Cambodia - A.K. Taylor International

Cambodia

Cambodia is a country that possesses an irresistible and undeniable allure. Despite having been long beleaguered with civil war and colonial domination, the glory of this country's timeless beauty and rich heritage makes it one of the most interesting destinations in Southeast Asia. Angkor, the famed ancient city of the 8th century Khmer Empire, which just reopened to tourists in 1991, is the highlight of Cambodia.

Angkor was hidden by thick jungle for hundreds of years, and to this day, many parts of Angkor are still partially covered by snake-like tree roots creeping through and around the moss-covered ruins. One will be immediately transported back in time when seeing, for the first time, these magnificent stone structures that are classified as a World Heritage Site.

A CENTERPIECE OF THE KHMER EMPIRE

Angkor, a derivative of a Sanskript word nagara meaning "holy city," is a sprawling 77 square mile area of shimmering moats and majestic stone towers. These monuments are a stone representation of Hindu cosmology, whose mythological symbolism was intended to preserve the spiritual harmony between the gods and mankind.

Angkor Wat, the most well known, is the most magnificent and best preserved of all the temples. It was erected by Suryavarman II to honor himself and the Hindu god Vishnu. The flawless vaulted passages and the intricately carved gallery of bas-reliefs are only overshadowed by the tower pinnacles in the form of a lotus, which are a distinctive silhouette of Angkor Wat. One can see why it is regarded as the crowning achievement of classical Khmer art and architecture.

Angkor Thom, meaning "great city," is another well-known temple. It has a cosmological influenced design similar to Angkor Wat's, with a moat that symbolizes the oceans, walls the land, and towers the peaks of Mount Meru.
	The focal point here is the Bayon and its 54 four-sided Towers of Faces all with the same image of Jayavarman, as Buddha portrayed with an enigmatic grin.

The terrace of elephants is a spectacular stone carving.

	After exploring Ankor, return for a relaxing evening in Siem Reap, where one can attend a cultural performance by the locals. Performers in elaborate costumes enact stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. The deliberate and precise hand positions and movements are impressive to see.
A visit to Phnom Penh, the capital city, is a surprising delight. A city with a skyline dominated by historical wats, instead of skyscrapers, and boulevards that resemble those of Paris. The Royal Palace, which was the inspiration for the Grand Palace of Bangkok, is a dazzling sight of multicolored layered roofs, carved lintels, and a throne room where a golden Buddha studded with nearly 10,000 diamonds resides.

There are also reminders of the cultural genocide that occurred during Pol Pot's regime, such as at the Choeng Ek Killing Fields. It is, no doubt, a somber sightseeing excursion but a worthwhile testament to the million or so people who were victims of the Khmer Rouge.

POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS

We recommend a combination trip to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The 326 foot golden dome of the Schwedagon Pagoda or the 5,000 shrines and temples that rise from the plains of Pagan are magnificent sights. Visit Thailand and see firsthand how the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh inspired the Grand Palace of Bangkok. Vietnam will show you why people are talking about this country in glowing terms. Vietnam is surprisingly beautiful with French architectural influences, images of farmers with conical straw hats working alongside water buffalo in the rice fields, and the white sand of China Beach.

Legendary spas are a great extension for a few extra days in either Thailand or Bali. Spoil oneself with herbal steam aromatherapy or a relaxing massage. Careful, you may never want to return home!

LAOS IS A PERFECT EXTENSION FOR THOSE WITH A FEW DAYS TO SPARE

Laos, one of Indochina's former French colonies, has also been isolated from the outside world until recent years. Visit the Wat Si Saket Temple in the capitol city of Vientiane and climb the long staircase up to the Phoussy Temple in the former imperial capitol city of Luang Prabang. Once in Luang Prabang, board a riverboat on the fabled Mekong River and be rewarded with stunning views of deep forests and the mystical caves of Pak Ou. One can even learn the secret behind distilling Laotian whiskey from one of the local villagers. A visit to a hill tribe of weavers gives one a glimpse of a local craft that supports an entire village. These weavings make beautiful gifts for those loved ones not able to experience this rustic country firsthand!

For more information or questions, please contact us.

- Return to Top -