The Majestic temples of Angkor in northwest Cambodia belong to the classic period of Khmer art and civilization. Today, a millennium after they were built, they awe visits with their perfection and enmity. The temples are the creation of a succession of dominated most of Khmer Kings who presided over an empire that dominated most of present-day Southeast Asia from 800 to 1430, reaching itspeak in the 12th century. The period began with the ascension to the throne by King Jayavarman II.
Phnom Penh
National Museum
Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum was recently rested to its former glory as one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. On display there are more than 5,000 artifacts and objects of 'art from the 6th to the 13th centuries. They include sandstone sculptures, royal barges, palanquins and silk, intricately woven with silver and gold threads. There are also rare religious objects in gold, silver and bronze.
Others Place
Tonle Bati ( Mini Angkor )
Tonle Bati is the home to two twelfth century temples Taprohm and Prasat Yeay Pov built close to Bati Lake. Tonle Bati is a very beautiful lake, it is popular with the locals for its breezy and tranquil atmosphere. It is 42km south of Phnom Penh, takes about 1 hour by car. We will have lunch at Tonle Bati before continuing our tour to Phnom Chiso.
Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and it is inspired by 12th century Hinduism. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took several decades to build. Intricate base relief surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a sty. The way the light glows on the ancient stones makes sunrise and sunset the best time to wander through Angkor Wat's 2 square kilometers, climb its tower. |
 Angkor ThomThe ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, literally "Great City, "built in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, contains the famous Bayon temple with its me than 200 enormous mysterious smiling faces. It also contains the 300 meter-long Elephant terrace with its large sculptured royal elephants and Garudas, the mythical guard half-man, half-bird. Also within the walled area is the terrace of the Leper King. A sandstone replica of the Leper King is here |
This is the fabled pink temple of women, so called because it is made of pink sandstone & considered a tribute to the beauty of women. Its small size, delicate carving and remarkable state of preservation make Banteay Srei one of travelers' favorite temples. Its Apsara and male and female divinities represent the most skilled craftsman ship of sandstone carvings. It was dedicated in 987, making it one of the oldest temples in the region, though it was not rediscovered until the 1900s. |
Prasat Neak Pean (Intertwined Naga) was built by Jayavarman VII, consists of a square pool with four smaller square pools arranged on each axis. In the center of the large central pool is a circular "island" encircled by the two Naga who intertwined tails give the temple its name. Water once flowed from the central pool into the four peripheral pools via ornamental spouts, which can still be seen in the pavilions at each axis of the pool. |
At just about 42 km nth of Siem Reap Town, many visits combine a visit to Phnom Kulen with a trip to the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. On either side of the mountain, tall waterfalls crash down the mountain; clean, clear and cool water provide a wonderful place of tourists. Carvings of Brahmin Yonis and lingas can be seen etched into the riverbed. A mountain peak temple houses a huge reclining Buddha, gazing serenely out from his peaceful mountain home. |
Boeung Mealea is the most accessible of Angkor's lost temples, a mirror image of the mighty Angkor Wat, but totally and utterly consumed by the jungle. Constructed by Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-1150), the builder of Angkor Wat, nature has triumphed here, and it's hard to get a sense of the monument's shape a mid the daunting ruins. Boeung Mealea lies about 70Km from Siem Reap at the foot of Phnom Kulen's eastern extreme. It takes 2-3 hours to get there via either Banteay Srei of Dam Dek on National Highway 6. |
The original "River of a Thousand Lingas", Kbal Spean is and intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills the Cambodian jungle. Lingas are phallic representations sacred to Hinduism as symbols of fertility, and hundreds of them are carved into the rock here, as are several carvings of Gods and animals above the small waterfall. The area was only rediscovered in 1969 when French researcher Jean Boulbet was shown the carvings by a local hermit. Kbal Spean lies 50Km northeast of Siem Reap 18Km from Banteay Srei on a dirt road. It takes from 1-2 hours to get there from Siem Reap. |
Dominating the flat landscape, this 10th Century mountain temple is the most popular spot in the area to watch a classic sunset over Angkor Wat and the surrounding fest. |
A complete visit of Arts and school will take you through the various training and production workshops of the Chantiers-Ecoles. Discover the traditional techniques used for wood sculpting, stone carving, lacquer work, polychromy and stone patina work, with the explanations of our experienced guides. |
Phnom Penh
National Museum
Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum was recently rested to its former glory as one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. On display there are more than 5,000 artifacts and objects of 'art from the 6th to the 13th centuries. They include sandstone sculptures, royal barges, palanquins and silk, intricately woven with silver and gold threads. There are also rare religious objects in gold, silver and bronze.
The Independence Monument commemorates the 1953 end of French rule over Cambodia. Designed by a Cambodian architect, the Naga (a mythical bird symbolizing strength and benevolence) motif of the monument is a symbol f the country's htmlirations. The Naga also adorns most important buildings in the country, including the Olympic Stadium and the Chatomuk Hall, which marks the convergence of four main river: the upper and lower Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac. |
Legend has it that after a major flood a wealthy Khmer widower named Daun Penh found a large tree on the bank of the Tonle Sap with four ancient statues of Buddha hidden inside. In 1434 she decided to erect a large hill and build a temple to house sacred relics. Today, Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many forms of religious activities. |
Built in 1866 by His Majesty Preah Bat Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home to his Majesty Preah Bat Nodom Shihanouk and Her majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom. Most of the buildings inside the palace are closed to the public, except for special occasions. Also within the palace walls is the Silver Pagoda, which draws its name from the 5,000 silver tiles that pave its floor. Inside the pagoda there are hundreds of the gifts to Cambodian king, including a solid-gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds weighing 90 kilograms. For those who love shopping, there are several markets that offer handicraft, silk, silver ware, wood carving, precious stones from the country's famous mines, as well as antique furniture and paintings by local artists. |
Others Place
Tonle Bati ( Mini Angkor )
Tonle Bati is the home to two twelfth century temples Taprohm and Prasat Yeay Pov built close to Bati Lake. Tonle Bati is a very beautiful lake, it is popular with the locals for its breezy and tranquil atmosphere. It is 42km south of Phnom Penh, takes about 1 hour by car. We will have lunch at Tonle Bati before continuing our tour to Phnom Chiso.
Located at Sla Village, Rovieng Commune, Samroung District about 62 km from Phnom Penh. The mountain is accessible by National Road No 2. From Takeo provincial town, it is about 17 km. Chiso Mountain has an ancient temple ruins from where is a splendid view of the beautiful rice fields scenery of Takeo province. |
Kampong Thom is a small town located 162 Km, noth of Phnom Penh Capital along National Road No 6 to Siem Reap-Angkor. Kampong Thom is one of the five Province surrounding Tonle Sap Lake. It is the base of important archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient capital of Chenla, is located close to Stoeung Sen River, 35Km northeast of Kampong Thom town. More than one hundred temples were built in 7th century. |
Banlung is the provincial capital of Rattanakiri province, situated 636 Km northeast of Phnom Penh, and the best base from which to explore the natural attractions to the area. There are many picturesque sites to see in this province, which is remote, primitive and beautiful. Yak Lom Lake is 3 Km from Banlung. This is small but scenic crater lake of an extinct volcano with fest growing down to the lake she. The lake offers opportunities for picnicking, hiking and swimming. You can also ask around town about arranging an elephant ride in one of the surrounding villages. There are numerous waterfalls in province. The three most commonly visited are Cha Ong, Ka Tieng and Kinchan. |
The fresh water Irrawaddy dolphin is an endangered species in Cambodia and some experts believe there may be as few as 60 left stretches of the Mekong River north of Kratie. It is possible to see them about 15km north of the town on the road to Stung Treng, particularly during the dry season when water levels drop significantly - early in the morning and late afternoon seem to be the best times. |
Mondulkiri is located in Cambodia's eastern border with Vietnam. It is 543 km northeast of another Cambodia, with scenery and a climate quite unlike anywhere else in the country. In dry season the weather is 23-29 oC with sunshine; in summer the weather maximum between 27-31oC. There are endless grassy hills and every here and there clumps of pines huddled together against the winds. At an average elevation of 800m, it can get quite chilly at night. Mondulkiri consists of numerous tourist attractions such as waterfalls, indigenous culture, national parks and elephant trekking. |
It is a village in southwest of Senmonorom town about 7 km from the town. This village is attracted by a number type of indigenous people's house (hut), living style and culture. It is the place to arrange an elephant trek. |
 Koh KongKoh Kong is located in the southwest Cambodia, 277 km from Phnom Penh. 70 percent of Koh Kong province consists of mountains, and 20 percent of this is a coast line with 273 km length and 20 islands. There are many attractions is Koh Kong, white sand beach, islands, rain forest, waterfalls, mangrove habitat, and fishing. |
Oudong served as the country's capital under several monarchs from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Royal ruins stand upon a hillock offering panoramic views of the countryside. It is situated about 40km north of Phnom Penh. |
The important temple complex of Preah Vihear, built on a crest of Dang Rek Mountains at an altitude of 730m, dated from the reign of Suryavarman II (ruled 1002-49). This is probably the most dramatic location of any temple in Cambodia. The main drawback is that it is almost inaccessible from Cambodia unless you have the funds to charter a helicopter or willing to spend a few tough days getting there. |
