Travel

Previously known as Kampuchea, the kingdom of Cambodia is located in southeast Asia, on the Indochinese peninsula. The country is bordered on the northwest by Thailand southeast by Vietnam and to the southwest is the gulf of Thailand. Its capitol city is Phnom Penh and the population of the country is of 13 million inhabitants.

The area that is present-day Cambodia came under Khmer rule in the year 600, when the region was at the center of a vast empire hindu that stretched over most of Southeast Asia. Buddhism was introduced in the 12th century during the rule of Jayavaram the VII-th. The kingdom, then known as Kambuja, fell into decline after Jayavaram’s reign and was nearly annihilated by Thai and Vietnamese invaders. Its power steadily diminished until 1863, when France colonized the region, unifying Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam into a single area known as French Indochina.

The extraordinary temples of Angkor are testimonies of the great civilization of Khamer. One of the most amazing structures in terms of arhitecture the world has ever seen is Angkor Wat, built between 879-1191 to honor the name of the Hindu god Vishnu. The Ta Prohm temple attracts visitors through the fact the thick roots of trees and have crossed the walls and are kept intact so as not to endanger the resistance of the structure.
Only 30 km away from the capital city of Phnom Penh, in Outdong lye the graves of the former Khamer kings on a hill with a spectacular view so the kings can admire the wonders they have accomplished.

The numerous budist temples amaze visitors with they’re splendid architecture. The most representative temple is Preah Vihear located in the mountains of Dangrek near the border with Thailand. This is a popular destination all year, but especially during the new year because of the numerous religious ceremonies.
The Royal Palace in the capital city is also a must see if you are ever in Cambodia. It is famous for its size and the so called “Silver Pogoda” which is made up out of more than 5000 slates of pure silver.

Nature loving people can travel from the capital city on an unforgettable boat trip on the river Tonle Sap to the biggest swamp area in southeast Asia, called Siem Reap. Cruises on one of the biggest rivers in the world, Mekong where the gentile fresh water dolphins swim by the boat to the tourists delight are also in high demand.
One of Cambodia’s relaxation points is found at Sihanoukville where the countrys only beach can be found. This is a popular place for scuba diving in the hot season.

Cambodia represents to most foreign people a place of tranquility, a place of meditation and inspiration. The budist monks living in temples and isolation are a true testimony of peoples ability to live simple lives without all the commotion and the problems of the modern world. Many tourists come to Cambodia to witness first hand the discipline and self control of the people living here.

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