|
 The
period between the 9th and the 13th centuries
was the golden age of the Khmer Empire, and
a succession of kings made use of their vast
wealth and the labor of slaves to execute a
monumental building program. During this time,
Khmer architecture developed and evolved to
reflect the change from the worship of the Hindu
god Shiva, to Vishnu, and then to a form of
Mahayana Buddhism. A huge and sophisticated
system of irrigation canals increased and solidified
the strength of the Empire. In 1431 Thai armies
from the west captured Angkor, and the Khmer
court abandoned the city. Theravada Buddhist
monks took over the city and for many years,
it was an important pilgrimage point.
One
of the world's great architectural achievements,
Angkor has  tantalized
Western travelers since 1858 when Henri Mouhot,
a French naturalist, stumbled upon it in the
jungle, and it became the 'lost city' of Asia.
In recent years, it was 'lost' again, but now
the city in all its glory can be seen.
A small country of 11 million
people that adjoins Thailand's eastern border,
Cambodia is beginning to attract tourists primarily
to see the magnificent ancient Khmer city at
Angor, filled with the temples and palaces built
between the 9th and 13th centuries.
 The
most visited structures in this World Heritage
Site are Angor Wat, the largest religious monument
ever built, the Bayon with its giant faces,
the walled city of Angor Thom, Ta Phrom and
many other fascinating monuments.
The reason why most people come to Cambodia
is to see Angkor Wat - one of the seven wonders
of the world. In and around Siem Reap are over
30 temples, but the most important are Angkor
Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and the Banteay
 Srey
Temples. You should allow at least 2 full days
in Siem Reap, so you can have time to see all
of the important temples.Others popular destinations
for tourists include the capital Phnom Penh
and the quiet beach resort of Sihanouville.
Flight from Bangkok direct to Phnom Penh or
Siem Reap for Angor. The system of visas on
arrival makes it easy for travelers enter the
country
|
