Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, located in present day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by king Jayavarman VII. It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the centre of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north.

History Details

Angkor Thom was established as the capital of Jayavarman VII's empire, and was the centre of his massive building programme. One inscription found in the city refers to Jayavarman as the groom and the city as his bride.

Angkor Thom seems not to be the first Khmer capital on the site, however. Yasodhrapura, dating from three centuries earlier, was centred slightly further northwest, and Angkor Thom overlapped parts of it. The most notable earlier temples within the city are the former state temple of Baphuon , and Phimeanakas , which was incorporated into the Royal Palace. The Khmers did not draw any clear distinctions between Angkor Thom and Yashodharapura: even in the fourteenth century an inscription used the earlier name. (Higham 138) The name of Angkor Thom — great city — was in use from the 16th century.

The last temple known to have been constructed in Angkor Thom was Mangalartha, which was dedicated in 1295. Thereafter the existing structures continued to be modified from time to time, but any new creations were in perishable materials and have not survived. In the following centuries Angkor Thom remained the capital of a kingdom in decline until it was abandoned some time prior to 1609, when an early western visitor wrote of an uninhabited city, "as fantastic as the Atlantis of Plato" which some thought to have been built by the Roman emperor Trajan. (Higham 140) It is believed to have sustained a population of 80,000-150,000 people.

Angkor Thom is in the Bayon style. This manifests itself in the large scale of the construction, in the widespread use of laterite, in the face-towers at each of the entrances to the city and in the naga-carrying giant figures which accompany each of the towers.

The guided visit of Angkor Thom - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Angkor Wat

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - 6km north of Siem Reap Town.

Date of Construction: Early-Mid 12th century AD

King: Suryavarman II

Style: Angkor Wat

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

At the apex of Khmer political and military dominance in the region, Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive 'temple-mountain' dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. It served as his state temple, though the temple’s uncommon westward orientation has led some to suggest that it was constructed as Suryavarman II’s funerary temple. Other temples of the same style and period include Thommanon, Banteay Samre , Wat Atwea and Beng Mea Lea , which may have served as a prototype to History Details

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The temple itself is 1 km 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 the finest examples of apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of Suryavarman II. It is in the viewing of the bas-reliefs that a tour guide can be very helpful.

The northern reflecting pool in front is the most popular sunrise location. For sunrise, arrive very early, well before sunrise begins. The sun will rise behind Angkor Wat providing a silhouette of Angkor’s distinctively shaped towers against a colored sunrise sky. Some of the best colors appear just before the sun breaks over the horizon.

The visual impact of Angkor Wat, particularly on one's first visit, is awesome. As you pass through the outer gate and get your first glimpse, its size and architecture make it appear two dimensional, like a giant postcard photo against the sky. After you cross through the gate and approach the temple along the walkway it slowly gains depth and complexity. To maximize this effect you should make your first visit in optimal lighting conditions, i.e. after 2:00PM. Do not make your first visit to Angkor Wat in the morning when the backlighting obscures the view.

The first level of is the most artistically interesting. Most visitors begin their exploration with the bas-reliefs that cover the exterior wall of the first level, following the bas-reliefs counterclockwise around the temple. Bas-relief highlights include the mythological Battle of Kuru on the west wall; the historical march of the army of Suryavarman II, builder of Angkor Wat, against the Cham, followed by scenes from Heaven and Hell on the south wall; and the classic ‘Churning of the Ocean Milk’ on the east wall.

The temple interior is not as densely carved as the first level exterior, but still sports hundreds of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology. A guide can be quite helpful in explaining the stories of the various chambers, statues and architectural forms to be found in the interior. At the upper-most of your tour of the temple, the central tower on the third level houses four Buddha images, each facing a different cardinal point, highlighting the fact that though Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple, it has served as a Buddhist temple since Buddhism became Cambodia’s dominant religion in the 14th century. Some say that it is good luck to pay homage to all four Buddha images before departing Angkor.

The guided visit of Angkor Wat - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Bakong Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Roluos Group

Date of Construction: Early 9th century AD

King: Indravarman

Style: Preah Ko

History Details

Roluos Group :The most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Angkorian capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850m at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick. Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. Picturesque moat and vegetation surround Bakong.

The guided visit of Bakong Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in Cambodia Classical & Beach:

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Baksei Chamkrong Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Near the South Gate of Angkor Thom

Date of Construction: Mid 10th century AD

King: Harshavarman

Style: Bakheng

History Details

Towering 12-meter tall brick and laterite step-pyramid. Harshavarman I began construction or perhaps dedicated statues at the site in the early 10th century. It was later improved/restored by Rajendravarman II shortly after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker. According to inscriptions on the doorway, Rajendravarman II consecrated the temple with the installation of a golden Shiva image in 947AD. It may have also served as a funerary temple. Combine with a visit to the South Gate in the morning or Phnom Bakheng  in the evening. Lighting is best in the morning..

The guided visit of Baksei Chamkrong Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as.

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Bamboo Train

The bamboo train is a unique and creative form of ad-hoc local transportation.

History Details

The bamboo train consists of a small motorcycle engine-powered bamboo card that rides the railroad tracks, picking up and dropping off passengers, cargo, animals, and motorcycles along the way.

When it meets on-coming train or bamboo train, it can be disassembled and taken off the rails in a minute or two, allowing the other to pass. Cambodia is currently in the process of upgrading its rail system. When the Battambang tracks are replaced, the Bamboo Train will likely come to an end. If you ever wanted to try the bamboo train, it’s now or never.

Lonely Planet review for bamboo train

The bamboo train is one of the world's all-time classic rail journeys. From O Dambong, on the east bank 3.7km south of Battambang's Old Stone Bridge, the train runs southeast to O Sra Lav, via half an hour of clicks and clacks along warped, misaligned rails and vertiginous bridges left by the French.

Each bamboo train - known in Khmer as a norry (nori) - consists of a 3m-long wood frame, covered lengthwise with slats made of ultra-light bamboo, that rests on two barbell-like bogies, the aft one connected by fan belts to a 6HP gasoline engine. Pile on 10 or 15 people or up to three tonnes of rice, crank it up and you can cruise along at about 15km/h.

The genius of the system is that it offers a brilliant solution to the most ineluctable problem faced on any single-track line: what to do when two trains going opposite directions meet. In the case of bamboo trains, the answer is simple: one car is quickly disassembled and set on the ground beside the tracks so the other can pass. The rule is that whichever car has fewer passengers has to cede priority, though motorbikes pull rank, so if you bring one along - or have a convincing inflatable moto decoy - you'll get VIP treatment.

What happens, you may ask, when a bamboo train meets a real train barrelling down the track? First, Cambodian trains don't barrel, they crawl. Second, bamboo train conductors know the real train's schedule. And third, the real train can be heard tooting its horn from a great distance, providing more than enough time to dismount and disassemble.

Hiring a private bamboo train from O Dambong to O Sra Lav costs USaround US$8, though it's much cheaper to take a share-norry with locals transporting veggies, charcoal or wood to market. Sadly, rumour has it that bamboo trains will soon be banned, especially if the rail line to Phnom Penh is - as planned - upgraded.

Banteay Kdei Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park

Date of Construction: Late 12th - Early 13th century AD

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Angkor Wat/ Bayon

History Details

Sprawling, largely unrestored, monastic complex in much the same style as Ta Prohm. It was originally constructed over the site of an earlier temple, and functioned as a Buddhist monastery under Jayavarman VII. As with other works of Jayavarman VII's era, it is a tightly packed architectural muddle, which like Bayon, suffered from several changes in the plans at the time of construction. It was also built using an inferior grade of sandstone and using poor construction techniques, leading to much of the deterioration visible today. A restoration project is underway on many of the towers and corridors, and some areas are blocked off. The foundation stele of the temple has not been found so there is no record of to whom it is dedicated. The 13th century vandalism of Buddha images that is seen on many Jayavarman VII temples is quite apparent on Banteay Kdei. Combine with a visit to Srah Srang, which is just opposite the east entrance.

The guided visit of Banteay Kdei Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Baphuon Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Central Angkor Thom

Date of Construction: Mid 11th century AD

King: Udayadityavarman II

Style: Baphuon

History Details

The Baphuon (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបាពួន) is a temple at Angkor,Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It is the archetype of the Baphuon style. The temple adjoins the southern enclosure of the royal palace and measures 120 metres east-west by 100 metres north-south at its base and stands 34 meters tall without its tower, which would have made it roughly 50 meters tall. Its appearance apparently impressed Emperor Chengzon of Yuan China's late 13th century envoy Chouy Ta-Kuan during his visit from 1296 to 1297, who said it was 'the Tower of Bronze...a truly astonishing spectacle, with more than ten chambers at its base.' In the late 15th century, the Baphuon was converted to a Buddhist temple. A 9 meter tall by 70 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha was built on the west side's second level, which probably required the demolition of the 8 meter tower above, thus explaining its current absence. The temple was built on land filled with sand, and due to its immense size the site was unstable throughout its history. Large portions had probably already collapsed by the time the Buddha was added.

By the 20th century, much of the temple had largely collapsed, and restoration efforts have since proven problematic: a first effort begun in 1960 was interrupted by the coming to power of the Khmer Rouge, and records of the positions of the stones were lost. A second attempt started in 1995 by a team of French -led archeologists as of 2005 was still ongoing, restricting visitor access. As of November 2010, partial visitor access was once again allowed, though not to the central structure.

In April 2011, after 51 years, the archaeologists finished the restoration of the temple. King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia and Prime Minister Francois Fillon of France were among those who first toured the renovated temple during the inauguration ceremony on July 3, 2011.

The guided visit of Bapuon Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Bayon Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Central Angkor Thom

Date of Construction: Late 12th century AD

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Angkor Wat

History Details

If you see only two temples, Angkor Wat and Bayon should be the ones. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most but not all sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points. Who the faces represent is a matter of debate but they may be Loksvara, Mahayana Buddhism's compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and Jayavarman VII. Bayon was the Jayavarman VII's state-temple and in many ways represents the pinnacle of his massive building campaign. It appears to be, and is to some degree, an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century.

The best of Bayon are the bas-reliefs on the exterior walls of the lower level and on the upper level where the stone faces reside. The bas-reliefs on the southern wall contain real-life scenes from the historical sea battle between the Khmer and the Cham. It is not clear whether this represents the Cham invasion of 1177AD or a later battle in which the Khmer were victorious. Even more interesting are extensive carvings of unique and revealing scenes of everyday life that are interspersed among the battle scenes, including market scenes, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth. Also note the unfinished carvings on other walls, likely indicating the death of Jayavarman VII and the subsequent end of his building campaign. Some of the reliefs on the inner walls were carved at a later date under the Hindu king Jayavarman VIII. The surrounding tall jungle makes Bayon a bit dark and flat for photographs near sunrise and sunset..

Read one of our guest's comments:

Mr.Joseph Poyyathuruthy from India

E-mail: terryjose@gmail.com

“Bayon the temple that impressed me most”

I had done a lot of home work before going to Siem Reap and I was surprised that many people rated Bayon over Angor Wat which is the most famous temple in Angor Archaeological Park. Bayon was the first temple I visited on the first day and it was really a mesmerizing one,. I just could not resist appreciating it from the out side for almost 30 minutes before I decided to enter. The fearsome beauty of this unbelievable temple really captured my heart.If you are a keen photographer it is advised to visit this temple in the morning so that you get full details of the temple in your photographs.The west side of the temple gives you some nice view for photographs. You will need a good camera with pretty high zoom to capture the details especially the "smile of Angor". My camera with 42X zoom was found to be very useful here,

The guided visit of Bayon temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Beng Mealea Temple

Beng Mealea, its name means "lotus pond" is a temple in the Angkor Wat style located 40 km east of the main group of temples at Angkor, Cambodia, on the ancient royal highway to Preah Khan Kompong Svay.

History Details

Sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer. The temple is largely overrun by vegetation and very lightly touristed, giving it an adventurous, ‘lost temple’ feel. Photographers: trees growing from the broken towers and galleries offer some of the best ‘tree in temple’ shots aside from Ta Prohm. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style under the same king that built Angkor Wat, Beng Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat.Though there are some lintel and doorway carvings, there are no bas-reliefs and the carvings are comparatively sparse. When the temple was active, the walls may have been covered, painted or had frescos. In its time, Beng Melea was at the crossroads of several major highways that ran to Angkor, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear (in northern Cambodia) and northern Vietnam. Regular admission ticket are not required but there is a separate $5 entrance fee.Beng Mea Lea is located 63km east of town. The road is now in good condition and the trip from Siem Reap takes 1-2 hours. Graded dirt road with occasional flooding in the rainy season.

The guided visit of Beng Mea Lea Temple  - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in Angkor Explorer:

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Chong Khneas

Chong Khneas is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most accessible to Siem Reap.

History Details

If you want a relatively quick and easy look at the Tonle Sap, boat tours of Chong Khneas are available, departing from the Chong Khneas boat docks all day long. Take a motodup or taxi the 11-15km from Siem Reap to the boat docks where there are always boats waiting for passengers. A two-hour boat trip through the floating village and the boats may carry as many as 15 other people.

The boatman will probably point out the differing Khmer and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, clinics, schools and other boatloads of tourists. Chong Khneas, while interesting, is over-touristed and is not as picturesque and 'unspoiled' as floating villages further from Siem Reap. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Centre, which offers displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.

CYCLOS

The humble bicycle rickshaw known locally as the 'cyclo' (from the French 'cyclopousse') can be a romantic, even practical form of transportation, especially if time is not a factor. Slow and relaxed, cyclos are easier on the nerves than motos, the canopy offers a drier, cooler ride and sitting in front provides a much better view of the passing street scene.

History Details

The cyclo was first introduced in Phnom Penh in 1937 and has since become an iconic fixture a vestige of the French colonial period that can be found in cities through old French Indochina. As traffic increases and other forms of transportation become available, the cyclo is slowly losing its place in Phnom Penh. A cyclo ride should cost about the sames as a moto.

TheCYCLOS Tour with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Kampong Khleang

Kampong Khleang is located on the northern lake-edge about 35 km east of Siem Reap town, more remote and less touristed than Kampong Phluk.

History Details

Visitors to Kampong Khleang during the dry season are universally awestruck by the forest of stilted houses rising up to 10 meters in the air. In the wet season the waters rise to within one or two meters of the buildings. Like Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang is a permanent community within the floodplain of the Lake, with an economy based in fishing and surrounded by flooded forest. But Kampong Khleang is significantly larger with near 10 times the population of Kampong Phluk, making it the largest community on the Lake.

The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas docks or by a combination of road to Domdek on Route #6 and then boat to the village, the best method depending on the time of year. During the dry season, boats cannot get all of the way to the main villages.

Kampong Phluk

Kampong Phluk is a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap.

History Details

The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6-meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. At this time of year many of the villagers move out onto the lake and build temporary houses. In the wet season when water level rises, the villagers move back to their permanent houses on the floodplain, the stilts now hidden under the water. Kampong Phluk's economy is, as one might expect, based in fishing, primary in shrimp harvesting.

Kampong Phluk sees comparatively few foreign visitors and offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life. The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas or by road. Make arrangements through your guesthouse of tour operator, or charter a boat at the Chong Khneas docks. During the wet season, drive to Roluos village just off Route #6 east of Siem Reap and then take a boat through the flooded forest the rest of the way. During the dry season the road is clear, making the boat unnecessary. Much of the road has recently been improved, now paved most of the way.

Lo Lei Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Roluos Group

Date of Construction: Late 9th century AD

King: Yasovarman I

Style: Pre Rup/Bakheng

History Details

Roluos Group  Ruins of an island-temple built in the middle of a now dry baray, Indratataka, the first large-scale baray constructed by a Khmer king. Lolei consists of four brick towers on a double laterite platform. It was the last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition, there are some lintel carvings in very good condition displaying the distinctively detailed Preah Ko style. An active pagoda has been built amongst the ruins. Of the Roluos Group ruins, allocate the least time Lolei.

The guided visit of Lo Lei Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in Cambodia Classical & Beach:

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Neak Pean Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park/Grand Circuit

Date of Construction: Late 12th century AD

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Bayon

History Details

A small island temple located in the middle of the last baray (the Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka) to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Originally known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means ‘coiled serpents,’ from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple.

The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean contains several Hindu images. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human headwater spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.

The guided visit of Neak Pean Temple  - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Phnom Bakheng Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Near the South Gate of Angkor Thom

Date of Construction: Late 9th - Early 10th century AD

King:Yasovarman I

Style:Bakheng

History Details

The construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. It served as King Yasovarman I's state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill of most other temples.

Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat Temple in the jungle. (A good photo of Angkor Wat in the distance requires at least a 400mm lens.) The temple is usually overcrowded at sunset, sometimes even completely overrun by tourists. Due to overuse and damage, the main stairway up the mountain has been closed and an alternate path to the top has been opened. Elephant Ride sup and down the hill are also available from about 4:00PM till sunset. $15/person up the mountain. $10 per person down the mountain.

The guided visit of Phnom Bakheng Temple  - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Phnom Penh

WELCOME TO PHNOM PENH

A mixture of Asian exotica,the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three great rivers, the ‘four arms‘of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac , form right in front of the Royal Palace.Phnom Penh is the commercial, political and cultural hub of the Kingdom and is home to over two million of the country’s estimated 14 million people. It is also the gate way to an exotic land….

The world heritage site, the largest religious complex in the world, the temples of Angkor in the west, the beaches of the southern coast and the ethnic minorities of the north eastern provinces.

History Details

The city offers several cultural and historical attractions including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. There are also a wide variety of services including five star hotels and budget guest houses, fine standard dining places, side walk noodle shops, neighborhood pubs, international discos and more.

Phnom Penh, like other Asian-city tourist destinations, is in the midst of rapid changes. Over the past few years, the numbers of restaurants and hotels have grown considerably and in the last year there was a huge increase in the number of visitors. Three overland border crossings were opened in 1998 and now there are daily direct flights from several Asian cities. Even travel within the country is easier road condition gradually improving, several airlines flying domestic routes,and regular bus service to major cities like Sihanouk ville and Kampong Cham.Getting around Cambodia is no longer concern.

INTRODUCTION TO PHNOM PENH

Situated at the confluence ofthe four great front rivers “Chatomuk or four faces” of the Mekong, Tonle Sap,And Bassac. Phnom Penh is located at the confluence of four rivers-the Lower Mekong, The Upper Mekong, The Bassac and Tonle Sap. Phnom Penh covers an areaof 41 square kilometers. It is a major political, economic, cultural,communication and tourism center for home and world service.

The city is divided into three sections-The north, an attractive residential area; the south or the French part of the city with its ministries, banks and colonial houses; and the center or the heart with its narrow lanes, markets, foods stalls and shops.Over the past four years, the city has undergone tremendous changes. Businesses are springing up constantly, and tourism is once again booming.

Cambodia has managed toretain its charm and character. Cyclos that weave through traffic with ease, Broad Boulevard, old colonial buildings, parks and green spaces remind one of the country’s French heritage, and above all its people who always have a smile for you Phnom Penh offer several cultural and historical attractions. It is acharming mix of ancient monuments and modern landmarks that consist offive-star hotels and international standard entertainment centers. Cambodia canbe enjoyed any time of the year though the ideal months are November and February.  During this time of the year the humidity levels are relatively low and there is little likelihood of rain.

HOW TO GET TO PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh can be reached by either domestic flights, international flights or overland and speed boat from neighboring provinces. Phnom Penh is a fairly easy city to get around. Though traffic is getting more congested these days, you can still travel the length of the city in less than 40 minutes. Regarding the economical boom these days,the traffic increases significantly, reaching the popular tourist destinationsin less than 20 minutes.

Phnom Penh The major arrivalof international visitors in Phnom Penh is by air at Phnom Penh international airport and overland. Most of the flights to the country passed through the airport of Phnom Penh are from Asian cities. Many international as well as regional airlines operate daily flight service. Visas are available at airports and most overland border crossings.

On arrival at airport, taxis and motorcycle taxis (motodups) or tuk-tuks (Motorcycle trailers) can be hired just out side the arrival lobby. Now the meter taxis are available. Taxis cost $7.00 for the 20-30 minute ride into the city centre. Cheaper, slower and less comfortable, motor cycle taxis can be hired for $2.00 into town. Tuk-tuk cost $4.00 for a pleasant and comfortable ride to the heart of the city. An usual taxi to the airport from town costs about $5-7$. Allow a minimum of 30-40minutes to get to the airports, as you might get into some traffic jams during the rush hour.

Bus

One can reach city by busalso as there are regularly scheduled air-con buses operate between Phnom Penh and Poi-pet, a border city of Thailand and from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).

Port of Phnom Penh

The ferry port in Phnom Penhis on Sisowath Quay (the riverfront road) at Street 104, just north of the main river front park restaurant area. Getting to Phnom Penh by ferry is another option. Though the way is little time consuming. If you are arriving in Phnom Penh, there are always motor taxis and car taxis waiting for fares. Motorcycle taxis run about R1500-R3000, car taxis about $3-$5 and tuk-tuks costs   $2-$4 to down town hotels.

The guided visit of Phnom Penh - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Preah Khan Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park/Grand Circuit

Date of Construction: Late 12th century AD

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Bayon

History Details

Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom Temple. Preah Khan means 'sacred sword.’ In harmony with the architecturally similar Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Features of note: like most of Jayavarman VII's monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple. It is one of the only examples of round columns and may be from a later period.

The guided visit of Preah Khan Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Preah Ko Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Roluos Group

Date of Construction: Late 9th century AD

King: Indravarman I

Style: Preah Ko

History Details

Roluos Group: Six towers displaying set on a platform, all beautifully preserved carvings . Originally surrounded by walls and gopuras of which only vestiges remain. Preah Ko was one of the first major temples of the empire at the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers.

The guided visit of Preah Ko Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in Cambodia Classical & Beach:

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)    

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

The 'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds."

History Details

The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time of year for viewing is the dry season when flocks of migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult.

Roluos Group

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park-Roluos Group

Date of Construction: Late 9th century AD

History Details

The Roluos Group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. It has become known as the ‘Roluos Group’ due to its proximity to the modern town of Roluos. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an existing settlement in the area before the rise of Angkor, Hariharalaya was established as a capital city by Jayavarman II and served as the Khmer capital for over 70 years under four successive kings. Setting the pattern for the next four centuries, the first great Khmer temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lo Lei) and baray (reservoir) were constructed at Hariharalaya. The last king at Hariharalaya, Yasovarman I, built the first major temple at Angkor,Phnom Bakheng, and moved the capital to the Bakheng area in 905 C.E. With the exception of a 20 year interruption in the 10th century, the capital would remain at Angkor until 1422 C.E., 12km southeast of Siem Reap.

The The guided visit of Roluos Group - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in Cambodia Classical & Beach:

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Sacred Phnom Kulen & Waterfall

Phnom Kulen is the most sacred of all Khmer Pilgrimage sites. This holy place is set on a 20 km long lime stone plateau which is mostly forested. This picturesque location is only 1 hour drive from Siem Reap. The approach on a mountain road is very scenic and provides some of the best landscape views in the Angkor area.

History Details

The Kulen Waterfalls are apopular bathing place for local families. The area is a good place to meet locals, as only few foreigners go here. The Kulen waterfalls are the most impressive waterfalls in Cambodia. They are spectacular, especially duringthe rainy season.

Visit the Wats and the Reclining Buddha. Go onward to see an area of Hindu lingams in the riverbed and the so called "Buddha'sfoodprint", a holy water spring. Depending on your interests,explore temples above the water falls and animal figures and carvings scattered around on the hill.

As there are opportunities for swimming, bring your bathers!

Siem Reap International Airport

Siem Reap International Airport is the airport serving Siem Reap, Cambodia, a popular tourist destination owing to nearby Angkor Wat. It is the busiest airport in Cambodia in terms of passenger traffic.

History Details

The airport was developed by Archetype Group. Its new terminal was inaugurated on August 28, 2006. The airport sits 7.5km from town, close to the temples, occasionally affording spectacular views of Angkor Wat during landings and take offs. Outside the terminal is a ticket booth for registered taxis into town. Independent taxis and motorcycles wait just outside the airport. The price is the same for both: motorcycles are $2 and cars are $7 into town. Most hotels offer free transportation from the airport but you must notify them in advance of your arrival.

The Cambodian government has plans to replace the airport with a new one, 60 km from Siem Reap.

Airlines and destinations

Ta Prohm Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park.

Date of Construction: Mid 12th - Early 13th century AD

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Bayon

History Details

Of similar design to the later Jayavarman VII temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei,this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best ‘tree-in-temple’ photo opportunities at Angkor.

Flocks of noisy parrots flit from tree to tree adding to the jungle atmosphere. Ta Prohm is well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. This temple was one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects. Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother. (Preah Khan, built shortly after Ta Prohm in the same general style, was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father.) Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of control over 3000 villages, thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. Of the monastic complex style temples, Ta Prohm is a superior example and should be included in almost any temple itinerary.

The guided visit of Ta Phrom Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)

•    Angkor Discovery (4days)

•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)

•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Terrace of the Elephants

The Terrace of the elephants was built by King Jayavarman VII.The wall shows carving of mahouts and their elephants. This area was once used as an audience hall and for public ceremonies of the kings.

History Details

The Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, a ruined temple complex in Cambodia. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain. Most of the original structure was made of organic material and has long since disappeared. Most of what remains are the foundation platforms of the complex.

The terrace is named for the carvings of elephants on its eastern face. The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's grand audience hall. It has five outworks extending towards the Central Square-three in the centre and one at each end. The middle section of the retaining wall is decorated with life size garuda and lions; towards either end are the two parts of the famous parade of elephants complete with their Khmer mahouts.

The guided visit of Terrace of the Elephants - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)

• Angkor Discovery (4days)

• Angkor Explorer    (5days)

• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Tonle Sap Lake

The lake sits only about 15 km south of Siem Reap town. If you take the ferry between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap you will cross the lake and dock at the village of Chong Khneas. There are several ways to see the culture and wildlife of the lake area depending on the amount of time you have and your interest.

History Details

Cambodia's Great Lake, the Boeung Tonle Sap (Tonle Sap Lake,) is the most prominent feature on the map of Cambodia - a huge dumbbell-shaped body of water stretching across the northwest section of the country. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, swelling to an expansive 12,000 km2. During the dry half of the year the Lake shrinks to as small as 2500 km2, draining into the Tonle Sap River, which meanders southeast, eventually merging with the Mekong River at the 'chaktomuk' confluence of rivers opposite Phnom Penh. But during the wet season a unique hydrologic phenomenon causes the river to reverse direction, filling the lake instead of draining it. The engine of this phenomenon is the Mekong River, which becomes bloated with snow melt and runoff from the monsoon rains in the wet season. The swollen Mekong backs up into the Tonle Sap River at the point where the rivers meet at the 'chaktomuk' confluence, forcing the waters of the Tonle Sap River back upriver into the lake. The inflow expands the surface area of lake more than five-fold, inundating the surrounding forested floodplain and supporting an extraordinarily rich and diverse eco-system. More than 100 varieties of waterbirds including several threatened and endangered species, over 200 species of fish, as well as crocodiles, turtles, macaques, otter and other wildlife inhabit the inundated mangrove forests. The Lake is also an important commercial resource, providing more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia. In harmony with the specialized ecosystems, the human occupations at the edges of the lake is similarly distinctive - floating villages, towering stilted houses, huge fish traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters.

Chong Khneas

Chong Khneas is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most accessible to Siem Reap. If you want a relatively quick and easy look at the Tonle Sap, boat tours of Chong Khneas are available, departing from the Chong Khneas boat docks all day long. Take a motodup or taxi the 11-15km from Siem Reap to the boat docks where there are always boats waiting for passengers. A two-hour boat trip through the floating village and the boats may carry as many as 15 other people. The boatman will probably point out the differing Khmer and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, clinics, schools and other boatloads of tourists. Chong Khneas, while interesting, is over-touristed and is not as picturesque and 'unspoiled' as floating villages further from Siem Reap. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Centre, which offers displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

The 'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds." The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time of year for viewing is the dry season when flocks of migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult.
Kampong Phluk

Kampong Phluk is a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6-meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. At this time of year many of the villagers move out onto the lake and build temporary houses. In the wet season when water level rises, the villagers move back to their permanent houses on the floodplain, the stilts now hidden under the water. Kampong Phluk's economy is, as one might expect, based in fishing, primary in shrimp harvesting.

Kampong Phluk sees comparatively few foreign visitors and offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life. The area can be reached by boat from the Chong Khneas or by road. Make arrangements through your guesthouse of tour operator, or charter a boat at the Chong Khneas docks. During the wet season, drive to Roluos village just off Route #6 east of Siem Reap and then take a boat through the flooded forest the rest of the way. During the dry season the road is clear, making the boat unnecessary. Much of the road has recently been improved, now paved most of the way.

Wat Thmei

Wat Thmei is a modern pagoda concealing a dark past, with a memorial stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge during 1975 – 1979. There are plenty of young monks keen to practice their English here. It’s located on the left fork of the road to Angkor Wat.

History Details

Pagodas and monks welcome visitors and tourists. Please always remember to not disturb prayer or eating times, women are not allowed to touch monks, bow slightly in the presence of older monks, don’t point soles of feet or fingers towards monks or Buddha statues, sit with feet tucked behind rather than crossed, hats off in the monastery grounds, take off your shoes in the building, speak softly, ask before taking pictures, don’t enter closed buildings without permission, contribute what you can to the donation box.

Angkor Archaeological Park

The Angkor Archaeological Park is home to the magnificent Khmer temple ruins of Angkor, including the legendary Angkor Wat, Bayon and dozens of other ancient ruins  of the Angkorian-era (9th-13th century) Khmer Empire. The Park encompasses more than 400 square kilometers just outside Siem Reap City in northwestern Cambodia and is a World Heritage Site.

History Details

The temple ruins of Angkor contained within the Angkor Archaeological Park represent the remnants of the millennium-old Angkorian-era capitals of the ancient Khmer Empire. The Khmer people were and are the dominant ethnic group in Cambodia. The name ‘Angkor’ refers to the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire that stretched across much of mainland Southeast Asia between the 9th and 15th centuries A.D., and also refers to the capital city of the Empire that was centered north of Siem Reap Cambodia. The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses the main temple ruins of the Angkorian capitals located in the Siem Reap area. Most of these temples were constructed between the 9th and 12th century A.D. and represent the pinnacle of ancient Khmer architecture, art and civilization. At its height, the Age of Angkor was a time wealth and power for the Khmer Empire. The capital city at Angkor was populated by more than a million people, Khmer kings constructed vast waterworks and grand temples and the Empire's military, economic and cultural dominance held sway over the area of modern Cambodia, as well as much of Thailand, southern Vietnam and Laos.
 
Siem Reap City is the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. There are no hotels within the Park grounds and most visitors stay in Siem Reap where almost all of the area's  hotel and restaurants are located. Siem Reap City is just south of the Angkor Archaeological Park with the Park entrance located only 3km north of town. With the exception of the Roluos Group of temples 13km east of Siem Reap, the most important temple ruin are within 6-25km north of town, the closest major temple being Angkor Wat. To arrange your visit to the Angkor Archaeological Park you will need to decide how long to stay, purchase an admission pass, arrange transportation to the temples, obtain a guidebook or tour guide and plan out your temple itinerary.

 * You must possess an admission pass (an 'Angkor Pass') to visit the temples and sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Passes may be purchased at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat. One-day tickets only can be purchased at the secondary tollgate on airport road entrance Angkor Wat near  and a Banteay Srey.

Passes are sold in one-day ($37), three-day ($62) and seven-day ($72) blocks. The three day pass is valid for one week, i.e. 3 days to be used within the week, not necessarily consecutively. The seven day pass is valid for one month, i.e. 7 days to be used within the month, not necessarily consecutively.

A one-day visit allows you to see the highlights of the most famous temples but very little more. Three days is sufficient to visit all of the major temples once, a few of the minor ones and have a little extra time at your favorites. Seven days is enough time to really explore some of your favorite ruins and visit many of the minor structures as well. One passport-sized photo is require at time of purchase of three and seven day passes. If you do not have a photo, free photos are provided at the main entrance, though this can be a time consuming process at peak entrance hours.

Visiting hours are 5:00AM - 6:00PM. Angkor Wat closes at 6:00PM,Banteay Srey closes at 5:00PM Kbal Spean  and  at 3:00PM. Always carry your ticket. It will be checked upon each park entry and at major temples. There is a significant fine for not possessing a valid ticket inside the park. A regular admission ticket is not required to visit Phnom Kulen, Koh Ker or  Beng Mea Lea, but there is a separate entrance fee of $20, $10 and $5, respectively.

*There are dozens of temple ruins in the Angkor Archaeological Park spread across more than 400 square km. all in different states of ruin and displaying a  range of artistic and architectural styles. To get the most from your limited time at the Park you will need to plan a temple itinerary. Your personal depends largely on how much time you have and your level of interest, though some temples are ‘must sees.

*Wear light, airy, covering clothing to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. The sun can be intense so bring a hat, sunglasses and perhaps sunscreen. Consider buying a traditional Khmer scarf (krama) to keep the sun off your neck. Carry a raincoat during the wet season, though you will probably only need it in the afternoon. You should have mosquito repellent for sunrise and sunset hours. Wear practical shoes for climbing narrow steps and walking on uneven surfaces. For serious temple explorers, a flashlight, notebook and compass can come in handy. Books, refreshments, trinkets, postcards and film are available from small vendors throughout the temple complex.

Apsara Dance

No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as 'Apsara Dance' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance is better described as'dance-drama' in that the dances are not merely dance but are also meant toconvey a story or message. There are four main modern genres of traditional Khmer dance:

1) Classical Dance, also knownas Court or Palatine Dance (lakhonpreah reach troap or lakhonluong);

2) Shadow theater (sbeik thom and sbeik toot);

3) Lakhon Khol (all-male masked dance-drama.);

4) Folk Dance (Ceremonial andTheatrical).

History Details

As evidenced in part by the innumerable apsaras (celestial dancers) that adorn the walls of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian temples, dance has been part of Khmer culture for well more than a millennium, though there have been ruptures in the tradition over the centuries, making it impossible to precisely trace the source of the tradition. Much of traditional dance (especially Classical) is inspired by Angkorian-era art and themes, but the tradition has not been passed unbroken from the age of Angkor.

Most traditional dances seen today were developed in the 18th through 20th centuries, beginning in earnest with a mid-19th century revival championed by King Ang Duong (reigned 1841-1869). Subsequent Kings and other Khmer Royals also strongly supported the arts and dance, most particularly Queen Sisowath Kossamak Nearireach (retired King Norodom Sihanouk's mother) in the mid-20th century, who not only fostered a resurgence in the study and development of Khmer traditional dance, but also helped move it out of the Palace and popularize it.

Queen Sisowath Kossamak trained her grand daughter Princess Bopha Devi in the art of traditional dance from early childhood, who went on to become the face of Khmer traditional dance in the 1950s and 60s both in Cambodia and around the world. Many traditional dances that are seen in performances today were developed and refined between the 1940s and 1960s under the guidance and patronage of Queen Sisowath Kossamak at the Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. Almost all of the Theatrical Folk dances that are presented in modern performances were developed during this period. Like so much of Cambodian art and culture, traditional dance was almost lost under the brutal repression of the Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s, only to be revived and reconstructed in the 1980s and 90s due, in large part, to the extraordinary efforts of Princess Bopha Devi.

Classical dance, including the famous 'Apsara dance,' has a grounded, subtle, even restrained, yet feather-light, ethereal appearance. Distinct in its ornate costuming, taut posture, arched back and feet, fingers flexed backwards, codified facial expressions, slow, close, deliberate but flowing movements, Classical dance is uniquely Khmer. It presents themes and stories inspired primarily by the Reamker (the Cambodian version of the Indian classic, the Ramayana) and the Age of Angkor.

Folk Dance come in two forms: ceremonial and theatrical. As a general rule, only Theatrical Folk Dance is presented in public performances, with Ceremonial Folk Dances reserved for particular rituals, celebrations and holidays. Theatrical Folk Dances such as the popular Good Harvest Dance and the romantic Fishing Dance are usually adaptations of dances found in the countryside or inspired by rural life and practices. Most of the Theatrical Folk Dances that are seen in performances today were developed at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh in the 1960s as part of an effort to preserve and perpetuate Khmer culture and arts.

Shadow theatre comes in two forms: Sbeik Thom (big puppets that are actually panels depicting certain characters from the story) and Sbeik Toot (small articulated puppets). The black leather puppets are held in front of a light source, either in front or behind a screen, creating a shadow or silhouette effect. Sbeik Thom is the more uniquely Cambodian, more formal of the two types, restricting itself to stories from the Reamker. The performance is accompanied by a pin peat orchestra and narration, and the puppeteers are silent, moving the panels with dance-like movements. Sbeik Toot has a far lighter feel, presenting popular stories of heroes, adventures, love and battles, with or without orchestra and with the puppeteers often doing the narration.

Lakhon Khol is all male masked theatre presenting exclusively stories from the Reamker.

Most dance performances in Siem Reap offer a mixture of Classical and Theatrical Folk dances. A few venues offer Shadow Theater. Many of the dance performances in Siem Reap consist of 4-6 individual dances, often opening with an Apsara Dance, followed by two other Classical dances and two or three Theatrical Folk dances. The Apsara Dance is a Classical dance inspired by the apsara carvings and sculptures of Angkor and developed in the late 1940s by Queen Sisowath Kossamak. Her grand daughter and protégé, Princess Bopha Devi, was the first star of the Apsara Dance. The central character of the dance, the apsara Mera, leads her coterie of apsaras through a flower garden where they partake of the beauty of the garden.

The movements of the dance are distinctly Classical yet, as the dance was developed for theatrical presentation, it is shorter and a bit more relaxed and flowing than most Classical dances, making it both an excellent example of the movements, manner and spirit of Classical dance and at the same time particularly accessible to a modern audience unaccustomed to the style and stories of Khmer dance-drama.

Another extremely popular dance included in most traditional dance performances in Siem Reap is the Theatrical Folk Dance known as the 'Fishing Dance.' The Fishing Dance is a playful,  energetic folk dance with a strong, easy-to-follow story line. It was developed in the 1960s at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh and was inspired by the developer's interpretation of certain rather idealized and stereotyped aspects aspects of rural life and young love. Clad in rural attire, a group of young men and women fish with rattan baskets and scoops, dividing their attention between work and flirtatious glances. Women are portrayed as hardworking, shy, demurring and coy, whereas the young men are strong, unrestrained, roguish and assertive. As the dance continues a couple is separated from the group allowing the flirtations between them to intensify, only to be spoiled by the male character playing a bit too rough, leading to her coy rejection. He pokes and plays trying to win her back, bringing only further rejection. Eventually he gently apologizes on bended knee and after some effort, draws a smile and her attention once again.

Just as they move together, the group returns, startling the couple and evoking embarrassment as they both rush to their 'proper' roles once again. The men and women exit at opposite sides of the stage, leaving the couple almost alone, but under pressure of the groups, they separate, leaving in opposite directions, yet with index finger placed to mouth, hint of a secret promise to meet again. (In an interesting side note, placing one's index finger to the lips to denote quiet or secrecy is not, generally speaking, a gesture found in Cambodia, but is common in the West. Its employment in the dance probably indicates a certain amount of 'foreign influence' amongst the Cambodian choreographers when the dance was developed in the 1960s.)  

Balloon ride

Siem Reap Balloon Ride:

Location: On the road between the airport and Angkor Wat

Open:  daily from sunrise to sunset.

Admission: US$15

History Details

The balloon is located at the road from the International Airport in Siem Reap/Angkor, Cambodia to the main entrance of Angkor Wat Temple, just 1 km west of Angkor Wat. The tethered balloon affords views over the nearby area, Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, the West Baray and the Cambodian countryside. On a clear day you can even see Tonle Sap lake and Phnom Krom.

Depending on the weather conditions the balloon rises up to 200 meters and can carry up to 30 passengers for a 15 minutes ride. Tickets can be purchased directly on spot.

The balloon operates from sunrise to sunset depending on the weather conditions. In rainy season it often only operates in the morning due to stronger winds or rain in the afternoon. Don’t forget your camera!

Banteay Chhmar

Banteay Chhmar is a commune in Thma Puok District in Banteay Meanchey province in northwest Cambodia. It is located 63 km north of Sisophon and about 20 km east of the Thai border. The commune of Banteay Chhmar contains 14 villages.The massive temple of Banteay Chhmar, along with its satellite shrines and reservoir (baray), comprises one of the most important and least understood archaeological complexes from Cambodia's Angkor period.

History Details

Like Angkor Thom, the temple of Banteay Chhmar was accomplished during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century. One of the temple's shrines once held an image of Srindrakumara rajaputra (the crown prince), probably a son of Jayavarman VII.

The long Old Khmer inscription found at the site (K.227), and now on display in the National Museum, Phnom Penh, relates how this prince or a king (samtac) was protected on two different occasions by four royal servants, all of whom lost their lives in his defense. The inscription lists the names of these officials and informs us that their respective images were once placed in the four corners of the shrine.

The guided visit of Banteay Chhmar - with experienced and licensed local tour guides only one day tour, it's not included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Banteay Sam Re Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park- 4km east of East Mebon

Date of Construction: Mid 12th century AD

King: Suryavarman II

Style: Angkor Wat

History Details

Large, comparatively flat temple displaying distinctively Angkor Wat-style architecture and artistry. The temple underwent extensive restoration this century by archaeologists using the anastylosis method. Banteay Sam Re was constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat. The style of the towers and balustrades bear strong resemblance to the towers of Angkor Wat and even more so to Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition. Banteay Sam Re is a bit off the Grand Circuit, near the southeast corner of the East Baray. The trip there is a nice little 3km road excursion through villages and paddies. Combine a visit to Banteay Srey with a stop at Banteay Sam Re on the way back.

The guided visit of Banteay Sam Re Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Banteay Srei Temple

Location: 37km north of Siem Reap Town

Date of Construction: Late 10th century AD

King: Rajendravarman

Style: Banteay Srei

History Details

Banteay Srei loosely translates to ‘citadel of the women,’ but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srei displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. The colors are best before 10:30 AM and after 2:00 PM, but there are fewer tourists in the afternoon. This temple was discovered by French archaeologists relatively late, in 1914. The temple area closes at 5:00 PM. Banteay Srey lies 38 km from Siem Reap, requiring extra travel time. Drivers usually charge a fee in addition to their normal daily charge for the trip. Banteay Srei is well worth the extra effort. Combine a visit to Banteay Srei with Banteay Samre.

The guided visit of Banteay Srei Temple    - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, except Angkor Highlights:

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Central Market

The Central Market (Khmer: ផ្សារធំថ្មី, "Psah Thom Thmey", "New Grand Market"), is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. It is located in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh. When it first opened in 1937, it was said to be the biggest market in Asia, and today it still operates as a market. From 2009 to 2011, it underwent a US$4.2 million renovation funded by the French Development Agency.

History Details

The market opens from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it is, for tourists, a 'must see' stop. Most tourists visit this market because they want to see the extensive amount of products that are offered for bargain. The four wings of this gigantic yellow-coloured dome are teeming with numerous stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, men's and women's apparel, clocks, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, fish, seafood, dessert, luggage, and countless other products.

The unique Art Deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Prior to 1935, the area was a lake that received runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and construction began in 1935. Since its completion in 1937 wet season flooding around the market has remained a problem and is vestigial evidence of the existence of the old lake. The entrance to the market is lined with souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirts and postcards to silver curios and Kramas. Inside is a dazzling display of jewels and gold. Electronic goods, stationery, secondhand clothes and flowers are also sold.

Chau Say Thevada Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park
Date of Construction: Early 12th century AD
King:Suryavarman II
Style: Angkor Wat

History Details

Chau Say Tevada is a small temple of similar design and floor plan to that of Thommanon  located across the street (except for additional gopuras and library), but for years appeared as Thommanon ’s neglected sister, languishing in significantly worse condition than Thommanon, which had been restored back in the 1960s. Chau Say Tevada is now undergoing an extensive restoration project, for the moment allowing the visitor a close up look at the restoration process. The small section of the temple pictured to the left is currently in the process of being reconstructed. Chau Say Tevada seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon, but in fact was built much later in Suryavarman II’s rule. Chau Say Tevada displays some well-executed carvings that are in still fair condition, especially those on the eastern Gopura. Though most carvings are Hindu-themed, there are also some Buddhist-themed reliefs. The eastern walkway from the temple leads to the Siem Reap River a few hundred meters away.

The guided visit of Chau Say Thevada Temple  - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

East Mebon Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park/Grand Circuit

Date of Construction: Late 10th century AD

King: Rajendravarman II

Style: Pre Rup

History Details

East Mebon is a large temple-mountain-like ruin, rising three levels and crowned by five towers. Jayavarman IV, a usurper to the throne, moved the capital from Angkor to Koh Ker in 928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II returned the capital to Angkor and shortly thereafter constructed East Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Baray. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. Inscriptions indicate that it was also built to help reestablish the continuity of kingship at Angkor in light of the interruption that occurred when the seat of power had been moved to Koh Ker. There seems to be some scholarly debate as to whether East Mebon should be categorized as a temple-mountain. Inscriptions record activity at the temple as early as 947AD, but East Mebon was not consecrated until 952AD.

The guided visit of East Mebon Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as.

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Jayavarman VII

Reign: Khmer Empire: 1181-1218

Full name:Jayavarthon

Birthplace: Angkor

Died:1218

Place of death: Angkor

Predecessor: Yasovarman II

Successor: Indravarman II

Consort: Indradevi

Consort: Jayarachadevi (Queen's Sister)

Father: Dharanindravarman II

Religious beliefs: Mahayana Buddhism

History Details

King Jayavarman VII was the son of King Dharanindravarman II. Following the early death of his first wife, Jayararajadevi, he married Rajendradevi, the older sister of his first wife. His second wife was responsible for the providing a Buddhist education for young girls of the palace. She was a renowned poet whose knowledge of science and philosophy was said to be without equal. One of Jayavarman VII’s sons, Suryakumara, was the author of the Ta Prohm stele. According to the Preah Khan inscription, he had to more sons, Srivirakumara and Sriindrakumara by Queen Rajendradevi.

The name of Jayavarman VII was little known before 1903, at which time the Bulletin EFEO (École Française d’Extrême-Orient) published a study by Louis Finot concerning a Sanskrit inscription discovered by Georges Maspéro in the Say Fong region of Laos (near Vientiane). This inscription proclaims an edict issued by Jayavarman VII concerning the establishment of a hospital in 1186. Finot noted that this text was very similar to another found on a stele in Nha-Trang province (Vietnam). Finot mentions that Jayavarman VII was often cited in Cham inscriptions as having been a great conqueror. He also noted a number of steles distributed throughout Laos, Vietnam and lower Cochinchina that attest to conquests and victories of this king. Other inscriptions mention many generous acts and victories of Jayavarman VII. These inscriptions shed light on a great king from Cambodia’s distant past. Subsequent research has helped to further illuminate the character of this king, considered to be the most dynamic in Cambodian history.

Georges Cœdès studied numerous inscriptions including those of Ta Prohm, Banteay Chhmar, the hospital edicts, Vimeanakas (Phimeanakas), Indradevi’s inscription and an inscription from Mi-Son (Champa). Cœdès made a comparative study of these inscriptions and scenes depicted in the bas-reliefs of the Bayon and at Banteay Chhmar temple that relate to events in Jayavarman VII’s reign.
In 1181, Jayavarman VII became king and established a new capital, Angkor Thom.

During his reign, the Cambodian kingdom spanned a huge area; extending beyond the Menam Basin to the west (the Bayon inscription mentions the existence of two statues of divinities guarding the cities of Ratchaburi and Phetburi in Thailand), as far as the seacoast of Champa to the east, as far as the city of Sukhothai (which was supervised by Khmer functionaries) in the north, all the way down to the southern sea. At the time the Khmers were trading with China, India and other countries of Asia Minor.
King Jayavarman VII was greatly concerned with the well being of his kingdom and wanted to turn it into an earthly paradise. The Ta Prohm inscription comments on this subject:

“He found satisfaction in the nectar of his religion, the Sakyamuni Buddhism of the Greater Vehicle, within which he identified a cult of deceased relatives with the characteristics of the compassionate Bodhisattva and Prajnaparamita.”

With regard to the arts, the king was responsible for the construction of numerous temples in the Angkor region and in other provinces.
The Ta Prohm temple, constructed at Angkor in 1186 and referred to as the ‘Royal Vihara’, was dedicated as a Buddhist temple which housed a statue of Jayavarman VII's mother (Srirajacudamuni) represented as Prajnaparamita. Five years later, the king founded Preah Khan temple in order to house as statue of his father, Dharanindravarman II, in the likeness of Lokesvara (also called ‘Jayavarman VII’). In the centre of the Jayatataka Baray, the king erected Neak Pean temple, in which he placed a statue of Buddha the Healer and protector against illness (Bhaisajya-guru). Also in this temple he placed a statue of his father, as Jayavaramesvara, and a statue of the Buddha. At the end of his reign, Jayavarman constructed the Bayon temple, which he dedicated to the Buddhist cult of the Buddha Raja instead of the traditional Linga Raja. He was also responsible for the construction of the temples of Banteay Kdei, Banteay Chhmar (dedicated to his son, Srindrakumara), Banon near Battambang, Wat Nokor in Kompong Cham, Ta Prohm at Tonle Bati (Takeo Province), Ta Som, Krol Ko, and the walls and gateways of Angkor Thom.

Besides these constructions, the king established a network of roads linking Angkor Thom with Champa (Vijaya-Binh Dinh, Vietnam), and with Phimai (Thailand). Along these roads he erected 121 rest houses - one very 15 kilometres. These included:

•    From Angkor Thom to Champa………………………57 rest houses
•    From Angkor Thom to Phimai.………………………..17 rest houses
•    Along other routes………….……………...…………...46 rest houses
•    At Phnom Chiso……. ….……………………………....1 rest house

Jayavarman VII established 102 hospitals throughout the kingdom. The inscription of Say Fong notes:
“He suffered the illnesses of his subjects more than his own; because it is the pain of the public that is the pain of kings rather than their own pain.”

Kbal Spean Waterfall

Location: 49km north of Siem Reap Town

Date of Construction: 11th - 13th century AD

History Details 

A river of 1000 lingas’ is at Phnom Kulen. There are also carvings of Buddha and Buddhist images in the rock that date from a later period than the lingas. Entrance to the area closes at 3:00PM. Combine with a visit to Banteay Srey and allow a half-day for the two. Take the road straight past Banteay Srei  about 12km. Look for the sign and parking area on the left side. Requires a moderately easy 45-minute uphill walk though the woods.

The guided visit of Kbal Spean Waterfall - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, except Angkor Highlights:

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)

•    Angkor Discovery (4days)

•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)

•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Khmer Rouge

The Khmer Rouge (Khmer:ខ្មែរក្រហម Khmer Krahom) literally translated as Red Khmers was the name given to the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea in Cambodia.From April 17, 1975 until January 7, 1979, the brutal, ultra-Communist Khmer Rouge regime controlled the whole of Cambodia.The Khmer Rouge was headed by Pol Pot, Nuon Chea,Ieng Sary, Son Sen and Khiev Samphan.

History Details

This organization is remembered primarily for its policy of social engineering, which resulted in genocide. Its attempts at agricultural reform led to widespread famine, while its insistence on absolute self - sufficiency, even in the supply of medicine, led to the deaths of thousands from treatable diseases such as malaria. Arbitrary executions and torture carried out by its cadres against perceived subversive elements, or during purges of its own ranks between 1975 and 1978, are considered to have constituted genocide.

By 1979, the Khmer Rouge had fled the country, while the People's Republic of Kampuchea was being established.The governments-in-exile (including the Khmer Rouge) still had a seat in the UN at this point but it was later taken away, in 1993, as the monarchy was restored and the country underwent a name change to the Kingdom of Cambodia. A year later thousands of Khmer Rouge guerrillas surrendered themselves in a government amnesty. In 1996, a new political party the Democratic National Union Movement was formed by Ien Sary, who was granted amnesty for all of his roles.

Killing Fields

The Killing Fields are a number of sites in Cambodia where large numbers of people were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge regime, during its rule of the country from 1975 to 1979, immediately after the end of the Cambodian Civil War (1970-1975).

History Details

(15 km southwest of Phnom Penh - Take Monireth 8.5 km past the bridge at Street 271) Many of the Cambodians who perished under the Khmer Rouge regime ended up dumped in one of the dozens of ‘killing fields’ that can be found scattered across the country. The killing fields were essentially ad hoc places of execution and dumping grounds for dead bodies during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979.) After the Khmer Rouge regime, memorials were set up at many of the sites, some containing the bones and remnants of victims gather from the area. Prior to 1975, the Choeung Ek just outside Phnom Penh was a orchard and a Chinese cemetery. But during the Khmer Rouge regime the area became one of the infamous killing fields. 

This particular killing field is the site of the brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women and children, most of whom had first suffered through interrogation, torture and deprivation in the S-21 Prison (now the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum) in Phnom Penh. The Choeung Ek Memorial is now a group of mass graves, killing areas and a memorial stupa containing thousands of human skulls and long bones. The memorial is about a 20-40 minute drive from the center of Phnom Penh. There is also a small souvenir shop as well. For sake of historical context, combine your trip to Choeung Ek with a visit to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (the former S-21 Prison) in Phnom Penh. Also see David Chandler’s book, ‘Voices of S-21’ for the most systematic and complete account to date of the history and operation of the S-21 Prison.

Koh Ker

The temple complex at Koh Ker, northeast of Siem Reap, represents the remnants of the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 AD. - 944 A.D. - a very unique period in the Age of Angkor. From the time the Khmer capital was first moved to the Angkor area in the late 9th century, it would remain there for almost 500 years, with one brief interruption.

History Details

Just a few decades after the establishment at Angkor, there was a disruption in the royal succession for reasons that remain a matter of academic debate. What is known is that in 928 A.D. King Jayavarman IV, possibly a usurper to the throne, created a new capital 100km away at Koh Ker, either moving the capital city from Angkor or creating a rival capital. Obviously a king of much wealth and power, he raised an impressive royal city at Koh Ker of Brahmanic monuments, temples and Prasats, surrounding a huge baray (reservoir) Rahal. Jayavarman IV reigned at Koh Ker for 20 years before he died in 941 A.D.

His son Hashavarman II would remain at Koh Ker for another 3 years before returning the capital to the Angkor area. The monuments of Koh Ker are now on a road loop around the baray past the most important temples. The premier ruin of the complex is Prasat Thom, an imposing 7-tiered pyramid and temple complex. (Best photographed in the morning and offering a bird’s eye view from the top).As you round the loop, there are several nicely preserved ruins sit just off the road, impressive prasats and small temple complexes. There are lingas still in place in some monuments such as Prasat Balang and Prasat Thneng. For the enthusiast, there are also dozens of other, more remote ruins in the area. A good guide can be most helpful at Koh Ker. A trip to Koh Ker takes the better part of a day out of Siem Reap and is usually combined with a visit to Beng Mea Lea. To get there take Route #6 east from Siem Reap to Damdek. Turn north and follow the signs. Part of the way is a toll road. Check road conditions before leaving Siem Reap, especially in the wet season.

The guided visit of Koh Ker Temple  - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

National Museum

The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is Cambodia's largest museum of cultural history and is the country's leading historical and archaeological museum.

The museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art, including sculptural, ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. The Museum’s collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before, during, and after the Khmer Empire, which at its height stretched from Thailand, across present-day Cambodia, to southern Vietnam. The Museum buildings, inspired by Khmer temple architecture, were constructed between 1917 and 1924, the museum was officially inaugurated in 1920,and renovated in 1968.

History Details

George Groslier (1887–1945), historian, curator and author was the motivating force behind much of the revival of interest in traditional Cambodia art and crafts, and it was he who designed this building that is today ‘traditional Khmer'architecture. It is perhaps better described as a building enlarged from Cambodian temple prototypes seen on ancient bas-reliefs and reinterpreted through colonial eyes to meet the museum-size requirements.

The foundation stone for the new museum was laid on 15 August 1917. Some two-and-a-half years later, the completed museum was inaugurated during Khmer New Year on 13 April 1920 in the presence of H.M King Sisowath, François-Marius Baudoin, Résident-supérieur, and M. Groslier, director of Cambodian Arts , and Conservator of the museum.

The original design of the building was slightly altered in 1924 with extensions that added wings at either end of the eastern façade that made the building even more imposing.

Control of the National Museum and Arts Administration was ceded by the French to the Cambodians on 9 August, 1951 and following Independence in 1953, the then Musée National de Phnom Penh was the subject of bilateral accords. In 1966 Chea Thay Seng was the first Cambodian Director of the Museum and Dean of the newly created Department of Archaeology at the Royal University of Fine art. This university that form its foundation as the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens in 1920 was intimately linked with students, artisans and teachers who worked to preserve Cambodian cultural traditions, can still be found to the rear of the museum.
During Khmer Rouge regime of 1975-79—devastated all aspects of Cambodian life including the cultural realm. The Museum, along with the rest of Phnom Penh, was evacuated and abandoned. The Museum, closed between 1975 and 1979, and was found in disrepair, its roof rotten and home to a vast colony of bats, the garden overgrown, and the collection in disarray, many objects damaged or stolen. The Museum was quickly tidied up and reopened to the public on April 13, 1979. However, many of the Museum's employees had lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Collections:

Together with the adjacent Royal University of Fine Arts and its Department of Archaeology, the National Museum of Cambodia works to enhance knowledge of and preserve Cambodian cultural traditions and to provide a source of pride and identity to the Cambodian people. The Museum also serves a religious function; its collection of important Buddhist and Hindu sculpture addresses community religious needs as a place of worship. A permanent exhibition, Post-Angkorian Buddha, supported by UNESCO and a number of individuals and local businesses, opened in 2000 to extend the religious function of the Museum.

Under the auspices of the Cambodian Department of Museums, the Museum not only manages its own collection, staff, and premises but also supports and oversees all other state-run museums in Cambodia. Its activities are further supported by private individuals, foreign governments, and numerous philanthropic organizations. The activities of the Museum include the presentation, conservation, safekeeping, interpretation, and acquisition of Cambodian cultural material, as well as the repatriation of Cambodian cultural property. Looting and illicit export of Cambodian cultural material are a continuing concern.

Outside of Cambodia, the Museum promotes the understanding of Cambodian arts and culture by lending objects from its collection for major international exhibitions. This practice was in place before Cambodia’s recent decades of unrest and was reinstituted in the 1990s, starting with an exhibition held at the National Gallery of Australia in 1992. Subsequent exhibitions have been held in France, the USA, Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

Phimeanakas Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Central Angkor Thom
Date of Construction: Late 10th - Early 11th century AD
King: Jayavarman V
Style: Khleang

History Details

Impressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom , providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Located inside the ancient Royal Palace compound, Phimeanakas served as the king’s temple. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom.

The guided visit of Phimeanakas Temple  - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Phnom Krom

Phnom Krom is located to 12 kilometers southwest of Siem Reap town.Phnom Krom hill is very rocky (140 m high); local legend has it that the rocks were exposed by the monkey general Hanuman during a hunt for medicine in the Ramayana epic. The area beyond the temple’s west gate affords a spectacular view of the Tonle Sap lake.

History Details

There is an Angkorian temple on top of the hill. It is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.

The temple in was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman (889 A.D.-910 A.D.).

Oriented toward the east, the hilltop temple is enclosed by a wall built of laterite blocks. Along the walls' top runs a cornice. Gates bisect the walls at each of the four cardinal directions. Just inside the east gate are four small buildings arrayed in a north-south row, possibly formerly used as crematoria. Inside the walls on the north and south sides are three halls, now collapsed. The temple’s focus is three towers, also in a row running north to south. They sit atop a platform reached by staircases of seven steps. The southern tower is dedicated to Brahma, the central to Shiva, the northern to Vishnu. They are built of sandstone, much of their carving and detail has been lost to erosion.

Phnom Krom is the southernmost of three hilltop temples built in the Angkor region during the reign of Yasovarman. The other two are Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Bok.

Phnom Kulen

Phnom Kulen National Park is located in Svay Leu District about 48 km from the provincial town of Siem Reap and about 25 km from Prasat Banteay Srey via Charles De Gaulle Road. At Phnom Kulen there are several attractive places, such as:

History Details

Chup Preah

Chup Preah is the plain spot where having cool water flows and is located at the mountain’s valley. Next to it, there is a rare big tree of Cham Pa having 0.7 meter diameter and 15-meter height. At Chup Preah, there is a big Buddhist statue and many other small statues made during 16th century.

Linga 1,000

Lingas 1,000 is located on the mountain, along the the Sirm Reap River and has a lot of figures of Yoni and Linga spreading out at the bottom of the river.

Terrace of Sdach Kamlung

Terrace of Sdach Kamlung is a plain terrace having a small ruined temple made of solid brick at the middle; the study proves that the terrace was covered by lava for hundreds years.

Preah Ang Thom

Preah Ang Thom is an 8 meter tall statue of the reclining Buddha reaching nirvana. The statue is carved into a huge sandstone boulder. Preah Ang Thom is the sacred and worshipping god for Phnom Kulen. There are also two big trees of Cham Pa at nearby. Besides Preah Ang Thom, there are Chhok Ruot, footprint of Preah Bat Choan Tuk , Peung Chhok, Peung Ey So and Peung Ey Sey.

Waterfalls

There are two main waterfalls in Phnom Kulen:

•    First waterfall: 4-5 meter tall and 20-25 meter wide during the dry and rainy seasons respectively.
•    Second waterfall: 15-20 meter tall and 10-15 meter wide during the dry and rainy seasons respectively.

Prasat Kravan

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park

Constructed: Early 10th century AD

King: Harshavarman I

Style: Pre Rup

History Details

East-facing brick towers containing unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in brick - the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area. Prasat Kravan was originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king and has a twin sister in Takeo Province south of Phnom Penh, Prasat Neang Khmau, which contained painting rather than bas-reliefs, some of which still survives. Prasat Kravan was reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA.".

The guided visit of Prasat Kravan - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)

•    Angkor Discovery (4days)

•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)

•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Pre Rup Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park/Grand Circuit

Date of Construction: Late 10th century AD

King: Rajendravarman II

Style: Pre Rup

History Details

Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Richly detailed, well-preserved carvings. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker after a period of political upheaval. The artistically similar East Mebon was the first to be constructed after the return to Angkor, less than a decade earlier.

The guided visit of Pre Rup Temple   - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)

•    Angkor Discovery (4days)

•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)

•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)

•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple (Khmer: ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ) is a Hindu temple built during the reign of Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a 525-metre (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dangrek Mountain, in the Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. In 1962, following a lengthy dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over ownership, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague awarded the temple to Cambodia.

History Details

Affording a view for many kilometers across a plain, Prasat Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries-long Khmer Empire. As a key edifice of the empire's spiritual life, it was supported and modified by successive kings and so bears elements of several architectural styles. Preah Vihear is unusual among Khmer temples in being constructed along a long north-south axis, rather than having the conventional rectangular plan with orientation toward the east. The temple gives its name to Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, in which it is now located, as well as the Khao Pra Wihan National Park which borders it in Thailand's Sisaket province and through which the temple is most easily accessible. On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The guided visit of Preah Vihear Temple is only one day tour, it's not included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Remorks (Tuk Tuks)

Remorks (Tuk Tuks) are motorised Rikschas and the most popular way of getting around in Siem Reap town for short distances as well as for full day temple excursions. Siem Reap has a few thousand Remorks, so finding them is never a problem. There are always a few Remoks waiting in front of hotels, guest houses, restaurants or tourist attractions. Most of the drivers speak a little bit of English.

History Details

Prices depend on duration, on distance, the number of passengers and on the time of day. A short trip in town costs foreigners between US$ 1–2, a full day hire to the temples of Angkor average US$ 12-15 plus additional surcharge for temples off the main circuits.

Remork (Tuk Tuk) is also included in tour package, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Siem Reap Ferry Port

(Departure terminal)

Location: Chong Kneas

The Siem Reap Ferry Port is located at Chong Kneas which is 15 km south of Siem Reap town in Cambodia. You will find a fleet of Remork and Motorcycle taxis waiting the arriving ferries for clients.

History Details

At the Siem Reap Port in Chong Kneas all river ferries from Phnom Penh and from Battambang arrive and depart. In addition to the local ferries also the luxury river cruise-ships dock at the Ferry Pier in Chong Kneas.

(Arrival terminal)

The Ferry Port is also the starting point of boat tours to the Khmer and Vietnamese floating houses and fishing villages of Chong Kneas. Tickets for the boat tour can be purchased directly at the ticket booth at the departure terminal.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia, and is the gateway to Angkor region.

History Details

Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In the city, there are traditional Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy country side, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake.

Siem Reap today, being a popular tourist destination, has a large number of hotels and restaurants. Most smaller establishments are concentrated around the Old Market area, while more expensive hotels are located between Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the town along National Road 6. There area variety of mid-range hotels and restaurants along Sivatha Boulevard, and mid budget to mid-range hotels in the Phsar Leu area.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Sihanoukville is Cambodia's premier beach town, sporting miles of white sand beaches, picturesque islands and warm tropical waters. Sihanoukville also serves as a travel hub for the coastal towns of Southern Cambodia - Kamopt, Kep, Koh Kong and beyond.

History Details

The history of Sihanoukville goes back only as far as 1955 when the area was known as Kampong Som. In August of that year, a French/Cambodian construction team cut a base camp into the unoccupied jungle where the Hawaii Seaview Restaurant now sits. They laid the groundwork for the construction of the new Port of Kampong Som - a project that had been set into motion by the 1954 dissolution of French Indochina.

Prior to 1954, Cambodia maintained international sea trade via the Mekong. But the end of Indochina meant the Mekong delta reverted to the control of Vietnam. Seeking unfettered access to the ocean, plans were made to construct a new ocean port. Kampong Som was selected for water depth and ease of access.

Construction of the port and Route 4 (the road to Phnom Penh) was carried out from 1955-1960. Funds for construction of the port came from France, and from the USA for the road. The town began as housing for workers just south of the port. Upon completion, the town was renamed Sihanoukville in honor of the King.
Sihanoukville’s heyday came in the 1960s. Although Kep was more popular as a holiday destination, the commercial success of the port led to a flurry of construction and expansion including the construction of the Independence Hotel (abandoned but still exists on Independence Beach in a dilapidated state ), the original Angkor Brewery (closed in 1975 and reopened in 1991), a Truck & Tractor Plant, Wat Chotynieng (aka Wat Leu), St Michael's Catholic Church (constructed in 1960, closed in 1975 and reopened in 1993), dozens of villas on Ochheuteal Beach (destroyed in the 1980s) and other structures. There was also a second phase of port construction, which began in 1965 and halted with the Lon Nol coup d'etat of 1970.

Sihanoukville entered the history of the American/Vietnam conflict when, during the late 1960’s and early 70’s, it served as a transit point for weapons bound for anti-American forces in Vietnam. The town’s most direct involvement came on May 13, 1975 when the Khmer Rouge captured the S.S. Mayaguez, a U.S. container ship. As part of an attempt to release the ship, the U.S. attacked Koh Tang, an island near Sihanoukville, and met fierce resistance, suffering heavy losses. American bombers struck the naval base at Ream, warehouses at the Port, the old air field, the train yard and the oil refinery north of town. The ship and its crew were released May 15, during the battle.

During the UN sponsored elections in 1992 and 1993, Sihanoukville played host to the Australian, Belgian and French contingents of UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia). After the elections, foreign tourists started coming to Sihanoukville for the first time, but tourism came to an abrupt halt with the tragic 1994 Khmer Rouge murders of 3 backpackers taken from a train on the way to Sihanoukville , and of 3 expatriates taken from a taxi on Route 4. With the 1997-98 demise of the Khmer Rouge and the political/military stability of the last couple of years, both the road and the train are now (in 2000) considered safe, at least from any military  threat. But political and legal fallout of the murders continue as the home countries and relatives of the victims demand justice, and the UN and Cambodian government struggle with the political and legal complexities of bringing the perpetrators to trial.

Silver Pagoda

The 'Silver Pagoda' sits next to The Royal Palace, separated by a walled walkway, but within the same larger walled compound.

History Details 

The Silver Pagoda's proper name is Wat Preah Keo Morokat, which means 'The Temple of the Emerald Buddha,' but has received the common moniker 'Silver Pagoda' after the solid silver floor tiles that adorn the temple building. The pagoda compound as a whole contains several structures and gardens, the primary building being the temple Wat Preah Keo Morokat and other structures including a library, various stupas, shrines, monuments, minor buildings and the galleries of the Reamker.

Wat Preah Keo Morokat is unique in several ways. It is the pagoda where the King meets with monks to listen to their sermons and where some Royal ceremonies are performed. It houses a collection of priceless Buddhist and historical objects including the 'Emerald Buddha.' And, unlike most pagodas, no monks live at the pagoda. The temple building, library and Reamker galleries were first constructed between 1892 and 1902 under King Norodom. The equestrian statue of King Norodom was set in place in 1892. Other structures such as the stupas of King Ang Doung Stupa King Norodom (1908), the Kantha Bopha memorial sanctuary (1960) and others were added later. The temple received major reconstruction in 1962 and further renovations 1985-1987, particularly to the Reamker fresco murals. Many of the temple treasures were looted during by the Khmer Rouge 1975-1979, but fortunately the Khmer Rouge chose to keep much of the collection intact for propaganda purposes.

Wat Preah Keo Morokat Wat Preah Keo Morokat is also known as the ‘Silver Pagoda’ the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha.’ It is known as the 'Silver Pagoda' for the 5329 silver tiles that cover the floor. Each tile was handcrafted and weighs 1.125kg. The vihear serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural and religious treasures, containing over 1650 precious objects. The primary Buddha, sitting on a gilded dais above all others in the temple, is the Emerald Buddha, reported by different sources to be made of emerald or baccarat crystal. In front of the Emerald Buddha stands Buddha Maitreya (Buddha of the Future,) a 90 kg golden standing Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds including a 25 caret diamond in the crown and a 20 caret diamond embedded in the chest. Other objects include a Buddha relic from Sri Lanka in a small gold and silver stupa, a collection of gifts from Queen Kossomak Nearyrith, and contributions and gifts from other nobles and Royals.

Ramayana Frescoes The interior of the pagoda compound walls is covered with murals depicting stories from the Reamker, i.e. the Khmer version of the classic Indian epic, the Ramayana. Some sections of the murals are deteriorated and weather damaged. The murals were painted in 1903-1904 by a team of students working under the direction of artist Vichitre Chea and architect Oknha Tep Nimit Thneak. In the 30s the galleries served as ad hoc classrooms for Buddhist monks.

Dhammasala An open hall used for Buddhist monks to recite texts and also as a royal reception area. (In photo, Dhammasala is behind the Kantha Bopha Memorial.)

Keong Preah Bath Shrine containing Buddha footprints. Fortune tellers.

Library Small library next to the main vihear that houses sacred Buddhist texts (Buddha's Tripitaka, i.e. "Three Baskets") and also contains an image of a sacred bull named Nandin, and several Buddha statues. The Nandin statue is metal (primarily silver) and is said to be of ancient origin. The statue was found in Kandal province in 1983. Fortune tellers work inside the shrine. If you can find somebody to translate for you, you can have your future told for a small contribution.

Phnom Mondop Phnom Mondop is a small artificial hill symbolizing Mount Kailassa, topped by a shrine containing a large Buddha footprint. The shrine is adorned with 108 Buddha images symbolizing the 108 past lives of Buddha. Fortune tellers work inside the shrine. If you can find somebody to translate for you, you can have your future told for a small contribution.

Statue of HM King Norodom Equestrian statue of the King Norodom (1834-1904). Completed by French artist Eude in 1875 in Paris and placed on the pagoda grounds in 1892. The canopy was added by King Sihanouk in 1953 to honor King Norodom in light of Cambodia's new independence. The stupa north of the statue contains the ashes of King Norodom.

Stupa of HM King Ang Doung Stupa containing the ashes of the King Ang Doung (1845-1860), founder of the current dynasty and the great-great-great grandfather to King Sihamoni. Constructed in 1908.

Stupa of HM King Norodom Stupa containing the ashes of the King Norodom (1834-1904). Constructed in 1908.

Stupa of HM King Suramarit and HM Queen Kossomak Stupa of the father and mother of former King Sihanouk (r: 1955-1960), grandfather and grandmother to King Sihamoni.

Stupa of Princess Kantha Bopha The memorial sanctuary of the beloved daughter of the former King Sihanouk. Princess Kantha Bopha passed in 1952 at the age of four, succumbing to leukemia. The stupa was built in 1960.

Model of Angkor Wat

South Gate

Location: Central Angkor Thom

Date of Construction: Late 12th - Early 13th century AD

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Bayon

History Details

Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Ba Phuon  and Phimeanakas  and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall/moat and some of Angkor's greatest temples including his state-temple,Bayon, set at the center of the city. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour.

The guided visit of South Gate - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Ta Keo Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park
Constructed: Late 10th - Early 11th century AD
King: Jayavarman V
Style: Khleang

History Details

Towering but plainly decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in its time as ‘the mountain with golden peaks.’ The first to be constructed wholly of sandstone, this temple employing huge sandstone blocks. Constructed under three kings, begun by Jayavarman V as his state-temple and continued under Jayaviravarman and Suryavarman I. When Jayavarman V first constructed Ta Keo, he part ways with previous kings, constructing his state temple outside of his main capital area. Construction on Ta Keo seems to have stopped particularly early in the decoration phase as evidenced by the lack of carvings. Ta Keo is well worth a visit, but if you are pressed for time, see Pre Rup instead.

The guided visit of Ta Keo Temple - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Ta Som Guesthouse

Warmly Welcome to Ta Som Guesthouse & Tour Services in Siem Reap / Angkor, Cambodia

History Details

Ta Som Guesthouse & Tour Services:

Address: 268, National Road Number 6
Mobile:   +855 12 830170  (mobile Mr. Meng)
Phone:   +855 63 964970  
Fax:        +855 63 967 268
Mail:       info@tasomguesthouse.com
Homepage: www.tasom-guesthouse.com

Please feel free to contact us. We will reply as soon as possible.

Where we are:

- 200 meters from Royal Palace and Royal Gardens
- 8 minutes drive to airport
- 10 minutes drive to Angkor Wat
- 5 minutes walking to Central Market
- 10 minutes walking to Old Market

Our modern, comfortable hotel like rooms are spacious (24 to 28 USD)

and tastefully furnished and offer air conditioning, minibar / fridge, SatTV (with over 70 programs) and private
ensuite bathroom.



After visiting the fantastic Angkor Temples, relax with a tropical fruit shake on our cosy terraces!

The charming Ta Som Garden Restaurant offers excellent traditional Khmer style kitchen, we also offer Western and Japanese food. Enjoy the fresh open air atmosphere and the green tropical environment!

Non staying guests are warmly welcome!



We are looking forward to welcoming and serving you in our Ta Som Guesthouse and Ta Som Garden Restaurant and we will be happy to show you our beloved country with Ta Som Tour Services.

Ta Som Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park/Grand Circuit
Date of Construction: Late 12th century AD
King: Jayavarman VII
Style: Bayon

History Details

Small, classic Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure, face tower gopuras and cruciform interior sanctuaries much like a miniature version of Ta Prohm. Many of the carvings are in good condition and display particularly fine execution for late 12th century works. Take note of the devata carvings which show an uncommon individuality. A huge tree grows from the top of the eastern gopura. It is destroying the gate but it is a photo classic. Best photographed in the afternoon. Ta Som is the most distant temple on the Grand Circuit.

The guided visit of Ta Som Temple   - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Temples Pass

Angkor Temple Pass:

•    US$20 (one day)

•    US$40 (three day)

•    US$60 (1 week)

History Details

For visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia you have to buy a visitor pass. This 'temple pass' can be only purchased at the ticket booth at the main entrance on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard. After arriving at the main entrance your photo will be taken at the ticket booth free of charge and will be printed directly on your entrance ticket. It is therefore not necessary to bring any pictures with you. 

There are three kinds of passes available; for one day (US$20), three days (US$40) and one week (US$60). Children under 12 years are free of charge.

The one day pass is only valid for a temple visit for one day. The three days pass is valid for three days either consecutively or within one week. The one week pass can be used seven days consecutively or seven days within one month. You have to inform the staff at the ticket booth whether you would like to use your ticket consecutively or not.

With the one-day pass you will have time for a short visit to the main temples such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with the Bayon and Ta Phrom. The three days pass gives you sufficient time to see the major sights and temples. With the seven days pass you really can spend time and explore the temples without a rush and also visit the minor ones.

After arriving at the main entrance a photo of you will be taken free of charge directly at the ticket booth which will be printed automatically on your ticket.

The Temple Pass will be checked upon each park entry as well as at every temple. Therefore always carry your ticket with you. It is not possible to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park without a valid entrance ticket until 17:30. After 17:30 it is possible to enter the park without a ticket, which allows at least watching the sunset i.e. in front of Angkor Wat.

The temples of Phnom Kulen, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Banteay Chhmar are not included in the Temple Pass and entrance tickets have to be purchased separately on spot.

Terrace of the Leper King

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park - Central Angkor Thom

Constructed: Late 12th century C.E.

King: Jayavarman VII

Style: Bayon

History Details

A double terrace wall at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants with deeply carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. The inner wall is an earlier version of the outer wall that was covered at the time the outer wall was added. The inner wall was excavated by French archaeologists in the late 1990s. The terrace was named for the statue of the ‘Leper King’ that sits on top. Why the statue is known as the 'leper king' is a matter of debate. Some argue that when the statue was found, its lichen-eaten condition gave it the appearance of leprosy. Others have argued that it is a statue of the leper king of Khmer legend, or that the condition of the statue inspired its connection to the legend. The model for the statue is also a matter of debate. Suggestions include a couple of different Hindu gods, and the Khmer kings Yasovarman I and Jayavarman VII. Recent scholarship favors a combination of Jayavarman VII and Buddha. The statue of the leper king on display at the terrace is a replica. The original resides in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.

The guided visit of Terrace of the Leper King - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was constructed over a century ago to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It serves to this day as the Cambodian home of King Norodom Sihamoni and former King Norodom Sihanouk.

History Details

The Royal Palace complex and attached 'Silver Pagoda' compound consist of several buildings, structures and gardens all located within 500x800 meter walled grounds overlooking a riverfront park. Marking the approach to the Palace, the high sculpted wall and golden spired Chanchhaya Pavilion stand distinctively against the riverfront skyline. Inside the Palace grounds, street sounds are silenced by the high walls and the various Royal buildings sit like ornate islands rising from the tranquil, manicured tropical gardens. Except for the area of the actual Royal residence, the Khemarin Palace, most of the Palace grounds and Silver Pagoda are open to the public. Enter from the gate on Sothearos Blvd about 100 meters north of Street 240. Guide pamphlets and tour guides are available near the admission booth. Guided tours are recommended. Multi-lingual tour guides available. Open everyday, 7:30-11:00 / 2:00-5:00. The Palace grounds are closed during official functions.


The establishment of the Royal Palace at Phnom Penh in 1866 is a comparatively recent event in the history of the Khmer and Cambodia. The seat of Khmer power in the region rested at or near Angkor north of the Great Tonle Sap Lake from 802 AD until the early 15th century. After the Khmer court moved from Angkor in the 15th century, it first settled in Phnom Penh in 1434 (or 1446) and stayed for some decades, but by 1494 had moved on to Basan, and later Lovek and then Oudong. The capital did not return to Phnom Penh until the 19th century and there is no record or remnants of any Royal Palace in Phnom Penh prior to the 19th century. In 1813, King Ang Chan (1796-1834) constructed Banteay Kev (the 'Cristal Citadel') on the site of the current Royal Palace and stayed there very briefly before moving to Oudong. Banteay Kev was burned in 1834 when the retreating Siamese army razed Phnom Penh. It was not until after the implementation of the French Protectorate in Cambodia in 1863 that the capital was moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, and the current Royal Palace was founded and constructed.

At the time that King Norodom (1860-1904) signed the Treaty of Protection with France in 1863, the capital of Cambodia resided at Oudong, about 45 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. Earlier in 1863 a temporary wooden Palace was constructed a bit north of the current Palace site in Phnom Penh. The first Royal Palace to be built at the present location was designed by architect Neak Okhna Tepnimith Mak and constructed by the French Protectorate in 1866. That same year, King Norodom moved the Royal court from Oudong to the new Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the city became the official capital of Cambodia the following year. Over the next decade several buildings and houses were added, many of which have since been demolished and replaced, including an early Chanchhaya Pavilion and Throne Hall (1870). The Royal court was installed permanently at the new Royal Palace in 1871 and the walls surrounding the grounds were raised in 1873. Many of the buildings of the Royal Palace, particularly of this period, were constructed using traditional Khmer architectural and artistic style but also incorporating significant European features and design as well. One of the most unique surviving structures from this period is the Napoleon Pavilion which was a gift from France in 1876.

King Sisowath (1904-1927) made several major contributions to the current Royal Palace, adding the Phochani Hall in 1907 (inaugurated in 1912), and from 1913-1919 demolishing several old buildings, and replacing and expanding the old Chanchhaya Pavilion and the Throne Hall with the current structures. These buildings employ traditional Khmer artistic style and Angkorian inspired design, particularly in the Throne Hall, though some European elements remain. The next major construction came in the 1930s under King Monivong with the addition of the Royal Chapel, Vihear Suor (1930), and the demolition and replacement of the old Royal residence with the Khemarin Palace (1931), which serves as the Royal residence to this day. The only other significant additions since have been the 1956 addition of the Villa Kantha Bopha to accommodate foreign guests and the 1953 construction of the Damnak Chan originally installed to house the High Council of the Throne.

From the time of the coup in 1970 when Cambodia became a republic, through the Khmer Rouge regime (Democratic Kampuchea 1975-1979) and the communist regime of the 80s, until 1993 when the Monarchy was restored, the Royal Palace alternately served as a museum and was closed. During the Khmer Rouge regime, former King Sihanouk and his family resided and were ultimately held as prisoners in the Palace. In the mid-90s, many of the Palace buildings were restored and refurbished, some with international assistance.

Throne Hall The Throne Hall, the Preah Timeang Tevea Vinicchay, is the primary audience hall of the King, used for coronations and diplomatic and other official meetings. This Throne Hall is the second to be built on this site. The first was constructed of wood in 1869-1870 under King Norodom. That Throne Hall was demolished in 1915. The present building was constructed in 1917 and inaugurated by King Sisowath in 1919. The building is 30x60 meters and topped by a 59-meter spire. As with all buildings and structure at the Palace, the Throne Hall faces east and is best photographed in the morning. When visiting note the thrones (Reach Balaing in front and Preah Tineang Bossobok higher at the back) and the beautiful ceiling frescoes of the Reamker.

Chanchhaya Pavilion The current Pavilion is the second incarnation of the Chanchhaya Pavilion, this one constructed in 1913-14 under King Sisowath to replace the earlier wooden pavilion built under King Norodom. The current pavilion is of the same design as the earlier version. The Chanchhaya Pavilion, also known as the 'Moonlight Pavilion', dominates the facade of the Palace on Sothearos Blvd. The Pavilion serves as a venue for the Royal Dancers, as a tribune for the King to address the crowds and as a place to hold state and Royal banquets. Most recently, the Pavilion was used for a banquet and a tribune for the new King at the 2004 coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni.

Hor Samran Phirun "The pavilion where one sleeps peacefully." Royal rest house and waiting area where the King waits to mount an elephant for Royal processions. Also built to house musical instruments and procession implements. Constructed in 1917. Currently housing a display of gifts from foreign heads of state.

Hor Samrith Phimean Also know as the ‘Bronze Palace.’ Repository for the Royal regalia and attributes. Constructed in 1917. Currently housing a display of royal regalia and costumes on the ground floor.

Napoleon III Pavilion At first glance the Napoleon III Pavilion seems almost out-of-place, sitting like a European-style dollhouse amongst the imposing and distinctly Khmer-style buildings that surround it. The Pavilion was in fact the first permanent structure on the site of the Royal Palace. It was originally built for Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon III, in 1869 for use in the inauguration of the Suez Canal. It is constructed entirely of iron. In 1876 Emperor Napoleon III made a gift of the building to King Norodom of Cambodia.

By fortunate happenstance, the royal emblem "N" emblazed on the doors and other parts of the building to honor the name of 'Napoleon' did not need to be altered when the pavilion was transferred to King Norodom. The Pavilion was refurbished in 1991 with financial assistance from the French government. The Pavilion now serves as a small museum housing Royal memorabilia and a photographic exhibition. Best photographed in the morning. (Damnak Chan pictured in the background.).

Phochani Pavilion An open hall originally constructed as a classical dance theater. The Pavilion is currently used for Royal receptions and meetings. Built in 1912.

Damnak Chan The Damnak Chan currently houses the administrative offices of the Royal Palace. Original constructed in 1953 for the High Council of the Throne, this building has served several purposes over the years including acting as the Ministry of Culture in the 80s and housing the Supreme National Council of Cambodia from 1991-93. Damnak Chan displays a somewhat uncomfortable mix of Khmer and Western architectural styles, the mix being particularly apparent in this building - sporting a distinctly Khmer-style roof and a Western style in the main body of the building. Closed to the public. Khemarin Palace The Royal residence. Closed to the public.

Villa Kantha Bopha Western-style villa named after King Sihanouk's late daughter Princess Kantha Bopha, built in 1956 as guest house for foreign guests. Closed to the public.

Thommanon Temple

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park
Date of Construction: Late 11th - Early 12th century AD
King: Suryavarman II
Style: Angkor Wat

History Details

Small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Ankor Wat. The Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the towers and carved devatas. Thommanon seems to stand in conjunction with Chau Say Tevada across the street, but was built decades earlier. Thommanon is currently in much better condition than Chau Say Tevada, in part because archaeologists heavily restored it in the 1960's. But even before restoration, Thommanon was in better shape than Chau Say Tevada due in part to the lack of the stone-enclosed wood beams in Thommanon’s super-structure that were used in Chau Say Tevoda’s construction. Many of Thommanon’s carvings are in excellent condition. The colors of the age stained sandstone against the jungle are very photogenic, particularly in the wet season.

The guided visit of Thommanon Temple   - with experienced and licensed local tour guides - is of course included in all our Angkor and Cambodia tour packages, such as

•    Angkor Highlights (3days)
•    Angkor Discovery (4days)
•    Angkor Explorer    (5days)
•    Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
•    Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

(Corner of Street 113 & Street 350 - Open everyday, including holidays, 8AM-5PM - Closed for lunch)
 
History Details

Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school - a set of classroom buildings in a walled compound. When the Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975 they converted into the S-21 prison and interrogation facility, administered by Kaing Guek Eav, a.k.a. ‘Duch,’ who is currently on trial for his actions at S-21. Inmates at the prison were held in tiny brick cubicles and systematically tortured, sometimes over a period of months, to extract the desired ‘confessions,’ after which the victim was inevitably executed at the killing field of Choeung Ek just outside the city. S-21 processed over 17,000 people, less than a score of whom survived. The Tuol Sleng compound now serves as a museum, a memorial and a testament to the madness of the Khmer Rouge regime. Much has been left in the state it was in when the Khmer Rouge abandoned it in January 1979. The prison kept extensive records, leaving thousands of photos of their victims, many of which are on display. Paintings of torture at the prison by Vann Nath, a survivor of Toul Sleng, are also exhibited. For more on the S-21 check out Chandler’s book, ‘Voices from S-21.’

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom ("Temple of the Mountains" or "Mountain Pagoda") is a Buddhist (Wat) located in Phnom Penh Cambodia. It was built in 1373, and stands 27 metres above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city.

History Details

Legend relates that Daun Penh, a wealthy widow, found a large koki tree in the river. Inside the tree she found four bronze statues of the Buddha. Lady Penh constructed a small shrine on an artificial hill to protect the sacred statues. Eventually this became a sacred site and sanctuary where people would make blessings and pray.

Another account of the founding of the wat suggests King Ponhea Yat, built the sanctuary (vihear) when he moved his capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422. The prominent stupa immediately west of the sanctuary contains the ashes of the king and his royal family. Wat Phnom is the center of celebration during Khmer New Year, and Pchum Ben.

The sanctuary itself has frequently been rebuilt several times in the 19th century and in 1926. The interior has a central altar complex with a large bronze seated Buddha surrounded by other statues, flowers, candles and items of devotion and worship. The walls are covered with murals, especially of Jataka stories of the Buddha's earlier reincarnations before his enligtenment. There are also murals depicting stories from the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayna. The newer murals in the bottom tiers are somewhat balanced, traditional and modern.

The southwest corner of the vihear and stupa, is a small shrine dedicated to Lady Penh. The front is often crowded with the faithful bringing their prayers and food offerings to the woman deemed responsible for the founding of the wat.

West Mebon Temple

Location:12 kms west of Siem Reap Town
Date of Construction: Late 11th century AD
King: Udayadityavarman VII
Style: Ba Phuon

History Details

Ruins of the central island temple of the West Baray. West Mebon is in poor shape, consisting primarily of a single wall displaying some carvings in fair condition. The carvings exhibit some of the first examples of carvings of animals in natural, non-mythological scenes, reminiscent of carving on Baphuon. West Mebon may have originally housed a renowned bronze Buddha statue which is now held at the National Museume in Phnom Penh. The West Baray, though ancient, is filled with water year round and has become a local recreational area. Take route #6 west from town. Turn right about 3 km past the airport turn off. A short boat ride is necessary to visit the ruins.

Srah Srang

Srah Srang is a baray or reservoir at Angkor, Cambodia, located south of Easth Baray and East of Banteay Kdei.
It was dug in the mid-10^th century, by initiative of Kavindrarimathana, Buddhist minister of Rajendravarman II . It was later modified around the year 1200 by Jayavarman VII who also added the laterite landing-stage at its western side, probably because the East Baray had been overwhelmed by sediment  and had begun malfunctioning. French archeological expeditions have found a necropolis close to it.

At present Srah Srang measures 700 by 350 m and is still partially flooded. As other Barays, maybe there was a temple standing on an artificial island in the middle of it, as suggested by finding of a basement. The landing – stage, opposite the entrance of Banteay Kdei, is a popular site for viewing the sunrise. It is cruciform, flanked by Naga balustrades which end with the upright head of a serpent, mounted by a Garuda wth its wings unfurled. The steps that lead down to the water are flanked by two guardian lions.

A 1600 sq meter cemetery was discovered at the north-west corner of the reservoir. Mortuary jars containing cremated remains and other artifacts dating from the reign of Udayadityavarman II were excavated by B.P.Groslier.

• Angkor Highlights (3days)
• Angkor Discovery (4days)
• Angkor Explorer    (5days)
• Classical Cambodia Tour (6days)
• Cambodia Classic & Beach (8days)