Don’t ever think Cambodia has nothing to visit, you would be surprised as I was. Actually, my trip to Cambodia lasted only 4 days, but I had a lot of fun.
Come to visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thorm , and many more, then you will have to praise to Cambodia’s wild and beautiful landscapes.
Cambodia is a beautiful country on the Indochinese mainland of Southeast Asia. Cambodia is largely a land of plains and great rivers and lies amid important overland and river trade routes linking China to India and Southeast Asia.
From tropical beaches to lush forest and ancient temples to beautiful cities, Cambodia has plenty to offer any visitor. As a result, it’s becoming a more and more popular destination for backpackers and luxury travellers alike.
Religion
Buddhism have existed in Cambodia since the 5th century C.E. Theravada Buddhism has been the Cambodian state religion since the 13th century CE (excepting the Khmer Rouge period), and is currently estimated to be the faith of 90% of the population, 1% Christian and the majority of the remaining population follow as Islam, atheism, or animism.
Time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, by that time it’s not too hot and very little rain.
Khmer New Year or Cambodia New Year is celebrated over three days starting from the 13th or 14th of April. It is a precious time for Cambodian people to gather with family, friends and their community. It is celebrated throughout Cambodia and is rooted in Buddhist traditions.
In the middle of November, there is Water Festival. Every November the water in the Tonle Sap changes course and Cambodians gather in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to celebrate the Water Festival, Bon Om Touk. Colorful boats race on the river and two million Cambodians descend on Phnom Penh to watch them. Water Festival is a chaotic time in the capital city, hundreds of thousands of people coming in from many provinces to watch the races. In 2010, one of the worst stampedes in history took place during Water Festival on the bridge to Koh Pich, leaving 347 people dead.
Currency
The US dollar is the main currency in Cambodia but the Cambodian Riel is becoming more widely used. Prices in hotels, shops and restaurants are now usually quoted in US dollars and Riel. Change of less than $10 will generally be given in Riel at a rate of around 4000 Riels/$1 US.
Most Significant Places in Cambodia
Touring Cambodia includes 5 places such as Phnom Penh, SIem Reap, Koh Rong Samloem, Sihanoukville, and Pailin. I’d like to talk about Phnom Penh and Siem Rep, which were two places that I visited.
1. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the biggest and wealthiest city of Cambodia. It’s also the cultural, commercial and political center of the country. It influences by many Asian cultures, France and the United States.
Covering an area of 345 square km, Phnom Penh is located in the south-central region of Cambodia, at the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac river.
The bustling capital offers extensive cultural and historical attractions, including temples, museums, the Royal Palace. Accommodations range from simple guesthouses to 5-star hotels, attracting travelers from all over the world. Phnom Penh also has a diverse dining scene as well as a vibrant and varied nightlife.
Phnom Penh is a charming city that has thrown off the shadows of the past in order to embrace a brighter future. Phnom Penh is ready to welcome urban explorers with hotels, restaurants and bars,. There are places you can visit such as Royal Palace, Golden Pagoda and Silver Pagoda. Most of all, don’t forget to experience emotional extremes at the inspiring National Museum showcasing the best and worst of Cambodian history.
2. Siem Reap
When coming to Siem Reap, visitors don’t want to miss the temples of Angkor Wat, which is one of the seven wonders of the world, and the largest religious monument in the world.
Angkor Wat is a huge Buddhist temple complex located in Siem Reap; it was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple by King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113–c. 1150).
Angkor Thom was a fortressed city state built in the 13th century by King Jayavarman VII with multiple temples. Angkor Thom is famous for its many impressive monuments, including the Bayon (the one with many faces) at its heart, the Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the spectacular Angkor Thom South Gate.