Page 9 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Cambodia —

CAMBODIA

Angkor Wat is the world’s largest temple complex, and motos (small motorcycles) can also be flagged down
consisting of sandstone temples, chapels, for short trips. Buses also have an effective network and
causeways, terraces and reservoirs. they make travel to sights around Phnom Penh easier than
driving. For longer trips, trains are a longer but more
Vast and awe-inspiring, it is a magnificent Hindu temple set comfortable option. There are also boats and the most
in dense jungle, located 152 kilometres from the Thai border, popular services operate between Phnom Penh and Siem
at Siem Reap. The walls are covered in thousands of carvings Reap. Fast boats head up the Mekong to Kompong Cham,
of gods and events from classical Hindu mythology. It was Kratie and Stung Treng.
abandoned in the 15th century when the people turned to Food and entertainment
Buddhism and rediscovered in 1861.
Khmer cuisine is similar to Thai and there are sidewalk
Elephant, Dangkrek and Cardamom mountains are in noodle shops, food stalls and markets. It is wise to avoid
the southwest of Cambodia along the northern border eating or drinking from street vendors. The influence of
with Thailand and the Eastern Highlands and in the the French is manifest in the breads and frogs’ legs sold in
northeastern corner are the three main mountainous the markets, and tea and coffee are widely available. Tap
regions. The majority of the population speaks Khmer, a water and ‘muscle wines’ are best avoided.
non-tonal language closely related to Thai. French is the There is a growing number of good restaurants, including
second language and English is taught in schools. Cambodia Thai, Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western, both in the
nationalities comprise of Chinese, Vietnamese and Cham capital and in towns that attract tourists.
Muslims. A form of Buddhism called Theravada is practiced
by the majority of Cambodians, Animism and Caodaism are Activities
also practised. There are activities such as snorkelling in Sihanoukville
Capital and major centres and elephant rides in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, but you
Phnom Penh, the capital, has a population of around 1.5 need a guide, as landmines, bandits, and other dangers
million people and, despite its tumultuous past, its crumbling make hiking, outdoor activities, or venturing off the
colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to street- beaten track, dangerous. There are many leisure activities
side cafés and the redeveloped waterfront precinct. in Phnom Penh such as go-karting, jet-skiing, mini golf
and ten pin bowling. A network of national parks is being
Peaceful Udong, 40 kilometres north of Phnom Penh, established, complete with visitor facilities; Kirirom, Ream
was the capital of Cambodia between 1618 and 1866. The and Bokor on the south coast are the most accessible and
town of Siem Reap is only a few kilometres from the temples extremely interesting.
of Angkor.
Nature
Where to stay The number of national parks is increasing, but illegal
International standard hotels are available in Phnom Penh logging has long been a problem. Parks include Bokor, on
and Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville is growing in popularity the south coast; Ream, near Sihanoukville; Kirirom, outside
as the only beach resort destination in Cambodia. Facilities Phnom Penh; and Virachay, bordering Laos and Vietnam.
are being developed and the general increase in tourism in
Cambodia has led to a boom in guesthouse accommodation. Endangered species which are elsewhere extinct are
thought to be hidden in the more remote habitats,
Getting around including elephants, tigers, leopards, gibbons, bats, rhinos
You can hire a car with a driver with taxis easily found in and crocodiles. Butterflies, snakes and birds such as
the cities. The tuk tuk (three-wheeled motor cycles) cyclos cormorants, cranes and ducks are most common.

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