There probably is no country so traditionally historic and cultural as Cambodia, holding its breath at the beauty of nature and sheltering one of the most astonishing ancient wonders of the world known as Angkor Wat. A step into the heart of Cambodia is actually like entering a living history book, where every temple and monument narrates its own story of grandeur, mystery, and devotion. As the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat possesses those scales, architectural brilliance, and intricate carvings that no traveler can afford to forget. In fact, the mere grandness of Angkor Wat and its surrounding Angkor Archaeological Park will take visitors on a journey across time. Built in the early 12th century by the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later converted into a Buddhist temple. Amazing carvings and bas-reliefs depicting stories of Hindu mythology, daily life in ancient Cambodia, and the glory of the Khmer Empire line the huge complex. The walk down the great hallways of the temple would surely amaze one with its intricate details and enormous size, going back a little more than 900 years to remember the civilization that had flourished then.
In addition to Angkor Wat, there are dozens of other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, each with its own characteristics, each with its own charm. Bayon Temple, consisting of hundreds of stone faces, seems so mysterious when a tour is made into its narrow lanes. The Ta Prohm Temple is famously known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” since it featured in the movie, while the roots of age-old trees go weaving over it, creating a magic combination of nature and architecture. With every nook and corner of this park carrying a new discovery, it is no less than a paradise for any history enthusiast or photographer.
These are much more than view temples; these are ways deep inside the heart of Cambodia’s ancient past, where the temples stand as beacons of devotion, power, and accomplishments in the arts by the Khmer Empire. As one walks through the temples, he cannot help but think of what life must have been in the heyday of the Empire: the sound of prayers and rituals impregnating the air, temples towering as the most visible structures of religious and cultural life alike.
While the temples are the main draw, Cambodia has a great deal more to see. The city is busy, filled with an interesting mixture of history and modernity. From the royal palaces and Buddhist shrines to the bustling markets and cafes along the riverside, Phnom Penh contains everything that speaks to both the past and present of Cambodia. And of course, one would never want to miss the Royal Palace to feast one’s eyes upon the insightfully traditional Khmer architecture or the National Museum, which housed an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from Cambodia’s rich history.
For the more peaceful and rural side of Cambodia, there is much to find in this stunning landscape of large rice paddies, tranquil rivers, and village traditions. This boating in vast Tonle Sap Lake will form one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this natural gift. Particularly when the golden hues of the setting sun reflect on water, it is the best time for sunset. On the lake, floating villages may show life to those who lived here since time out of mind, and it is real peacefulness from the noise and hustle of city life.
Rich history and pulsing culture combine under the auspices of religious and architectural heritage in this country, Cambodia, where its temples present evidence of its ingenuity and creativity. Visiting these mystic temples-be it watching the rising sun over Angkor Wat, meandering through Bayon’s enigmatic faces, or tracing the tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm-is an affair that will linger in your mind long after you’re gone. With its unique combination of culture, adventure, and history, Cambodia is one place no traveler with a penchant for the unknown can afford to avoid.
Whether you are into history, an adventure, or looking for cultural experiences, Cambodia has it all. The crown jewel of this fascinating country is the temple of Angkor Wat and the ruins that surround it, but the peaceful landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm-hearted people of Cambodia will make it one of those unforgettable travel experiences that will keep on inspiring and capturing you wherever you go.