the 19th century”.

National Museum of Cambodia. History Museum

The National Museum of Cambodia is home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture: a millennium’s worth and more of masterful Khmer design. It's housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built from 1917 to 1920) with an inviting courtyard garden, just north of the Royal Palace.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields & Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

If you have ever been to Auschwitz, - then be prepared to be even more affected. This visit involves an eerily realistic self guided virtually silent tour of the horrific land that so many deaths occurred. Harrowing is the only way of describing it. The atrocities that were committed by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975-79 are very apparent here.

A Sobering experience of nearly 2.5 million deaths.

Cambodian Living Arts' theatre show

On a brighter note, - to recapture your soul a little bit after that day of historical misery, why not head back into town and catch a show. Phnom Penh has some of the best nightlife I have experienced in Asia and the shows are just a colourful experience of fun!

Other sites-

Wat Phnom

Shooting Range - (again, personal preference)

Mind the Tuk Tuks!!

See You next Week!!

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