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Killing Fields No More
There is a side of Cambodia that had unfortunately made a lasting impression on the minds of many - its infamous Khmer rouge era. In a span of only four years, from 1975 to 1979, some 200,000 Cambodians fell victim to the regime's well-oiled killing machine. The good news is that the stigma is slowly, but surely wearing off. The number of tourist arrivals has grown nearly 35 percent since 2007, a sign that the world is taking notice.
Travelers to Cambodia are confronted by its unique culture, at once impressive and terrible. Throughout its more than two-millennium history, the country had sprouted architectural masterpieces like the world-famous Angkor Wat, as well as the horrific mass graves of Choeung Ek.
Immortalized in Stone
Between the 9th and 14th centuries, Cambodia enjoyed its golden age, ruling over the majority of inland Southeast Asia during the reign of the Angkor Empire. It was also a period of incredible creativity - Angkor architects and sculptors created most of the ancient Khmer architecture during this time. Building temples and structures inspired by religion and myth, they mapped in stone the thinking and beliefs of a people and era.
This is typified by the Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world and the embodiment of symmetry and symbolism. Few can match its splendor - Macchu Picchu in Peru comes to mind. While the Angkor Wat may be the most popular Cambodian attraction, the Royal Palace warrants a mention as well for employing Khmer motifs such as the mythical bird, garuda.
Unbreakable Spirit
Cambodia has been through much for a small country - years of poverty, war, bloodshed, and political instability. Even now, with its economy on the upward path, its progress is getting stalled by many of these same problems. Yet through this, the Cambodian people have managed to keep their smiles and remain optimistic.
This faith is now being rewarded, with tourists finally seeing Cambodia beyond the Angkor Wat and the Khmer Rouge. Its beaches like those in Sihanoukville and Kep receive little to no fanfare, but are deemed to be comparable to those in neighbor Thailand. Travelers also discover its untamed wilderness, such as those in Koh Kong, Lomphat, and Tonle Sap.
Cambodia Landmarks:
- Bars (14)
- Beaches (5)
- Cinemas (2) 2075
- Clubs (1)
- Historical Spots (7)
- Internet cafes (2)
- Markets (6)
- Mosques (1)
- Museums (3)
- Parks (1)
- Restaurants (1)
- Sights (17)
- Temples (21)
- Zoos (1)
Cambodia Traveler Advice
User blogs:
Ta Marija Restaurant
In «Ta 'Marija», located in the center of the village Mosta you’ll be amazed by the welcoming atmosphere created thanks to the traditional setting of talented entertainers and warm ones. Every Wednesday and Friday after the Auto Reviews and Auto Shows that are shown in the TV, customers are invited to sing accompanied by mandolin and guitar, traditional and popular songs ... Read full Blog post
Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See All- Angkor
- Anlong Veng
- Banteay Meanchey
- Battambang
- Chi Phat
- Kep
- Koh Kong
- Koh Tonsay
- Kompong Cham
- Kompong Chhnang
- Kompong Thom
- Kratie
- Mondulkiri
- North Cambodia
- Northeastern Cambodia
- More destinations
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