Cambodia at a Glance
Dominated by the Mekong River and the Tonlé Sap Lake,
Cambodia’s central plains are an incredibly fertile area. The majestic Dangkrek
Mountains in the north and the Cardamom Mountains in the south-west form secure
habitats for a variety of endangered plants and animals. The country’s 277-mile
(443-km) long coastline is marked with fine powdery beaches, while the warm
tropical waters are dotted with thousands of islands, making a rich contrast to
the rugged north. Although the temple complexes of Angkor continue to be
Cambodia’s primary attraction, towns such as Ban Lung, Battambang, and Sihanoukville
also have much to offer.
Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II
in the early 12th century and rediscovered by the French during the 1860s. It
is the biggest and best preserved of the numerous temples that were built in
and around the ancient city of Angkor Thom.
Siem Reap serves as an ideal base for exploring the
magnificent temples of Angkor, as well as the Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
Kbal Chhay Cascades, situated on the scenic Prek Toeuk
Sap River, is a favourite picnicking and swimming spot among locals and also
visitors, particularly during the rainy season.
Sihanoukville is a bustling town that serves as a gateway
to an archipelago of verdant islands and a number of splendid beaches. Boat
trips, snorkelling, scuba diving, and windsurfing are on offer here.
Prasat Preah Vihear, another temple from the Angkor
period, was built by seven different Khmer kings. Dramatically located atop the
cliffs of the Dangkrek Mountains, this complex is 2,625 ft (800 m) long, with a
majestic stairway that ascends through four exquisitely carved Gopuras (gateway
towers) before reaching the sanctuary. Kratie (see p100) is a great place to
spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, which is found in the muddy waters of the
Mekong River.
Ban Lung , capital of the remote province
of Ratanakiri in the northeast, awes visitors with its waterfalls, bamboo
forests, and crater lakes. An emerging hub for ecotourism, it offers exciting
activities such as trekking, kayaking, and elephant rides.
Kompong Cham, a sleepy provincial capital, is home to a
number of temples and French-style boulevards.
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are the
most striking landmarks in Phnom Penh. The Royal Palace, built in 1866, is the
official residence of the king of Cambodia. The adjoining Silver Pagoda, named
for the 5,000 silver tiles that cover its floor, is the most important
structure in the complex. Also known as Wat Preah Keo, it houses the sacred
Emerald Buddha.
