1.
Angkor Wat
Siem Reap’s legendary temple complex
needs little introduction. This attraction is the single impetus for many
travelers to visit Cambodia. The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat
was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, before
being converted into a Buddhist temple in the 14th century. Be sure to check
out the temple’s thousands of Apsaras carvings, or nymphs, each of which is
astoundingly unique. While the eponymous Angkor Wat is the most impressive and
well-preserved of the temples in the complex, it’s worth checking out some of
the lesser-known temples where you can appreciate Khmer architecture minus the
crowds.
2.
Koh Ker
Koh Ker
is an intriguing archaeological site dating back to the area’s brief stint as a
Khmer capital from 928 to 944 AD. Although the site was neglected and abandoned
for centuries, the wildlife encroaching on these ancient monuments only adds to
their sense of mystery. Once inaccessible, Koh Ker can now be reached in a
day-trip from Siem Reap via a new toll road. The area consists of more than 42
structures, but one of the highlights is Prasat Thom, a seven-tier sandstone
temple pyramid. Standing 98-feet tall with a mythical half-man half-bird
guarding the top, this unusual temple looks more similar to Mayan ruins than
typical Khmer architecture.
3.
Koh Rong
Koh Rong
is easily one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand, with white
sands and turquoise-green waters that could go toe-to-toe with any of
Thailand’s tropical
paradises. In the evening, you might catch a glimpse of bio-luminescent plankton
creating a haunting illumination in the dark night-time waters. In addition to
the sandy beaches lining the coast, the island’s interior is filled with
relatively pristine forests where you’ll find birds and other wildlife.
Although diving, snorkeling, and trekking can all be arranged, the island is
still fairly peaceful and undeveloped.
4.
Koh Tonsay
Koh Tonsay
is simple, untouched and secluded. It’s only a 20-minute boat ride away from
Kep, but it feels completely removed from civilization. The island is dotted
with a few rustic bungalows and open-air restaurants, making it the perfect
place to lose a few days lounging in hammocks, swimming, and strolling along
the tree-lined beach. The island’s name comes from its shape, which locals say
resembles a rabbit. It’s possible to walk all the way around this rabbit-shaped
circumference in a single day. With no television, Wi-Fi, or air-conditioning,
Koh Tonsay is one Southeast Asia’s few remaining island paradises.
5.
Kratie
Occupied by the
Khmer Rouge early in their campaign,
Kratie
managed to escape the destruction that occurred in the 1970s. As a result, worn
but beautiful French colonial buildings still stretch along the town’s charming
riverfront, which also happens to boast some of the region’s the most spectacular
sunsets over the Mekong River. In addition to providing a glimpse of Cambodia’s
tranquil, rural landscape, Kratie is known as one of the best places in the
country to spot freshwater
Irrawaddy
dolphins, which live in the Mekong River about 9 miles north of
town.
6. Mondulkiri
Mondulkiri is a wild, sparsely
populated area of Cambodia, dotted with rolling hills, jungles, waterfalls, and
valleys. The region is home to some of the country’s most rare and endangered
wildlife, including leopards, water buffalo, and elephants. Almost half of
Mondulkiri’s population belongs to the Bunong
minority group, who hunt for most of their food. It’s a fantastic region for
visiting traditional villages and interacting with elephants in their natural
habitat. The cool climate, stunning scenery and wildlife-viewing opportunities
make it a perfect area for trekking and hiking.
7.
Phnom Penh
Beautiful might not be the first
word to come to mind when one thinks of Phnom Penh,
but with lovely colonial buildings and a picturesque riverside promenade, the
city is just that. Phnom Penh’s beauty shines even brighter when you recognize
how this hardy city has emerged from the damage of war to reinvent itself once
again as the ‘Pearl of Asia.’ From the glittering Royal Palace and crowded
markets to sophisticated contemporary bars and restaurants, Phnom Penh’s
loveliness is complex and reveals itself slowly to visitors.
8.
Popokvil Waterfall
Set in Bokor National Park, Popokvil Waterfall is a stunning two-tiered
waterfall, which looks particularly gorgeous during the rainy season. Although
the appearance of the surrounding rainforest has been somewhat marred by the
construction of a huge casino on the hill summit, the area is still quite
pretty. The waterfall takes its name from an expression meaning ‘swirling
clouds’, perhaps due to the ever-present mist that surrounds it. It’s a great
place to stop for a refreshing swim and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of
the endangered animals that live in the area, such as the pig-tailed
macaque and the
Malayan sun bear.
9.
Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear
is a striking Khmer temple, dramatically set on a 1,722-foot cliff in the
Dângrêk Mountains. The views from the top expand over lowland Cambodia, with
the peak of Phnom Kulen watching silently in the distance. Spread over more
than 2,000 feet, the temple’s five Gopuras are comprised of four levels and
four courtyards, all of which are decorated with intricate carvings.
Constructed mainly between the 11th and 12th centuries, the temple was
dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Set on the border between Cambodia and
Thailand, ongoing territorial disputes between the two countries have closed
access to the temple from the Thai entrance.
10.
Ream National Park
Located 16 miles north of Sihanoukville,
Ream National Park
encompasses more than 81 square miles of natural beauty. The park includes
mangrove forests, miles of unspoiled beaches, two islands, coral reefs, and
tumbling waterfalls. More than 200 bird species inhabit the park, including
endangered species like the white-bellied sea eagle and
Brahminy kite. The park is an ideal spot for forest treks,
boat trips, or simply admiring the scenery. Like many of Cambodia’s untouched
natural attractions, Ream National Park faces constant threat from developers,
so it’s best to visit sooner rather than later before serious changes begin to
take place.
No comments:
Post a Comment