A mystically beautiful corner has recently turned into an independent tourist destination. For many decades, it has been closed to travelers, and now holidays in Cambodia are gaining popularity. People come here to lie on sandy beaches, as well as to see for themselves unique monuments that evoke a sense of admiration.
Educational excursions in Cambodia are loved by connoisseurs of exoticism and lovers of ancient history. The unique heritage of the Khmer Empire, which was the cultural center of Asia many centuries ago, is of great interest to tourists.
Visit to the cult temple
The most popular excursion in Cambodia is considered an excursion to the legendary Angkor complex, in whose territory there are about 200 religious buildings. The giant temple dedicated to the god Vishnu claims to be on the list of new wonders of the world. Grand Angkor Wat is the pride of a country lost in the jungle. It is worth visiting Cambodia because of it.
The main temple of the Khmer Empire, protected by UNESCO, is located near the small resort town of Siem Reap. The largest cult complex in the world is a three-level construction, crowned with five towers. From the majestic buildings, the walls of which are decorated with bizarre carvings, it blows amazing calmness and grandeur.
Mystical Bayon Temple
During the tour in Cambodia, tourists will visit not only the mysterious Angkor Wat, which is the central temple, but also the second largest sanctuary of the kingdom, consisting of many people. Few people saw anything more mysterious than the Bayon Temple, fighting for the right to be called the best.
The unique architectural monument was built without cement, and no scientist can yet give an answer, due to which this giant is held. Visitors are surprised to see hundreds of sculptures made by unknown masters. More than two hundred voluminous faces look at the visitors, grinning with an ominous smile. Here, travelers begin to understand the greatness of Khmer architecture.
From a distance, it seems that the faces carved from the stone are similar, but this is not so - all the sculptures are different. The mystical building, which appeared at the end of the XII century, is one of the most unexplored places on earth. Tourists in their own way unravel the meaning of the symbolism of the temple, surrounded by a halo of mystery.
A fascinating tour in Cambodia will allow everyone to plunge into the history of a colorful country and give a lot of new experiences.
What do tourists say?
If you read the reviews of visitors to the temple complex, most people admire its splendor. It seems that huge trees growing in the midst of religious buildings are trying to shelter them from all adversities. The strange symbiosis of ancient ruins and powerful roots, firmly rooted in stones, makes an indelible impression. As the guests admit, not a single photo conveys even a small part of the emotions they experienced in Angkor. I would like to return here, since the trip leaves a feeling of understatement.
There are also negative reviews. Vacationers often complain about the crowded historical and architectural monument: in order to climb the stairs leading to the towers, you have to stand in line for more than an hour. In addition, all photos with local residents dressed in elegant national costumes are paid. Tourists who independently organized their trip are advised to take care of a Russian-speaking guide in advance.
Excursions in Cambodia are a great opportunity to discover the splendor of the Asian kingdom, whose history spans several millennia.
Natural masterpiece
A country that attracts with its unexplored nature is famous for its pristine nature. Tonle Sap Lake, which is recognized as the blue heart of the kingdom, is Indochina's largest body of water 9 meters deep. It is located 15 kilometers from Siem Reap. Tourists who first get acquainted with the miraculous miracle understand the worship of the Cambodians in front of the sacred lake, because in the rainy season the water level increases several times, all fields and forests are flooded.
Life on the water
During an unusual excursion in Cambodia, reviews of which are most often positive, travelers get acquainted not only with the "inner sea" of the country. Their interest is called the so-called floating villages.
The fact is that the foundation of the houses of local residents is an accumulation of rafts and small boats. The entire infrastructure of amazing villages (houses, schools, sports grounds, temples and restaurants) is on the water. On the houseboats there are tiny land plots where vegetables are grown.
Villagers are illegal immigrants from Vietnam who were forbidden to settle in the country in the middle of the last century. They found an excellent way out - they were located in the waters of the sacred lake. Several generations of strangers have long settled in, use the Internet and watch TV.
Tourists who are curious about this lifestyle enjoy watching the aquatic life. Convenient viewing platforms are equipped for them.
Positive and negative reviews of guests of the country
Vacationers see how teenagers rush to school in small boats, how cleverly the women of the villages handle the oars. Residents at daily activities do not even notice curious looks. Travel companies that organize sightseeing tours in Cambodia support the peasants financially so that they do not run ashore. Watching the life of the lake inhabitants is a unique attraction that is very popular.
You can come here yourself by hiring a pleasure boat. But visiting a lake with floating villages is best in the rainy season, which begins in June. According to the advice of experienced travelers, it is best to buy a tour, since an independent trip to Tonle Sap is always more expensive than in an organized group.
Tourists note the unsanitary conditions prevailing here: residents dump all the garbage into the lake, the water of which they drink. In addition, the floating buildings look very primitive and more like sheds.
Holidays in the heart of Indochina, in the country of ancient civilization, are not only velvet beaches and gentle sea waves, but also interesting excursions in Cambodia, an overview of which is presented above. The land of mysteries strikes the imagination of even many travelers who have seen it; here everyone will find something to their liking.