CAMBODIA
Cambodia conjures up a vision of Angelina Jolie thrashing out of the ancient temple, battling giant monoliths while playing the character of Lara Croft. Cambodia is much more than a back drop of one of the most successful Hollywood pot boilers. Bordered by Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia is a land of many ethnicity, religions, myths and legends, a land of ancient lore and modern mores; the country of the breathtaking and awe-inspiring structure the Angkor Wat that was visited by 4 million tourists in 2005 alone. The land of the beautiful ‘Apsara Dance’ and their powerful indigenous Cambodian martial art, is a place of multiple hues, with multi-stranded demographics, religions and cuisine, it is indeed a must visit, as much for its ancient and timeless aura, as for the spirit of the Cambodians that thrived in spite of the various atrocities inflicted upon them and stand proud and friendly; proud of their heritage and eager to share it with the world.
To fully appreciate Cambodia, one must understand that the country has been through a lot of turmoil ever since the fall of the mighty Angkor in 1431. Combined with invasions and the incredibly brutal Khmer Rogue reign (until the UN sponsored election in 1993), the Cambodians have suffered greatly. Much of the populace still survives on less than $1 daily. However, Cambodia today is a much secure city with international hotels, spas and every possible luxury.
HISTORY
Cambodia was once a magnificent kingdom, ancient and powerful known as the Khmer Empire. It reached its zenith during the reign of king Jayavarman VII (1181ca to 1218). With the fall of the empire, the ‘dark ages’ in the Cambodian history began. The French invaded the nation, but neglected it in the favor of Vietnam, leading to economic devastation, lack of education and deplorable living conditions in the once mighty Khmer empire. The rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge resulted in a bloody genocide, and Cambodia is struggling to recover, till today.
ECONOMY
Cambodian economy stands on tourism and textile. Tourism has soon grown to be the biggest industry with 1.7 million visitors in 2006 alone. The economy is still largely agrarian but the government is undertaking incentives to improve the conditions.
GEOGRAPHY
Cambodia covers an area of 181, 035 sq. km, and has a coastline of 443 km along the Gulf of Thailand. Wet rice fields form the heart of the Cambodian plain. Drained river Tonle Sap, these plains are called lacustrine plains. Cardamom Mountains, ‘Elephant Mountains’ etc. is other distinctive features of this country.
CLIMATE
Cambodian climate is dominated by the Monsoons. Due to its location in the Tropics, Cambodia is alternately dry and wet, with temperatures ranging from 21C to 35C. November to January are the best months to visit Cambodia.
DEMOGRAPHY
90% of the Cambodians are Khmers that is people from within the ancient Cambodia. Cham’s, Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer Leou make up for the diversity in the Cambodian populace. Khmer is the national language, but Cambodian-French is also spoken widely. English too is gain popularity, and have been inculcated into the curriculums, and is quite common in the cities and townships; especially around the major tourist attractions.
Theravada Buddhism is the major religion, with Christianity and Islam forming a small minority.
MUST SEE
Angkor Archeological Parks
An astonishing cluster of ancient temples, including one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Angkor Archeological Park is a testimony to the opulence of the ancient Khmer empire. The word Angkor translates as ‘city’ and Wat as ‘temple’; Angkor Wat is hence, a city of temples. Stretched over 400 sq. km, this UN World Heritage Site is an architectural marvel, its every facet a revelation. Built as a representation of Mount Meru, the pyramidal structure of the temples is rich with Hindu symbolism and representation. The compound is dotted with one of the most mystifying elements of the temple, the massive water reservoirs known as baray; one of which still contains water. Keep your eye trained to take in all the lovely details carved on to these massive structures. The temple is packed from Christmas through new years. October is the wettest month to visit and the roads leading up to the temple dissolve under the monsoon rains; however this is the month when the temple is least crowded and the rates lowest.
The Angkor Wat is 20 minutes drive away from Siem Reap. One can easily hire a car or a tour bus or a motorbike (with English speaking drivers) to tour the temple. There are Tuk Tuks available for a more relaxed itinerant. Of course, elephant rides, horse carriages and helicopters are the more interesting means of transport.
Since these structures are largely temples and still visited by the monks, therefore, one must show proper respect. The tourists are advised to wear long pants/skirts and cover their shoulders. Also, please keep well hydrated and do not forget the sun block. And make sure that the guides and hired drivers all wear gray numbered vests. Ladies, please note that it is unsafe to travel alone after dark.
Bokor National Park
1000m high old French Hill Station is the main attraction of the Bokor National Park built by the French as an easy retreat from the heat in the 1920s. A site filled with wild elephants, tigers and interesting hikes, it is a must visit for all those that like to ‘rough it up’. Dorm rooms and private cooking facilities are available at USD5 per person. Located at a convenient distance from Kampong and Sihanoukville, give it a visit if you miss the rugged life. (The hikers are advised to stick to the existing tracks as there might be an occasional landmine accident). Also, the entrance fee is USDe5 per travel. However is you decide to book a stay through a tour operator, it will cost you USD 40 (not $10) due to recent hike in prices. The ethnic spicy cuisine can be sampled at the Bokor Roayl Palace Hotel, located within the reserve.
Kampong Cham
Third largest, and one of the least crowded cities, Kampong Cham has a ‘wild west’ feel to it; perhaps due to its colonial past. It is filled with interesting knick knacks and souvenirs, friendly locals and motorbikes driven by the many foreigners and expats at a scant $4. (Remember, they are bought. No one rents bikes in the city. If you don’t wish to buy, you had better rent it from elsewhere). A good place to observe the local lifestyles, it is also the home of Nokor Wat (an Angkor style temple from the 11th century). They contain some excellent specimen of the Khmer era. On a more modern note, some of the mausoleums have been opened to the tourists that display the skulls of the victims of the Khmer Rogue genocide, and the walls are dotted with elaborate scenes of tortures, air lifts etc. traditional ‘Apsara dances’ are held daily at 5pm. The entrance is Free, and no reservations. Combine a visit to Nokor Wat with trips to mountains Pros and Seri.
The French Lookout tower, the abandoned US strip, the Bamboo Bridge and Koh Paen must feature on your list.Shopping and excellent bargains are few other reasons to visit here, as the city is abundant in both. Remember to haggle and invest some time; you will bring the price down to half the quoted price. Dotted with hotels, banks, restaurants and vendors, Kampong Cham might just be one of the most interesting places you ever visit.
Kampong Luong
It is a breath-taking and lovely permanently floating town located on the Tonle Sap.
Prieah Vihear: Visit here to see some of the most ancient temples in Cambodia. Located on a clifftop, the temples here precede the Angkor construction.
Tonle Sap Lake: Excellent cruises on the offing, a most gratifying way to spend your day floating down various villages and then visit the Prek Tol Biosphere Reserve, one of the biggest reserves in South Asia.
Prek Tol Biosphere Reserve: A splendid cacophony of the avian species, and rare birds, Prek Tol Reserve is one Southeast Asia’s foremost reserves on birds.
GETTING THERE
Airways
Cambodia is easily accessible from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos through frequent flights connecting all the major cities such as Phenom Penh (the capital), Siem Reap etc. Helicopters can also be hired at US$1495, plus 10% tax per hour. They are modern and luxurious and can fit up to 5 passengers.
Roadways
Cambodia has good roads, even during the monsoons and travelling by bus is a good option. There are many luxury tourist buses as well as reasonably priced no-frill bus services such as GTS and Soraya.
Waterways
Discovering Cambodia by boarding a boat is an interesting idea, if somewhat slow and expensive idea (compared to the roadways).
Railways
Cambodia has well laid tracks that transport you safely and slowly through the country. Their authentic ‘Bamboo Trains” are a must try. These are home made bamboo cars that transport everything from vegetables to tourists to wedding processions to pigs.
Note
All tourist destinations are well supplied with English speaking guides and drivers. Hire only those that are dresses in gray numbered vests.
Keep a handy supply of US$1, $5 $10 and $20 ready.
Drugs are illegal and penalties can be severe.
Remember: Try the local cuisine (and the local wines), haggle over prices and take a lot of snaps!!!
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