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Vicky Cun · 08-12-2009, 07:40 PM

Hi,

Cambodia is a beautiful country with two main cities: the capital, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
National Museum in Phnom Penh, a bustling city with fine colonial architecture,
is the best place to see examples of Khmer sculpture. Siem Reap is primarily the base
from which to explore the majestic temples of Angkor and Angkorian-era architecture.
In 1992, Angkor Wat was declared as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

When traveling to Cambodia, the most attractive places are:

Angkor Wat: Constructed by King Suryavarman 2, Angkor Wat is a huge pyramid structure. The compound at Angkor Wat covers an area of 1,500 by 1,300 m and is surrounded by a vast moat 180 m wide, 65m high and divided in 3 layers. Along the causeway leading to the enormous entrance gate are balustrades shaped as giant serpents, which are believed to represent emblems of cosmic fertility. The most famous decoration of Angkor is the heavenly nymphs (Apsara) distinctively rendered on the walls. The central temple complex is an 800 meters long bas-reliefs, includes the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Army of Suryavarman II, Heaven and Hell, Churning of the Ocean of Milk, Elephant Gate, Vishnu Conquers the Demons, Khrisna and the demon King, Battle of the Gods and the Demons and the Battle of Lanka. The northern reflecting pool in front is the most popular sunrise location.

Angkor Thom: Angkor Thom covers an area of 9 square km, surrounded by a stupendous wall with five entrance gates. The city has five monumental gates, one in the north, west and south walls and two in the east wall. The gates, which are 20 metres in height, are decorated on either side of the passageway with stone elephant trunks and crowned by four gargantuan faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Other than the Bayon, all the main sites are located west or east of the Victory Square. From south to north these are to the west Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace, the Terrace of the Leper King, Tep Pranam and Preah Palilay; to the east, the Prasats Suor Prat, the South Khleang, the North Khleang, and Preah Pithu.

Siem Reap: Siem Reap is a small town located in North-West of Cambodia. The main attractions of Siem Reap such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Phnom Ku-Len as well as thousands of more than 800- year temples makes this town become one of the most touristy spots in Asia.
Undoubtedly, Angkor Wat is the highlight of any visit to Cambodia, which was declared as a World Heritage site in 1992 by Unesco besides other temples and wats such as Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, the Bayon.
Boat trips on Tonle Sap River to floating villages, the Silk Farm and the war and landmine museum are often added in the program.

If you are fed up with temples, you can spend some extra days to relax at secluded beaches in Sihanoukeville or just simply strolling around the town, sitting in one of the town's many bars and restaurants, seeing the other minor sites and shopping.

08-12-2009, 07:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Vicky Cun Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14	Re: holiday in cambodia Hi, Cambodia is a beautiful country with two main cities: the capital, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. National Museum in Phnom Penh, a bustling city with fine colonial architecture, is the best place to see examples of Khmer sculpture. Siem Reap is primarily the base from which to explore the majestic temples of Angkor and Angkorian-era architecture. In 1992, Angkor Wat was declared as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. When traveling to Cambodia, the most attractive places are: Angkor Wat: Constructed by King Suryavarman 2, Angkor Wat is a huge pyramid structure. The compound at Angkor Wat covers an area of 1,500 by 1,300 m and is surrounded by a vast moat 180 m wide, 65m high and divided in 3 layers. Along the causeway leading to the enormous entrance gate are balustrades shaped as giant serpents, which are believed to represent emblems of cosmic fertility. The most famous decoration of Angkor is the heavenly nymphs (Apsara) distinctively rendered on the walls. The central temple complex is an 800 meters long bas-reliefs, includes the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Army of Suryavarman II, Heaven and Hell, Churning of the Ocean of Milk, Elephant Gate, Vishnu Conquers the Demons, Khrisna and the demon King, Battle of the Gods and the Demons and the Battle of Lanka. The northern reflecting pool in front is the most popular sunrise location. Angkor Thom: Angkor Thom covers an area of 9 square km, surrounded by a stupendous wall with five entrance gates. The city has five monumental gates, one in the north, west and south walls and two in the east wall. The gates, which are 20 metres in height, are decorated on either side of the passageway with stone elephant trunks and crowned by four gargantuan faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Other than the Bayon, all the main sites are located west or east of the Victory Square. From south to north these are to the west Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace, the Terrace of the Leper King, Tep Pranam and Preah Palilay; to the east, the Prasats Suor Prat, the South Khleang, the North Khleang, and Preah Pithu. Siem Reap: Siem Reap is a small town located in North-West of Cambodia. The main attractions of Siem Reap such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Phnom Ku-Len as well as thousands of more than 800- year temples makes this town become one of the most touristy spots in Asia. Undoubtedly, Angkor Wat is the highlight of any visit to Cambodia, which was declared as a World Heritage site in 1992 by Unesco besides other temples and wats such as Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, the Bayon. Boat trips on Tonle Sap River to floating villages, the Silk Farm and the war and landmine museum are often added in the program. If you are fed up with temples, you can spend some extra days to relax at secluded beaches in Sihanoukeville or just simply strolling around the town, sitting in one of the town's many bars and restaurants, seeing the other minor sites and shopping.