Angkordiscover

Attractive Places

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple of Angkor.

At the apex of Khmer political and military dominance in the region, Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of the massive ‘temple-mountain’ dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. It served as his state temple, thought the temple’s uncommon westward orientation has lad some to suggest that it was constructed as Suryavarman II’s funerary temple. Other temples of the same style and period include Thomanan, Banteay Samre, Wat Atwea and Beng Melea, which may have serves as prototype to Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and as exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The temple itself is 1km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower. The walls of the temple are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughout the temple and represent some of apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, that a tour guide can be very helpful.

Phnom Penh

The National Museum

The National Museum houses the world’s foremost collection of ancient Khmer archeolo- gical, religious, and artistic artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. There are over 5,000 pieces and is the resitory of the Kingdom’s cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to the largest bat colony in the world living an artificial structure. Open daily from 8am to 11am and 2:30pm to 5pm.

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is a small hill crowned by an active Wat (Pagoda) Marks the legendary founding place ofthe Phnom Penh. The hill is the site of constant activity, with a steady stream of the faithful trekking to the vihear, Shrines and fortune tellers on top, and a constellation of vendors, visitors and motodups at the bottom. elephant rides available. The legend of the founding of Wat Phnom Is tied to the beginnings of Phnom Penh. Legend has it that In 1372 Lady Penh fished a floating Koki tree out of the river. Inside the tree were four Buddha statues. She built a hill and a small Temple at what is now the site of what is now known as Wat Phnom.

The Independence Monument

The independence Monument. Commemorated the end Cambodia’s rule by France in 1953.The Naga or Snake-motifs one which can be see in contexts , as a symbol of the country. The distinctive modern Cambodia architectural style of the monument can also be seen at Olympic Stadium and Chaktomuk Hall.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda This is the principal attraction of the city and contains the best example of 20th century Khmer architecture. Set among the perfectly maintained gardens is the exquisite Throne Hall, the Elephant Pavillon where the king’s elephants were kept, the Royal Treasury and The Chan Chaya Pavillon, made especially for Performances of classical Cambodian dance Wat Preah Keo Morokat is also known as the “Silver pagoda” the “Temple of the Emeralds Buddha”.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum , known as the Museum of Genocide Crimes, it was used by the Khmer Rouge as a detention and torture center in the late 1970. Today the building house exhibits, paintings, and photographs of many of the victims. Visitors can see the crude cells built in the classrooms and the torture devices used to extract confessions in Stalinesque purges of the regime. It composed of skulls from victims in the killing field. Open daily form 8am to 11am and 2:30pm to 5pm.

Sihanouk Ville

Sihanouk Ville town sits in the center of a small peninsula that juts into the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Several fine white sand beaches, easily accessible from the town, line the coast around the peninsula. All of the main beaches are lined with grass umbrellas, and drink and snack vendors. But each beach still has its own unique appeal, separated from each other as much by character as the rocky points between.