"Keeweechic's Cambodia" a Cambodia Travel Page by keeweechic

Visiting Cambodia was one of the most memorable places I have been to. Trying to relate the experience to others does not even come close to doing the country justice. This is one of those places which must be visited to fully appreciate the innate magnificence. Angkor Wat was awesome, again no appropriate words can describe the feeling of being amongst the some 300 monuments and temples that were built between the 9th and 12th centuries only to be overtaken by jungle until the end of the 1800's. Not much is known about the civilisation except for some 1,200 inscriptions found throughout the country which gives an indication of the size and complexity of the civilization. Unfortunately it seems that theft and vandalism are the most serious physical threat to the monuments.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is a bustling city which is nestled on the banks where three great rivers (the Mekong, the Tonle Sap River and the Bassac) converge and then divide again. The city's buildings and temples are typical of the Cambodian style. The French also made their mark building several dozen grand residences for French Administrators and these are still standing today.

The Easter weekend I was there saw one of the last peaceful periods in Cambodia. Not far from my hotel on the Sunday, a man threw 3 grenades into a public gathering killing 15 and injuring around 112 people. It was an attempt on one of the Ministers life who fortunately was saved by his bodyguard who had thrown himself in front of the Minister and died. From then on, unrest seemed to prevail and increase. Hopefully one day, peace will be restored to Cambodia and more people will travel and be inspired with its beauty.

.Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.© keeweechic 2001-2008 (copyright)