Cambodia Attractions
What to See in Cambodia
Of course, most people will cite the temple complex at Angkor and more likely Angkor Wat itself as being the reason they visit Cambodia and indeed some 50% of tourists to the country make a beeline to Siem Reap, the site of the temples. But Cambodia has so much more to see. The French left a charming architectural legacy that the Khmer Rouge miraculously did not destroy and Cambodia has many beautiful natural spots as well as interesting cultural sites and sights, both religious and secular. Like most Southeast Asian people, the Cambodians are unassuming, modest and extremely welcoming and these attributes make them good hosts; something that many Westerners greatly appreciate when there is a language barrier.
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There are about 60 temple ruins in the Siem Reap area alone so you need to choose according to your schedule and level of interest. On the "must see" list are the legendary ruins of Angkor Wat, the giant faces of Bayon and the Giant tree at Ta Prom. The famous South Gate of Angkor Thom can be seen on route to Bayon. Angkor Thom has some interesting terraces and the massive "temple-mountain of Baphuon and Phimeanakas is worth seeing.
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The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. During the monsoon season between June and October the Tonlé Sap River reverses its flow and runs in the opposite direction, filling the Tonlé Sap Lake. The Tonlé Sap River is the only river in the world that flows in both directions. Trips out to the lake are best in rainy season because the mangrove swamps are dried up at other times.
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Built in 1866, the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda contains various
buildings of interest, including the Khmer-style Throne
Hall, now used for special ceremonial occasions. South of
the Throne Hall are the Royal Treasury and the Villa of
Napoleon III, built in Egypt in 1866, for the opening of
the Suez Canal, and was later presented to the Cambodian
king as a gift...
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Southern Cambodia has access to the Gulf
of Thailand and offers ideal opportunities to finish a tour
in the Kingdom. Kampot Som is a pleasant town 5-km inland on
the banks of the river Tuk Chhou. A nice place to enjoy
a boat trip on the river. Kampot is also base for excursions
to the Bokor National Park in the Elephant Mountains. The
nearby seaside resort of Kep (Kep-sur-Mer) is located 25
km from Kampot. This beautiful coastal area was once the
favorite holiday spot for Cambodias French-influenced elite
during the turn of the 19th century. From Kep, fishing boats
can take you to one of the island scattered in the bay.
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Battambang is somewhat of an ode to French Colonialism. The city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country. The 100,000-person town offers not only one of the best preserved examples of the French Colonial era, but also the small-town feel you expect to encounter in Cambodia as a rule.
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