Attractions of Cambodia – description and photo, map, what to see in Cambodia

Not so long ago, Cambodia was one of the little-known and unexplored countries of our planet. But today this remote corner of the mainland is considered one of the most popular exotic centers for numerous tourists.

Many of us remember the scene from the film about the adventures of Lara Croft, when Angelina Jolie really dealt with multi-armed monsters. But not everyone knows that the episode was filmed within the walls of the Cambodian temple complex of Angkor. Agree, just in order to see with your own eyes this unique creation of the hands of mankind, which until recently was hidden from prying eyes by dense thickets of the jungle, it is worth visiting the amazing Asian land.

What attracts tourists so much

It is in Cambodia that all those who prefer to diversify their exotic vacation at sea in somewhat unconventional ways are sent. It has everything to make your vacation exciting and memorable: warm sea, sandy beaches, exotic animals and unusual culture of local people. And what are the prices here! For a few dollars here you can have a great meal or visit several attractions at once. By the way, let's take a closer look at the sights of Cambodia, together we will take a walk through the most interesting and mysterious places.

temples

Cambodia is an amazing country, on the territory of which an impressive number of temples and other religious buildings could be accommodated. In addition, many temples are of real historical and cultural value, which every self-respecting tourist should touch. What is the wonderful Angkor Wat! This grandiose temple building is located in the middle of the jungle, on the spot where one of the most ancient capitals once stood. This is the main city of the Khmers.

More information and interesting facts about Angkor Wat in our article.

At first glance at the majestic buildings, huge walls and impressive stone statues, it seems that the temple complex could not be created by people. No wonder there is a legend in these places, according to which the temple was built by the earthly son of one of the most revered gods in antiquity – Indra. According to legend, he wanted to create an exact copy of the divine palace of his immortal father.

Even by modern standards, the temple complex is simply huge. Think about it, its area exceeds 200 hectares. In addition to this, the buildings were created at once on three levels. The complex is decorated with five high towers, each of which is made in the form of a closed lotus flower. The tallest tower reaches an impressive 65 meters in height. In addition, on almost every corner you can find huge sculptures carved from stone. For example, there are 2000 figures of the celestial Apsara dancer, each of which is different from each other. Since 1992, all this wealth has been officially included in the list of world population and taken under the protection of the international organization UNESCO.

Not far from the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat is the second largest, no less impressive Bayon temple. This amazing attraction is practically the only thing left of the huge city of Angkor Thom. The temple was built in the 12th century and was dedicated to the main local deity – the Buddha.

The temple itself evokes thoughts of its natural origin. Huge boulders are located here and there, in the silhouettes of which the features of a human face are easily visible.

The Bayon temple also has three levels and several impressive towers, the central of which represents the center of the universe. Judging by the remaining fragments, in the center of this tower was a statue of Buddha. But under the influence of the elements and time, it could not be preserved in its original form to this day. Every tourist should visit this attraction, which is one of the brightest representatives of the architecture of medieval Cambodia and a real cultural heritage.

Not far from Angkor Thom is another interesting temple, the construction of which took place in the 12th-13th centuries. This complex is dedicated to another Hindu deity – Brahma. In addition to the main religious purpose, the temple is also known as a full-fledged university. This temple was discovered only in the 20th century, and the roots of the trees, which are tightly woven into the walls and roof of buildings, are the only fastening element. It was thanks to the trees that the temple did not crumble under the influence of time and numerous downpours.

natural curiosities

But Cambodia is famous not only for its architectural masterpieces. Nature is in no way inferior to the ancient masters, so tourists who come with a sightseeing tour of the most attractive places in the Asian country should definitely visit several places that were created by the forces of nature.

For example, Lake Tonle Sap. Throughout Southeast Asia, you will not be able to meet a larger freshwater lake than this. If you get on its shore during the dry period, you will not find anything remarkable. An ordinary-looking reservoir, of a rather modest size (only 2,500 sq. Km.) During the period of heavy tropical rains, it spills over an area of ​​16 thousand square kilometers!

Rumor has it that large fish are found in muddy muddy water. Cambodians have long been engaged in fishing for food. It is here that you can find unusual floating structures. Here, every house, even hospitals and police stations are located right on the water.

Therefore, the second attraction, to which nature had a hand, should be considered numerous floating villages. The whole life of the local inhabitants, one way or another, is connected with water. Fanciful houses play the role of shelters, children study here and old people live out their last hours. A school, shops, a hospital and even a sports ground – everything here is set on the water.

During the dry season, the lake becomes shallow, and the houses rest against the muddy bottom. When the rainy season begins, and the water level reaches ten meters, the houses begin to move along an unknown trajectory. But there is one building that is firmly fixed on huge piles and never changes its location. This is a Buddhist monastery.

The main occupation of the local inhabitants is fishing. The lake generously pays its inhabitants with all kinds of fish and shellfish, other underwater inhabitants. They are used in cooking, some are sold, and some are fed to pets.

Since every year the flow of tourists who want to see the unusual village with their own eyes increases, the locals have adapted to use this for their own benefit. Numerous boats with guides are waiting for you at the piers and are always ready for a modest fee to take those who wish between the unique houseboats.

Other sights of Cambodia

Having seen plenty of houseboats, many tourists are thinking about where else to go in search of fresh experiences. Cambodia is happy to share many of its other secrets, to become a guide to antiquities and unique places.

Let's go to the famous great capital of Angkor Thom. According to primary sources, the city has long been endowed with the status of the capital of the Great Khmer Empire. The first stones were laid all in the same 12th century, and the population during its heyday exceeded a million. It is with the emergence of Angkor Thom that many historians and archaeologists associate the restructuring of the religious consciousness of the ancient Cambodians on the “rails” of Buddhism.

On the territory of the ancient ruins, many temples and monasteries have been preserved that were dedicated to the Buddha. After numerous bloody wars with the Thais, the city gradually became empty, after which they forgot about it for a while. The foot of the first European set foot on the territory of the ancient city only in 1609, when researchers discovered it among the dense jungle. Since then, the city of Angkor Thom has been considered one of the main attractions of Cambodia, which is happily visited by numerous tourists and lovers of antiquities.

No less popular among visitors is the Leper King's Terrace. Where does this original name come from? It is not known for certain, there are only a few versions. According to the main assumption, the French explorers who arrived at the excavations found a statue of the king, which was covered in places with thick moss. At first glance at the statue, it seemed as if she was sick with leprosy. Hence the corresponding name.

According to another version put forward by Cambodian scientists, the found statue really depicts the king. According to legend, he fought a snake that spit venom at him. But the third version looks the most plausible, according to which the found statue does not at all personify the king, but is dedicated to the ancient god of death. And the terrace itself is nothing more than an ordinary crematorium.

It will be interesting for visitors to walk along the walls, which are generously covered with images of sea gods, animals and nagas.

Well, since we have climbed deep into the jungle of Cambodia, it would be foolish not to look at the famous elephant terrace. According to legend, the terrace was dedicated to a huge army of elephants that were in the service of the ancient ruler Jayavarman VII. The army was so huge and intimidating that many enemies left the battlefield long before the battle began.

There is a version that all parades were held on the terrace, in which elephants were the main participants. It is also worth noting that the terrace received such an original name recently. And the choice was obvious, because everywhere you can see images and statues of elephants. They say that just grandiose pictures are obtained here. One has only to guess with the weather and angle – and you will become the owner of pictures that even seasoned tourists will envy.

National parks

And finally, you can look into local nature parks and reserves. Today, there are 23 national parks in Cambodia, the most impressive of which bears the name already familiar to all of us – Angkor. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the famous Bokor Park, where you can get acquainted with the unique representatives of the plant world that grow in the tropical jungles of Asia.

No less attractive from the point of view of excursions will be the Kirirom, Ream parks, as well as the huge Virchay park.

Apsara show

For dessert, we left one of the brightest shows called Apsara. Since ancient times, the dance was considered to have come from heaven, and the dancers were elevated to the rank of goddesses. According to some reports, the dance was revived only in the 19th century. If earlier the dance was available only to a few initiates, today you can learn its basics in special institutions in Cambodia. Today you can enjoy chiseled female forms that move to the beat of percussion music in many restaurants.

Welcome to the real Cambodia!