Voyageur Explore the wonders of
CAMBODIA
From famous temples to secrets islands
INDEX
Why Visiting Cambodia
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Where is 2
Things to Know... Capital Phnom Penh Country code 855 Language Khmer, english, french, mandarin. Money US$1 = 4,056.89r (riel) Population 15.14 million
History
Cambodia’s history is usually linked with its neighbors. Thailand and Vietnam have always been richer and more powerful but during the Angkorian period, Cambodia gain regional power and its culture became dominant and unrivaled. Angkor Wat The Angkor Wat er lasted from 802 to 1432, in which and had remarkable productivity. Jayavarmn II proclaimed himself a devaraja (god-king) inCambodia the year 802. had times Through of conquest, alliancesturmoil and conquests, and retreat he brought Cambodia under his control; he fought against Javanese domination and he became the first monarch to rule most of Cambodia. In the late 9th century Yasovarman I moved the capital to Angkor Wat, creating a new center of worship, scholarship and arts.
King Jayavarman VII “The successors of Jayavarman II built the great temples for which Angkor is famous. Historians have dated more than a thousand temple sites and over a thousand stoneinscriptions (most of them on temple walls) to this era. Notable among the Khmer builder-kings were Suyavarman II, who built the temple known as Angkor Wat in the mid-12th century, and Jayavarman VII, who built the Bayon temple at Angkor Thum and several other large Buddhist temples half a century later. Jayavarman VII, a fervent Buddhist, also built hospitals and rest houses along the roads that crisscrossed the kingdom. Most of the monarchs, however, seem to have been more concerned with displaying and increasing their power than with the welfare of their subjects.” 3
Modern State “Sihanouk's campaign for independence sharpened his political skills and increased his ambitions. In 1955 he abdicated the throne in favor of his father to pursue a full-time political career, free of the constitutional constraints of the monarchy. In a move aimed at dismantling Cambodia's fledgling political parties, Sihanouk inaugurated a national political movement known as the Sangkum Reastr Niyum (People's Socialist Community), whose members were not permitted to belong to any other political group. The Sangkum won all the seats in the national elections of 1955, benefiting from Sihanouk's popularity and from police brutality at many polling stations. Sihanouk served as prime minister of Cambodia until 1960, when his father died and he was named head of state. Sihanouk remained widely popular among the people but was brutal to his opponents.”
“Since the Paris Accords of 1991, Cambodia's economic growth has depended on millions of dollars of foreign aid. Foreign interest in Cambodia has decreased, however, and the country has received diminishing economic assistance. This development, along with the continued lack of openness in Cambodian politics, has made Cambodia's prospects for democratization dim, as well as its chances for sustained economic growth.” (http://www.tourismcambodia.com/about-cambodia/cambodian-history.htm)
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“Buddhist monks are highly disciplined and must follow 227 rules in addition to the ten basic precepts of being a good Buddhist. Monks cannot take part in entertainment. They lead simple lives dedicated to Buddhism and the temple.� 5
Religion
“Thearavada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia which is practiced by 95 percent of the population-- just like that of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka. However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth. Daoism and Confuism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people.”
“Buddhists see the universe and all life as part of a cycle of eternal change. They follow the teaching of Buddha, an Indian prince born in the sixth century B.C. Buddhists believe that a person is continually reborn, in human or nonhuman form, depending on his or her actions in a previous life. They are released from this cycle only when thy reach nirvana, which may be attained by achieving good karma through earning merit and following the Buddhist path of correct living.” (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668) 6
Highlights of Cambodia
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Angkor Wat
“Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire.� (http://www.tourismcambodia.com/)
Battambang The colonial architecture, the riverside setting and the laid-back cafes will enchant you beacuase of its perfect blend of relatively urban modernity and small-town friendliness. Outside the city's confines, meanwhile, timeless hilltop temples and bucolic villages await. The most scenic river trip in the country links Battambang with Siem Reap. (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/) 2 9
Sihanoukville
“Surrounded by white-sand beaches and undeveloped tropical islands, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most happening beach destination”. (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/)
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Koh Kong
“It is one of the biggest provinces in the whole country with a long undeveloped coastline and a mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior, which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains, the biggest coherent rainforest of Southeast Asia.”
Kampot
“Ever more visitors are being seduced, gently, by the charming riverside town of Kampot, with its relaxed atmosphere and one of Cambodia’s finest, if dilapidated, ensembles of French colonial architecture. Eclipsed as a port when Sihanoukville was founded in 1959, Kampot makes an excellent base for exploring Bokor National Park and the verdant coast east towards Vietnam, including Kep and several superb cave-temples.” (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/)
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Phnom Penh
“Cambodia’s capital can be an assault on the senses. Motorbikes whiz through laneways without a thought for pedestrians; markets exude pungent scents; and all the while the sounds of life, of commerce, of survival, reverberate through the streets. But this is all part of the attraction.” (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/)
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Cambodia Facts
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Population: 13,329,000 Area: 181,035 square kilometers Theravada Buddhist Life Expectancy: 56 Literacy Percent: 70 Independence: November 9, 1953 (fromFrance) “Economy Industry: Tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products. Agriculture: Rice, rubber, corn, vegetables Exports: Timber, garments, rubber, rice, fish. (Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition)”
“1. The Cambodian flag is the only national flag that has an image of a building – the Angkor Wat. 2. Cambodia has been changing its name whenever a new government was installed: It was called the Khmer Republic during its republican years, Democratic Kampuchea under the Khmer Rouge regime, and People’s Republic of Kampuchea under the leftist group called Salvation Front. Today, in its latest government form, it is officially called the Kingdom of Cambodia. 3. During the four-year rule of the Khmer Rouge, one-fifth of Cambodia’s population was killed. They were mostly educated people, priests, and monks. (http://www.travelingeast.com/)
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4. Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot wanted all educated Cambodians dead so that nobody would oppose their rule. 5. Half of Cambodia’s current population is younger than 15 years old” 6. Traditionally, birthdays are not celebrated in Cambodia. Older people might not even know their birthdays. 7. In recent times, the country’s biggest source of income has been the textile industry. The second largest source of Cambodian income is tourism. 8. Cambodia has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Between the years 1990 and 2005, the country has lost 25,000 square kilometers of forest. 9. In Cambodia, the head is regarded as the highest part of the body and shouldn’t be touched even in the kindest manner. 10. It’s considered disrespectful to let your feet or soles to point at people or things, so the feet must be tucked in when sitting.” (http://www.travelingeast.com/)
“11. The English word Cambodia has been derived from Cambodge, the French word. 12. In 2001, Cambodia opened its first bridge across the Mekong River, linking the east and west of the country. 13. The ancient temple of Angkor Wat in the deep Cambodian jungle was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century.
14. The word Angkor is derived from the Sanskrit word nagar for city while Wat is derived from vatthu, the Khmer form of the Pali word that means temple grounds.” 17 (http://www.interestingfunfacts.com)
“15. UNESCO has listed Cambodia as the third most landmined country in the world as more than 4 million landmines are still strewn across the country causing high number of causalities. It is estimated that it will take a decade before all the land mines are cleared up. 16. In 2005, oil and natural gas were discovered from the territorial waters of Cambodia, which is believed to augment the economy of Cambodia in coming years. 17. The birth rate in Cambodia is three times higher than the death rate. 18. Cambodia stands at 69th position in the world, in terms of population. 19. As much as 40% more males are born each year than females, yet more females survive making up 64% of the population.� (http://www.interestingfunfacts.com)
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“20. Cambodia is the only country that purportedly has the least Chinese influences among all the other Mainland Southeast Asian nations. 21. Till date, Cambodia is the only Asian country to have a king who is partly of French descent. 22. The second largest city of Cambodia is Battambang that is located beside the river Sangker. 23. Cambodia’s motto is “Nation, Religion, King”. 24. The official religion of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by around 95% of the Cambodian population. 25. Hun Sen, the head of government of Cambodia, is the longest serving leader in South East Asia and has ruled Cambodia for over 25 years. 26. The Bonn Om Teuk or water festival is celebrated in November at the end of monsoon, when the Mekong River recedes and the popular sport rowing race is also held during the same festival season. 27. Rice is ubiquitous in Cambodian meals and delicacies. It is served in many forms that include fried, steamed, or in the form of noodles. It is even consumed as dessert by mixing it with fruits and coconut milk that give it a sweet taste. 28. Fish is also consumed in varied forms like, fresh fish, dried fish, smoked fish, or as a paste called Prahok that is mixed with spice like hot peppers, lemon grass or mint. Garment export and tourism are two of the main industries that generate revenue for the economy of Cambodia. The major export products of Cambodia are rice, timer, fish, garments, and rubber.” 19 (http://www.interestingfunfacts.com)
“29. Electricity in Cambodia is in pressing need as in the rural areas it is supplied in the evening only from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM while the business establishments and hotels rely more on generators. 30. In Cambodia, greeting is formally done by joining both the palms together in front of each other and then bowing. This is called Sompeah and is usually initiated by the younger or lower rank of people. 31.In Khmer language, rice and food mean the same. 32. Cambodia has the largest inland lake in South East Asia called the Tonle Sap. 33. Interestingly, in north east of Cambodia, dolphins can be found in rivers.� (http://www.interestingfunfacts.com)
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Words to know Khmer, also called Cambodian, is spoken by most of the people of Cambodia, as well as in parts of northeastern Thailand and southern Vietnam. It is relatively easy to acquire some basic vocabulary, however, and any such effort will be greatly appreciated by the Cambodians. English is rapidly becoming the second language, especially in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Kompong Som. Older people, particularly among the elite, may speak French. Some members of the Sino-Cambodian community speak Guoyu, or Mandarin Chinese. Impress the locals and learn how to say a few worlds with our section.
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Greetings
Shopping
hello:joohm ree-up soo-a how are you?:sok-sa bai jee-a tay? goodbye—joohm ree-up lea [formal] / lee-hai [informal] see you again!:joo-up k’neer dee-ut! what is your name?–laok ch’moo-ah a-vwai? my name is: k’nyom ch’moo-ah
buy: d’ting need: trau want: chong very expensive: t’lai na cheap: tauk what do you need?: Ta loak trau avwai? what do you want?: Ta loak chong baan avwai? shoes: s’baik cheung shirt: au short-sleeved/T-shirt—au dai clai trousers: cau clothes: cau-au I want to buy something: Knyom chong dting roboh moi jam noo-un. I want to buy a shirt: Knyom chong dting au moi. it’s expensive!: Veer t’lai na! can you discount?: Joh baan tik baan tay? how much is it?: Ta veer t’lai pbon-maan? what colour?: Bpoa-a avwai? it costs: Veer t’lai
People me:knyom you: nee-uk / loak we: yeung them: poo-kay him/her: quot my/mine: roboh-k’nyom yours: roboh-nee-uk
Numbers
1 moy-2 pee-3 bay- 4- boo-un-5 bram-6 bram-moy-7 bram-pee-8 bram-bay-9 bram-boo-un-10 dop
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Basic Words and Phrases
Meat and Seafood
please: soam-un-jern thank you: arkun sorry:som-dtoah yes: baat no: a-dtay no thank you: a-dtay arkun good: la-or bad / no good: ot la-or please speak slowly: soam ni-yay yeut-yeut do you understand me?:ta nee-uk yoo-ul knyom tay? do you understand what I say?: ta nee-uk yoo-ul knyom nih-yay tay? do you speak English ?: ta neak nee-yay pee-a-sah ong-klay tay?
meat:saich beef: saich-koh pork: saich-chrook chicken: saich-moa-un fish: dt’ray seafood: m’hohp sa-mot crab: k’daam shrimp / prawns: bong-gorng lobster: bong-kong sa-mot Fruit: plai cher mango: svai
Questions Words what’s this?: a-vwai nih? what’s this called?: nih ch’moo-ah a-vwai? how much?: bpon maan? where?: ai-naa? where is the market?: psar noo ai-naa? where is the toilet?: bong-goo-ung noo ai-naa? where are you going?: ta nee-uk dtao naa?
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Emergency
Accommodation hotel—————————–oat-el / son-ta-gee-a room—————————–baan-dtoop——— ————–[double ‘o’ as in look] a/c room————————-baan-dtoop marsan tra-chee-uk cheap room———————-baan-dtoop tauk single room———————-baan-dtoop moy kreh-moy double room———————baan-dtoop moy kreh-pee do you have a room vacant?—–mee-un baan-dtoop dtum-neh tay?
emergency:kree-a ason help me!: joo-ay k’nyom! doctor: bpairt I want to see a doctor: k’nyom chong dtao bpairt I’m sick: k’nyom cheu I hurt here: k’nyom cheu tee-nih ambulance: roo-ut yoo-un song-kroo-ah hospital: moo-un dtee bpairt dentist: bpairt t’meun Transport airport: jom-nort yoo-un hoh bicycle: gong boat: kanoe / touk bus:laan krong bus station: suh-ta nee laan-krong car: laan cyclo: sih-kloa ferry: sah-laan motorcycle taxi: motodup taxi: laan ch’nool train: ra-dtayh plerng tourist office:gah-ree-ah-lai dtay-sa-jor
Some Useful Verbs go——————————-dtao visit—————————–dtao-leng come—————————-moak come from———————-moak-pee want—————————-jong / jong baan like—————————–joal-jet know (s/b)———————-squahl know (s/th)———————dung have—————————-mee-un not have————————ot mee-un speak—————————nee-yay eat——————————n’yam / pbi-saa / hoap drink—————————peuk sick—————————–cheu help—————————-joo-ay
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Introducing Cambodia 29
Planning your trip
The things you must know about this amazing place
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When to go & weather Cambodia is blessed with Asia´s simpler weather systems. In general the entirer country is subject to the same weather due to the relatively uniformity of the location Of the country. Thee region has a warm tropical climate, perfect for those seeking a change from the european or north american temperature. There are two seasons: dry and wet (also known as green season because of the vibrant colors the rain brings with it)
The Green Season ( May- October) brings the green back to the region´s countryside. The raind form apredictable pattern sunny mornings means 60% chance of raining in the mid afternoon. The temperature
The Dry Seasn (november- April) is known for cool dry air. And goes from the beginning of November until mid April, you can be sure of clear skies and almost no rain. In April the average humidity and heat rise to the highest.
The temperature of the Dry season make up the traditional high season, because of the large numbers of visitors that travel to the region with cloudless skies and cool temperatures. 31
Currency The local currency, is the Cambodian riel, and is available in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. You can pay for most things in dollars, in riel, or with a mixture of two currencies. Generally, you’ll be charged in dollars for accommodation, but markets or when using local transport prices are generally in riel. transport (such as motos, tuk-tuks, busesand pick-ups) prices are generally in riel.
Carrying your money
In our opinion the safest way to carry your money is still the Usdollar travellers cheques and those by American Express are the best known. with a few of just one or two percent. Also instead of using a bank debit card you could consider a pre- paid travel money card from one of the many provders in the market, which can be loaded with an amount of money in a currency of your choice, and then used in ATMS or to pay for services the same way as a credit or debit card. An incresing number of places accept credit cards, but payment by card may attract a four percent surcharge.
Tip. Banking hours throughtout Cambodia are generally Monda- Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 am
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Visas For traveling to Cambodia you will need a temporary visa, but it is an easy, unexpensive and paperless procedure.All you should know is that the application form is available down the internet. There are lot of websites that provides the service but the most secure and known is www.evisa.gov.kh. The total cost is around $37 dls and you are able to pay it with credit card it has a duration for only three months, so tramitting your visa, in this case, should be one of your last steps of your trip planning.
Health & Safety It is highly recommended for all travelers to visit a specialist 4-8 weeks before departure because of the common diseases of the area. Unfortunatly you will need vaccines for:
Tip. Also it is recommended to care some antibiotics to be prepare in case you present diarrhea, because it is verycom-
Malaria Typhoid
mon between turists due to food and water.
Yellow Fever Hepatitis A and B Measles, mumps, rubella 33
Flights Cambodia have three major operating airports with international flights. The Phnom, Penh International Airport located in the city OF Phnom Penh, The Siem Reap International Airport located in Siem Reap, and the Sihanoukville Internatioanl Airport located in the city.
The price of a round-trip flight departing from NYC (USA) and landing in PNH (CAMB) during the Dry Season goes between $1130-11032 DLS; but if you prefer to safe a few dolars you could travel during the other season when the round trip is around $913-$11860 DLS on economy class
The trip from Barcelona , Spain is about $743 DLS, and from South America, Bue nos Aires is between $1800- 1900 DLS.
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Acommodation One of the most amazings things in Cambodia is that it has place to luxury and a more austere trip, and this is reflected on the variety of prices that suit all budgets and tastes when looking for acommodation. So, no matter your budget we made a list oh hotels, and hostals we highly recommend.
SHINTA MANI CLUB, Siem Reap, $300 Dls per night. BELMOND LA RESIDENCIE D´ANGKOR, Siem Reap, $400 Dls
per night.
SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND, Sihanoukville, $1940 Dls per night.
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Cambodia´s capital, Phnom Penh, has some of south-east Asia´s most affordable boutique hotels, urban resorts and hostels.
LA MAISON D´AMBRE, Phnom penh $114 Dls per night.
THE PLANTATION, Phnom Penh, $80 Dls per night.
THE SANGKUM, Phnom Penh, $ 45 Dls per night.
RAMBUTAN, Phnom Penh, $50 Dls per night.
THE TEAHOUSE, Phonm Penh, $50 Dls per nigh.
EIGHTY8 GUESTHOUSE, Phnom Penh, $8 Dls per night.
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Transportation Through the city of Cambodia men with motorcycles will pull up and will offer you a ride in
Carts pulled by motorcycles are the most common taxi around towns. Shorts rides shouldn´t be much more than a dollar.
For a long distance trip the most famous train is Argo Wilis, with this company you can travel to the nearest contries.
The most popular way for travelling to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap (a 7 hours journey )on the the local bus can cost $5-6 dolars
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things to do
Things to do 40
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Sunrise at Angkor Wat: you'd be amazed by how many tourists show up at 5:30am. You just have to know how to beat the crowds and where to sit for optimal unobstructed viewing. is now considered one of the Wonders of the World. A good tour guide will direct you to the magnificent bas-relief walls depicting many levels of heaven and hell - some quite gruesome - and to some of the 1,800 seductive Dancing Maidens carvings. One warning; beware of monkeys. They swarm the place and will grab stuff out of your hands
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Eat A Spider (or watch someone else do it); there's a stop along Route 6 Cambodia that features platters of fried tarantulas, crickets and birds. There are also bananas and mangos for the non insect eater.
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Elephant valley proyect For an original elephant experience, visit the Elephant Valley Project. The project entices local mahouts to bring their overworked or injured elephants to this sanctuary, where, in the words of project coordinator Jack Highwood, ‘they can learn how to act like elephants again’. A Briton with a contagious passion for elephants, Highwood is on a mission to improve the lot of Mondulkiri’s working elephants. There are two options for visiting the Elephant Valley Project. Option one is a day trip (half-/full day US$40/70) in which half the day is spent observing the the elephants, and half the day is spent washing the elephants and other tasks around the project site. The other option is an overnight in exquisite bungalows tucked into the jungle on a ridge overlooking the valley. Dorm-style while private bungalows cost US$30 to US$50. accommodation costs US$20, You must still pay the day-trip fee on top of this. Prices include full board. Short- and long-term volunteers who want to help the project while learning mahout skills are welcome. Access to the sight is tightly controlled so don’t show up unannounced (there are free-range elephants wandering around after all). It's popular so book well in advance. The maximum amount of day trippers allowed perday is 12. Green House can handle bookings in Sen Monorom.The project does not take overnight visitors on Friday and Saturday nights and is not open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday; however, there are plans in place to open six days a week.
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Travelling at such a gentle speed allows for much more interaction with the locals. Although bicycles are common in Cambodian villages, cycling tourists are still very much a novelty and will be wildly welcomed in most small villages.
Cambodia is a great country for adventurous cyclists to explore. Needless to say, given the country’slegendary potholes, a mountain bike is the best bet. Top bikes, safety equipment and authentic spare parts are now readily available in Phnom Penh at very reasonable prices. Many roads remain in bad condition, but there is usually a flat unpaved trail along the side.
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Angkor Photography Tour Do you want to take your photography to the next level? Arrive home with memory cards full of outstanding images of the temples? As any keen photographer knows photography is all about the light and timing. At ABOUTAsia our moto "Angkor without the crowds" puts us in the prefect position to take you to the temples at the right times to photograph them at their quietest and best - no mean feat when over 2 million visitors are flocking to Siem Reap every year. Add to this our close relationship with some of Siem Reap's best professional photographers and you have a great package of professional tuition while visiting the temples at the best times of the day to photograph them.
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VISIT ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK This may seem pretty obvious as one of the things to do in Cambodia – Angkor Archaeological Park is Cambodia’s #1 tourist attraction and money maker, but it had to be said. The park is just outside Siem Reap and is home to dozens of ancient temple ruins. Grab a guide (you’ll learn more) and a tuk tuk and get ready for a hot sweaty day of temple lovin’. You can also see the temples via elephant or helicopter if that’s 47 you’re that way inclined.
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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary A large park south of Phnom Penh given over to animals retrieved from poachers and traffickers. Wildlife in the sanctuary includes tigers, elephants and gibbons, and it offers an effective way of learning more about Cambodian fauna. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/cambodia/things-to-do
Shop for silver Prized locally since the 11th century, silver is today one of the most sought-after Cambodian souvenirs. Coming in the form of anklets, jewellery and other decorative items, it's known for being fashioned with real care and artistry. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/cambodia/things-to-do
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Feast on fresh seafood Cambodia's coastline offers the chance for the archetypal Asian beach experience, but no amount of sea and sand is complete without sampling its ocean-fresh seafood. The stretch around Kampot and Kep is excellent for just-caught crab. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/ cambodia/things-to-do
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Watch traditional dance Classical Khmer dance displays have become popular inclusions on tourist itineraries, complete with ornate costumes and accompanying musicians. Many of these performances take place in the international hotels around Siem Reap, but villages may have their own spontaneous versions on special days. Water FestivalTaking place in October or November - when the flow of the Tonle Sap River changes direction - the Water Festival is a chance to watch races between hundreds of rainbow-coloured boats, as well as to engage in three days of merry-making. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/cambodia/things-to-do
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Food
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“Enjoy the tropical fruits of Cambodia. Nowadays, tropical fruits are available in almost every supermarket in the West. But, eating fruits after their long travel is incomparable with eating them close to the source: much more enjoyable.”
“The lychee is called Koulen in Khmer and many foreigners are familiar with the tinned, processed fruit. The fresh fruit is small, round and spiky and red in colour. Once peeled, the flesh is white and contains a black seed.”
“Watermelons are a popular, refreshing fruit found throughout Cambodia. Cambodians call the fruit Owlock and the watermelons come in a variety of sizes, shapes and flesh colours. You will find plenty of watermelons for sale at the local markets”. 56
Exotic Food
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“Rambutans have a very distinctive appearance, the outer skin being a reddi sh shell and covered in soft, thick hairs. The inner flesh is translucent white, which is very sweet and juicy and con tains a smooth seed. Like longans, ram butans are normally sold in bunches with the stems attached.”
“Known as Mean in the Khmer language, longan is another small, round, sweet tropical fruit. Longans have a rather drab, beige skin colouring, but once peeled the flesh is clear white and very sweet. Inside the fruit harbours a hard black seed. Longans are usually
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Known as Khnol in the Khmer language, jackfruit is a large, oval fruit with a light-green, spiky skin. When cut open jackfruits emit a sweet, perfumed odour and the bright yellow flesh surrounding the seeds is eaten.�
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Where to eat
Malis
136 Street 41 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia cusine: cambodian price: 15.00 - 25.00 US Beautiful setting and delicious food. Always packed whenever I've been and with good reason. Highly recommend a visit when visiting Phnom Penh.
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Romdeng
74 Street 174, Phnom Penh, Cambodia cusine: assian price 10.00 - 30.00 US great selection of cambodian food and other international food. can even try fried tarantula if you fancy. the kitchen is an open kitchen where you can see them cook if you wish. also a small craft shop where locals have made some lovely gifts recycling materials. would highly recommend for the entire experience and the good work this restaurant does for the local people
.
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The corn
26 Preah Suramarit Blvd, Phnom Penh, Camboya cusine: vegetarian, asian price: 20.00 - 30.00 US Ate dinner here twice, which says it was good. The best veggie food we had on our trip to Cambodia. Lots of vegan options. Meat and fish also available. Very quiet both times we were there. It's tucked away down an alley off the north side of Independence Park, just East of where Street 19 comes down, with an illuminated sign on the entrance to the alley. Loved the lentil fritters with warm courgette salad. Khmer Curries good if a little toned down - they will spice it up if you ask. Served with dark brown/wild rice - a welcome change from white rice. Wines by the glass. The chocolate orange sorbet was outstanding.
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Haven Training Restaurant Sok San Street, Siem Reap, Camboya cusine: cambodian, vegetarian and international price: 10.00 - 25.00 US The best restaurant ever, food very great, I enjoin crab bell paper sauce and the service is execellent... And location is in the city center, after finish I easily to shopping at night market... Everything is great.
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Angkor Wat
Experience the peace and tranquility that keep these temples.
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Lost City
Cost entrance
for all the day 20$ USD
As you approach, you can alre-
ady feel a change in energy, your eyes can not believe how it sprawls the lost city of Angkor Wat, now in ruins and populated mostly by peasant rice farmers.
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Angkor
Wat is not only the largest and best preserved temple of the settlement of Angkor, is also an example of one of the most hallucinant archaeological treasures in the world.
Located ymou 72
d at 5.5 miles north of Siem Reap, in the homonus province of Cambodia, Angkor Wat covers an area of 200 km2. 73
Dedicated in its beginnings to the
god Vish the temple consists of three concentric rectangular rooms of increasing height, surrounded by a beautiful lake of 3.6 km in length and a width of 200 m. In the main hall five towers rise in lotus sha The main tower reaches a height of 42 m.
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Angkor Wat is a symbol so important for
Cambodia, that it is the emblem of the national flag. It was also declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992..
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Banteay Srei The City of Shiva
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In Khmer “Banteay Srei”
means the “City of women”, but this is a current name perhaps deriving from a phonetic pronunciation of Banteay Srei, the “auspicious city”, which is not the original name of the monument. Inscriptions discovered in the monument give its original Sanskrit name as “Isvarapura”, the “city of Shiva”. Banteay Srei was a shivaite temple: the main idol located in the central sanctuary-tower was a linga, the phallic representation of Shiva. 79
Although small in
size, Banteay Srei is one of the jewels of Khmer art due to the outstanding quality of its sculpted dĂŠcor, carved from red sandstone. A single-story structure, the complex of buildings making up Banteay Srei is organized on an east-west axis.
It lies n main gr capitals 80
near the hill of Phnom Dei, 25 km north-east of the roup of temples that once belonged to the medieval s of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom. 81
A place of worship, it was also a pilgrimage
site with the duty to provide hospitality. A representation of the celestial residence of the Gods modeled on Indain tips, this temple was hierarchically arranged. The central complex of the monument, at current accessible to tourists, must have been reserved to an elite, whereas the long walkway and its surrounding buildings to the east of the main complex were open to everyone.
Discovered in 1914, it was only
after the looting of several bas-reliefs in 1923 that the Ecole Francaise d’Exteme-Orient (EFEO, French School of Asian Studies) began clearing the site on year later.
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The Recidence of the Gods 83
Banteay Srei was built under the reign of two An-
gkrorian Kings in the late 10th century, Although Bantray Srei was founded privately, King Rejendravarman (944-968) and his successor Jayavarman V (968-1000) are both noted in inscriptions found in the temple. Yajnovaraha, one of the founders of the temple, was a high-ranking officer during the reign of Rajendravarman. The King awarded him land where three shivaite temples were erected by him, including Banteay Srei, in association with his younger brother.
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Cambodia’s Royal Palace The Sacred Seat of Judgment
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Cambodia’s Royal
Palace complex was begun by King Norodom in 1866, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh.Most buildings were completed before World War I, with involvement by French administrators and Thai designers and architects. The complex is divided by walls into three main compounds,on the north side is the Silver Pagoda and to the south-west is the Khemarin Palace, where Cambodia’s King Sihamoni resides.
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The Khmer name for
the Throne Hall is Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay meaning the “Sacred Seat of Judgement”. The Throne Hall is where the king’s confidants, generals and royal officials once carried out their duties. It is still in use today as a place for religious and royal ceremonies (such as coronations and royal weddings) as well as a meeting place for guests of the King.
Phnom Phnom P P dia, dia, at at th th rivers. rivers. 88
Penh Penh is is located located in in the the south-central south-central region region of of CamboCambohe he confluence confluence of of the the TonlĂŠ TonlĂŠ Sap, Sap, Mekong, Mekong, and and Bassac Bassac 89
Inside the Throne
Hall are a royal throne and busts of Cambodians kings of the past. The throne represents the Khmer monarchy from the first century. A canopy with nine tiers (the parasol covering above the throne) symbolizes peacefulness and heaven for human beings and the ambitions of human beings.
Article from: www.camboguide.com
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