Tourism Sites of Cambodia

Kompong Speu province tour

sopheaktra — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:34:40 +0000

Kompong Speu

Kompong Speu province stretches from Kandal (suburban Phnom Penh) to the wilds of the Cardamom Mountains. Clockwise from the north it is bordered by Kompong Chhnang, Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, Koh Kong, and Pursat.There is not much to see and what is to see is usually seen as a day trip from Phnom Penh.

Kirrirom National Park

Disclaimer: I have not been here. Kirirom is about 100 kilometers from Phnom Penh and is one place in Cambodia that affords safe hiking opportunities. There is an old hill station here and you can spend the night at the top. The Rough Guide Cambodia gives the most thorough write-up of the park for what you can do and how to get there.

Udong

This on-again, off-again capital from the 17th to the 19th centuries lies about 40 kilometers north of Phnom Penh on an excellent highway. It’s tucked away in a little corner of Kompong Speu practically in Kandal province. It is almost always visited as a day-trip from Phnom Penh (really a half-day trip). Don’t concern yourself with accommodation here.As it’s easily reached it is worth a few hours of your time. There are a number of stupas dotting the hills ranging from about three years old to several hundred years old. Several kings are said to be buried here. Walking along the ridge there are a number of shrines and other structures including one that was used as a munitions depot by the Khmer Rouge and was resound blown up. Both the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet Cambodia guides give more than adequate write-ups of what the different stupas, shrines, and structures are.I haven’t visited since May 2000 but there was still a soldier walking around the place (he was also there when I went in March 1998) who upon spotting any foreigner would insist you need his escort for “safety” (no doubt from the throngs of students yammering, “Hello, how are you, I’m fine, thank you,” at any foreigner they see). You do not need his escort nor are you required to pay him anything.

Preah Vihear province tour

sopheaktra — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:56:24 +0000

Prasat Prea Vihear

In the 6th century, King Sovarmamn I ( 889-900) began work onthe original dedicated to Shisa as result of spiritual development, increased polictical prestige and economic growthwas naturally reflected in the Temple undergoing more than 300 years of consultation with deal of remodeling under subsequent King Suryavarman II ( 1113 – 1150) this increased prestige naturally changed the original small sanctuary into one of the greatest Khmer temples of all times. This ranking was the result of the finest in situ carving that depicted the highest standards of unique Khmer architecture. Under the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and 1907, the line of frontier between Cambodia and Thai along the Dongrak Mountains followed justice at the Hague officially found that the Preah Vihear Temple situated inside the Cambodia territory.

Location

Preah Vihear Temple is located in a pleasant environment with an attractive countryside slightly east of the mid section of the Dongrek Mountains. It is perched on the edge of a giant cliff, about 625 meters above sea level in Preah Vihear Province, Northern part of Cambodia, 625km from the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is also situated close to the Cambodia-Thai border.
The temple has four levels and four courtyards which comprise of five Gopuras ( entrance pavilions some times surmounted by tower ). This group of building was the King’s residence when he came to pay homage to the mighty God , and the two wings were the shelters for the pilgrims. The main temple are used for the high-ranking supreme divinities, this mighty group of building is considered as the center of the whole temple complex.

The front stone stairway : this main passage is on the North side. The stairway is 8 meters wide and 78 meters long,. The fist flight has 162 steps. At the first landing is a large stone singa statue on stone block. Another 54 flight of steps 4 meters wide and 27 meters long leads up to the second landing also decorated with stone signa statue.

The Nagaraj Courtyard : this stone-paved is 7 meters wide by 31.8 meters long. From here the stairway leads up to the first-level Gropura. The Stairheads are in the form of seven-headed snakes called “Ngu Suang ” facing North towards the Prasat. The heads and tails of nagas on both sides look like ordinary snakes, characterizing and early example of this type of animal figures. The head portion of the naga on the west side looks very impressive because it is made from a single solid stone.

The first level Gopura : this is a pavilion in Greek architecture style with cross plan on an elevated, rebates angle base on each of the roof doorway . Stone lions are placed on each of the roofs dooeway.
Accessibility to the Temple

The temple can be reached by crossing the Cambodia-Thai gateway border from the Ubon Ratchantani Province of Thailand. Currently the visits are from 8.00 till 16.00 hours.
The Grandeur of its site

For all the grandeur of its site, perched on the edge of a giant cliff and with a commanding view over northern Cambodia, Preah Vihear is difficult to visualize as a whole. The experience is truly a memorable one – the series of ascents over the best part of a kilometer, the ornate Gopuras and the wealth of decorative detail truly staggers one’s imagination.

TbengMeanchey

Preah Vihear’s dusty little capital, this friendly little village is miles from nowhere but if you’re going to any of the temple sites in the province you’ll probably spend at least one night here. When I stayed here it was at the Phnom Meas Guesthouse and it was quite adequate. It’s brand new so you won’t find it in any of the guidebooks but it’s on the same block as the Moha Sombat and Bakan guesthouses and a building or two away from the Mlop Dong Restaurant – basically a wooden shack with a couple of tables inside, and the food is fine. The road from Kompong Thom is fine as is most of the road up to Preah Vihear temple.

Koh Ker

This is a huge templex complex of possibly hundreds of large and small monuments. Many are still deep in the jungle and/or surrounded by mines. There are so many ancient structures still inaccessible that people aren’t yet entirely sure of all that is buried in the forest. At present, the pyramidal structure that is the centerpiece of this tenth century capital, the pile of rubble that constitutes a temple in front of it, as well as some minor structures scattered around the area are open to visitors.. I visited Koh Ker in January 2003 and the story About once a year or so I get off my rear and set out on a multi-day motorbike trip with the idea of discovering the outer reaches of Cambodia, usually by crashing into those reaches.

and returned again in January 2005. There is a reasonably good road connecting Koh Ker and Siem Reap that can be covered in two to three hours, though given the perceived exotic nature of the site, taxi drivers have been requesting sometimes ridiculous amounts of money to take tourists there. The distance is 125 km and a round-trip by car really shouldn’t cost more than about $60 but prices in excess of $100 are often asked. As the road was built with private funds there is a $10 admission fee for foreigners. Siyong is the nearest village and there is a guesthouse there.

Preah Khan

Not to be confused with the Preah Khan located within the Angkor Archaeological Park and but a few kilometers north of Angkor Wat, this is probably the largest temple complex built during the ancient Khmer empire. The walls enclose in area of several square kilometers. This is one remote site I still haven’t managed to visit. But those who do tell me it’s gotten easier in the last year or two but is still no walk in the park. Lonely Planet does a pretty good job of discussing this temple and the ordeal of getting to it. If you do make it, don’t expect too much by the way of intricate carvings as this temple has been very badly looted and much of it quite recent.

Sihanoukville: Beaches

sopheaktra — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:25:45 +0000

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville town sits in the center of a small peninsula that juts into the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Several fine white sand beaches, easily accessible from the town, line the coast around the peninsula. All of the main beaches are lined with little beach bars and restaurants offering cold drinks, beach umbrellas and chairs, seafood BBQ, evening parties, water sports and more.

Sokha Beach

Occupying all of Sokha Beach, the Sokha Beach Resort offers luxury accommodation, restaurants, bars, water sports, and lots more. Sokha Beach is open to the general public as well as guests of the resort. Sokha is a beautiful beach, about one kilometer long crescent of sand and comparatively wide so that there is plenty of sand left during high tide. The fine white sand is perfectly groomed these days, but the beach is fairly quiet by comparison to nearby Ochheuteal and Serendipity. There are no little seafood shacks on Sokha like the other beaches but a series of grass umbrellas, gazebos and beach bars/restaurants run by the Sokha Beach Resort.

Ream Beach

Located in the Ream National Park. Though not untouristed, the Ream Beaches see far fewer visitors than Sihanoukville beaches. Take Route 4 to the Airport road 18km north of town. Turn right, go 9km to the ocean. The beach to the right is long and narrow and frequented more by fishermen than tourists. Behind the beach is a mangrove swamp, which attracts a wide variety of tropical birds. The beaches to the left nearer the Naval Base now have a few vendors selling drinks and renting tubes. There is a small $5 per night guesthouse run by the National Park. Check at the park HQ opposite the entrance to the airport.

KOH KONG PROVINCE

sopheaktra — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:38:37 +0000

Almost every foreigner that travels through Koh Kong province is either coming from or going to Thailand. Located in the southwest corner of the country, this province of predominantly mountains, jungle, and a rugged shoreline is bordered by Thailand to the west, Pursat to the north, Kompong Speu to the east, and Kampot and Sihanoukville to the southeast.

Other than the town of Koh Kong, the only other attraction in the province is the Cardamom Mountain range.

Koh Kong is accessible by land to and from Thailand and route 48 built by the Thai army connects the town with the road to and from Phnom Penh and the coast area (Sihanoukville, Kampot) by way of Sre Ambel and the scenic southern Cardamoms. There is also a logging road north into the Cardamoms that you can take to Battambang and Siem Reap but there is no public transport. You can only do this by motorbike and you better know what you are doing. Speedboat service connects Koh Kong and Sihanoukville. There is no boat service to Thailand. Air service was discontinued years ago.

We have breakfast at a restaurant before taking the boat to Koh Por, an island with spectacular view and have a look at the scenery of National Park before visiting a scenic waterfall that is undoubtedly pure since it comes down from Chuor Phnom Kravanh where there are few human settlements. We back to town for lunch and then continue to visit the Koh Kong Safari, the only one place of Cambodia where the wildlife performance is available. Then it is time for the dinner

Koh Kong (town)

This is the provincial capital and other than the village of Sre Ambel, one of the few places in the entire province where you can find any appreciable number of people. Most folks pass through on their way to or from Thailand but due to transport limitations often have to spend the night here. Unlike that border town to the north, Poipet, Koh Kong is a much more relaxed place. As with any border town there are the requisite mercenaries around, but you won’t feel hassled here like you would in Poipet. Having to spend the night in Koh Kong is not a bad thing.

Kam Pot province

sopheaktra — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:58:41 +0000

Kampot, Cambodia

Set on the Kampot River, Kampot Town is the capital of Kampot province. A quiet town, best known as the starting point for trips to Bokor Mountain, Kampot’s a great escape from the larger cities and towns in Cambodia. Located near the ocean, close to Vietnam, you can travel to Sihanouk Ville and Phnom Penh in a few hours, and to Vietnam in 3 to 4 hours. Also, the original seaside resort of Cambodia, Kep, is a short drive away.

Kampot

Located on both sides of the Kampot River also know as Teuk Chhou or Prek Thom and connected by one bridge in the center of town, the East side of Kampot is where most of the restaurants, guesthouses, and market are located. Along the riverfront are several guesthouses and restaurants with Western hosts. The riverfront is fairly quiet and quite picturesque.Walk around town, rent a bicycle, or rent a small motorcycle to get around. Also, you can ride motorcycle taxis for 25 to 50 cents to most places in town.Some attractions downtown are the central market and the football stadium. Towards the ocean on the East side is the port of Kampot and many Cham Muslim communities and schools. Across the river is Kampot’s Wat or Buddhist Temple which is open to tourists.

Around Kampot

Across the River (West Side) the first big road on the right, takes you to the Kampot Zoo (about 20 minute ride and $3 entrance fee), and the Kampot River rapids, an informal park for eating, drinking, sleeping, and playing in the water. Take your own motorcycle or get a motorcycle taxi for about $3 round trip.Kampot is also known for it’s Pepper Farms and Durian Farms (a giant, pointy fruit). Phnom Sasear is a cave about 15 kilometers outside of Kampot. The cave is small, and there is an ancient Buddhist shrine inside.

Getting Here

From Phnom Penh, a taxi or minibus for a 3 hour trip, about $4. From Sihanouk Ville, a taxi for about $2.50/person or $15 for the whole car for a 2 hour trip.

Angkor Wat

sopheaktra — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:22:12 +0000

The Angkor Wat has location in the north of Siem Reap province it was built in pre 12 centreis by Phreasbat SORIYAKVON2 (1113-1150). It is the famous temple in Cambodia and on the world. It has the high 65 m and has the size maby 200 hectars. A town, a rural province, and some temples. Well, a lot of temples. Okay, Angkor Wat. The temples – that’s why you’re here, but as you’ll hopefully find out, there is more to do than just look at temples and if you’re like a lot of tourists, you’re looking for something else to do, anyway. Siem Reap is accessible by road from everywhere, by air – international and domestic, and by boat from Battambang and Phnom Penh. Siem Reap City is the capital of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In town, there are Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake. Siem Reap today, being a popular tourist destination, has a large number of hotels and restaurants. Most smaller establishments are concentrated around the Old Market area, while more expensive hotels are located between Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the town along National Road 6. There are a variety of mid-range hotels and restaurants along Sivatha, and budget to mid-range hotels in the Phsar Leu area.

The Province

Siem Reap is small charming gateway town to the world famous heritage the Angkor temples. Thanks to those attractions, Siem Reap has transformed itself into a major tourist hub. Siem Reap nowadays is a vibrant town with modern hotels and architectures. Despite international influences, Siem Reap and its people have conserved much of the town’s image, culture and traditions.

The Wat and the river

The town is a cluster of small villages along the Siem Reap River. These villages were originally developed around Buddhist pagodas (Wat) which are almost evenly spaced along the river from Wat Preah En Kau Sei in the north to Wat Phnom Krom in the south, where the Siem Reap River meets the great Tonle Sap Lake.The main town is concentrated around Sivutha Street and the Psar Chas area (Old Market area) where are located old colonial buildings, shopping and commercial districts. The Wat Bo area is now full of guesthouses and restaurants while the Psar Leu area is often crowded with local commerce. Other fast developing areas are the airport road and main road to Angkor where a number of large upscale hotels and resorts can be found.

Tourism

Businesses centered around tourism have flourished thanks to the tourism boom. There are a wide range of hotels, ranging from several 5-star hotels and chic resorts to hundreds of budget guesthouses. A large selection of restaurants offer many kinds of food, including Italian, French, German, Russian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Burmese. Plenty of shopping opportunities exist around the Psar Chas area while the nightlife is often vibrant with a number of western-styled pubs and bars. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap now serves the most tourist passengers to Cambodia. Most tourists come to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom,(about 6Km north of the city),and other Angkor ruins. While those are still the main attractions, there are plenty of other things to experience, such as a dinner with an Apsara Dance performance, a trip to fishing villages and bird sanctuary, a visit to a craft workshop and silk farm, or a bicycle tour around the rice paddies in the countryside.

Accessibility

The town is 7 km from the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (IATA code REP). Siem Reap is accessible by direct flight from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hong Kong, Seoul-Incheon, Pusan, Kunming, Kaohsiung and Taipei, and by land from Phnom Penh and the Thai border. It’s also accessiblebyboatfromPhnom Penh.

History

The Bayon was the last state temple to be built at Angkor, and the only one to be built primarily as a Mahayana Buddhist temple (although various local deities were also worshipped there). It was the centrepiece of Jayavarman VII‘s building program, and the similarity of the 200 or so gigantic faces on the temple’s towers to other statues of the king have led many scholars to the conclusion that the faces are representations of Jayavarman VII himself. Others have said that the faces belong to the bodhisattva of compassion called Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara. The two hypotheses need not be regarded as mutually exclusive, since the Buddhist monarch may well have identified with the great bodhisattva and may have required that the portraits be designed so as to symbolize the identification.Since the time of Jayavarman VII, the Bayon has suffered numerous additions and alterations at the hands of subsequent monarchs.^[5] During the reign of Jayavarman VIII in the mid-13th century, the Khmer empire reverted to Hinduism and its state temple was altered accordingly. In later centuries, Theravada Buddhism became the dominant religion, leading to still further changes, before the temple was eventually abandoned to the jungle. Current features which were not part of the original plan include the terrace to the east of the temple, the libraries, the square corners of the inner gallery, and parts of the upper terrace.In the first part of the 20th century, the Ecole Française d’Extrême-Orient took the lead in the conservation of the temple, restoring it in accordance with the technique of anastylosis. Since 1995 the Japanese Government team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (the JSA) has been the main conservatory body, and has held annual symposia.

The site

The temple is orientated towards the east, and so its buildings are set back to the west inside enclosures elongated along the east-west axis. Because the temple sits at the exact centre of Angkor Thom, roads lead to it directly from the gates at each of the city’s cardinal points. The temple itself has no wall or moats, these being replaced by those of the city itself: the city-temple arrangement, with an area of 9 square kilometres, is much larger than that of Angkor Wat to the south (2 km²). Within the temple itself, there are two galleried enclosures (the third and second enclosures) and an upper terrace (the first enclosure).