Travel the Mekong countries - Cambodia

CAMBODIA

Cambodia is again emerging as one of the region’s prime tourist attractions, with the big draw being the extensive temple ruins of Angkor, arguably Asia’s single most spectacular archaeological site.

Cambodia is again emerging as one of the region’s prime tourist attractions, with the big draw being the extensive temple ruins of Angkor, arguably Asia’s single most spectacular archaeological site. However, with a fascinating landscape and a hospitable people, there is more to discover than just Angkor, not least the Mekong River which runs the length of the country.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Wat

Bordered by Thailand to the west, Lao PDR to the north, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, Cambodia comprises a large fl ood plain ringed by forested mountains in the border areas, while the Mekong, fl owing north to south, provides a transportation route and brings vital fl ood waters to the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

Angkor Thom

The ancient ruined city of Angkor, the Khmer capital from the 9th to the 15th century, is situated close to the modern provincial centre of Siem Reap. The site comprises some 70 major archaeological monuments, the most famous being the 12th-century Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world.

Not to be missed among Angkor’s other awe-inspiring temple ruins are The Bayon, a fantasy in stone with 54 towers each carved with four enigmatic faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; the Baphuon, a pyramidal representation of Mount Meru, realm of the gods; the labyrinthine temple complex of Preah Khan; the jungle-shrouded ruins of Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei, an architectural jewel in red sandstone.

Located close to Angkor,The Great Lake, or Tonle Sap to give its proper name, is a natural wonder. Connected to the Mekong by the Tonle Sap River, this vast lake more than triples in size during the rainy season when it absorbs the fl oodwaters. In the dry season the Tonle Sap River reverses its fl ow and the lake recedes to its normal expanse of about 2,600 sq km. With such a fl ood cycle, the Tonle Sap is both a hugely productive fi shing ground and a natural irrigator. Floating villages on and around the lake prove the buoyancy of the locals.

The Cambodian capital largely lacks monumental sights but this is more than compensated for by the city’s considerable charm, derived in part from its attractive location on the banks of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap River.

Having emerged from the shadows of the past, Phnom Penh has recaptured the essence of its former self. The pattern of a well-planned city remains largely intact, with wide boulevards laid out in the French style retaining a pleasing symmetry. Also as in the past, an irresistible focal point is Phnom Penh’s riverside frontage, and to stroll along the promenade beside the Tonle Sap, close by its junction with the mighty Mekong, is to experience a charming sense of timelessness.

Principle city sights include the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, a handful of Buddhist temples, including Wat Phnom, from which the city derives its name, and the National Museum which houses a world-class collection of ancient Khmer art. The Central Market and other commercial venues offer plenty of scope for the shopper looking for antiques, gold and silver jewellery, objets d’art, textiles and other handicrafts.

Lying 230 km. southwest of Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s only seaport. Nearby are fi ne beaches that are as yet largely undiscovered, while the surrounding waters are ideal for scuba diving.