The colorful Cambodia, lost somewhere in the jungle of Southeast Asia, allowed the entry of vaccinated foreigners. To visit the country, vaccinated travelers will need a PCR test no older than 72 hours before the arrival and express test, which is made upon arrival at the airport. Incidentally, by the way, it is also possible: however, you will have to spend two weeks on a quarantine in a special hotel and pass the PCR on the 13th day. In addition, it will be necessary to arrange insurance.
Why even fly to Cambodia? The country is famous for its beaches, Buddhist centers, cheapness and, of course, ancient architecture.
Semreap: Ancient Heart of Cambodia
Angkor-Vat
Angkor-Vat is considered one of the largest cult structures in the world. He was erected in the 12th century in honor of the god Vishnu. The temple has five sandstones that personify the peaks of Mount Meru, the center of the universe for ancient Khmer. Angkor-Vat is the main national pride of the Cambodians, its outlines are even placed on the flag of the country. It is noteworthy that for centuries the temple was considered abandoned and was not visited by either tourists or researchers: it was “discovered” only in 1861. But all this time, the monks of the Buddhist school of Theravada continued to live here.
By the way, it was the stories about the destroyed city of Angkor-Vat, lost somewhere in the jungle, who inspired the writer Redyard Kipling to create a story about Mowgli and the kingdom of Banderalogs.
Angkor-Vat, along with several other buildings of the ancient Khmers (below we will talk about four of them) is part of the historical reserve Angkor. Two visits will be enough for you on a detailed excursion, and if you spend all day – you can inspect everything at a time. The input subscription for two days will cost 37 US dollars*, for five days – in $ 62*.
Angkor-thah
The Angkor-thas complex is located near the Angkor-Vata. In fact, this is a real ancient city, built in 1177. Its founder, King Jaywarman VII, called the city of Angkor-thah of his “bride” (that is, the main thing of his own life). From the XII to the XV century, Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire.
Historians believe that during the heyday the population of the city surpassed one million people, and the total area was approximately 900 hectares. All residential buildings were wooden and therefore have not been preserved to this day: today we can inspect the fortress and cult structures.
Bayon
Bayon is called the most remarkable and richly decorated temple of the Angkor reserve. It is easy to recognize him by the gigantic stone sculptures of the faces of Avalokiteshvara – Bodhisatov, who was considered the embodiment of wisdom, kindness and compassion. The sanctuary is decorated with 52 square towers, on each side of which a calm smiling face is carved. They say that this was done so that the gaze of the enlightened meets every visitor. According to archaeologists, Bayon was built at the end of the XII or beginning of the XIII century. Historians call the structure the “most vivid expression of the Baroque style” of Khmer architecture.
Bapoon
The Hindu Temple Bapoon was built in the XI century as the center of the capital, I removaliawaurman II (though at a later time, a statue of the lying Buddha was added to this sanctuary: it was not fully completed and is now barely distinguishable). Bapoon is in a dilapidated state today, and not all its locations are open to the examination despite the fact that the restoration work here began back in the 60s of the last century. It’s all about the miscalculations of antiquity architects, which is why the structure is very difficult to preserve. There were four large libraries in the Bapoon – these premises are available for visiting now.
That pond
You will probably learn this temple at first glance: it “lit up” in the film “Lara Croft: Tomb Tomb” and has since earned among the Cambodians the nickname “Angelina Jolie Temple” (as you know, the UN actress and goodwill have done a lot for the country, received Cambodian citizenship, and even one of her directorial projects was dedicated Cambodge). That pruum was built in the 12th century in honor of the mother of Emperor Jayarman VII, but people left him in the 15th century, and since then nature has absorbed the structure: the stone walls have been charged with vines, roots and branches of trees. It is best to inspect this temple, accompanied by a guide: it will help to find hidden corners that are not so easy to find yourself. In general, many tourists note that that pruum makes a very strong impression precisely due to the fact that the structure seemed to merge with the jungle.
Bantheia
Bantheysreshray is a temple complex, which is a little further than the Angkor reserve: to go there from a simreep about 25 kilometers, while it is better to rent a car, and not a tuk-knuckle, because you will have to get along a dusty country road. The temple, erected in 967, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, although its name means “women’s citadel.” This is probably due to the graceful carvings and pink color of sandstone: scientists argue that the name of the structure is much more modern than the structure itself. Bantheis -defendant is the only one of the local temples, built not by the monarch, but by the royal dignitary of the nuclear on, scientists and philanthropist, who helped the poor, suffering, sick and innocent.
National Museum of Angkor
It was opened recently – in 2007, but it was here that key archaeological artifacts of the period of the Khmer Empire are stored. Among the most interesting halls are a gallery of thousands of Buddhas, impressive by the number of exhibits (probably there are really a thousand of them!). We recommend visiting this museum the day after visiting Angkor in order to better understand this chapter of history, almost unfamiliar to Europeans.
Pagoda Wat Bo
The beautiful bizarre Buddhist temple in the very center of the simurean is not as striking in antiquity as others around the city: it was built in the 19th century. Visitors will be interested to see reliefs, frescoes and sculptures; At the temple there are English -speaking monks who can conduct a short excursion. Nearby is an old cemetery.
Where to stop: In the five -star Mane Boutique Hotel & Spa hotel (from 13,800 rubles* per night with double accommodation) or in the hostel with the Jasmine Family Hostel basin (from 1000 rubles* per night in a double room).
PNOPEN: The residence of kings
Monastery of Wat Fon
If you arrive in a grane in the morning, immediately head to the monastery of Wat Fon: it is especially beautiful in the rays of the dawn sun. According to legend, the city itself was founded in 1372 by a rich widow named a stump, which saw the trunk of the Lumbang tree floating along the Mekong River, in whose branches something shone. It turned out that these are four Buddha’s bronze statues and one stone (historians believe that they were washed away by floods from one Laosa temple). With the assistance, the stump near her house was poured over a large hill (ponom) and an altar was installed on which the statue was placed. Subsequently, a monastery of Wat Ponn arose at this place.
This monastery, dated 1373, stands on a 27-meter hill. Nowadays, local residents often come here to ask for good luck in passing exams and doing business. After the person’s desire is fulfilled, he returns to watt with a prophet (usually these are garlands from jasmine flowers or bananas).
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the current residence of the kings of Cambodia. The monarchs have been living here since the construction of the building in the 1860s (with the exception of the regime of the rule of the Red Khmer). Nevertheless, everyone can visit the territory of the palace (although the entrance to the townsfolk is closed to some corners of the monarch house). Among the locations that deserve attention: the throne room, the silver pagoda, the pavilion of the lunar light, the elephant pavilion, the Hemarin palace, the royal stupas and the “chapel of the vows” Vat Wichear Suri. A walk around the Palace will comprehensively introduce you to local traditional architecture, very reminiscent of Thai.
Royal Tomb
The Mausoleum of the Monar Specials is 35 kilometers from tunity-in the town of Udung, which once wore the title of Cambodian capital. The monumental necropolis was erected at the top of the mountain: despite the fact that during the dictatorship of the “red khmers” the tomb was badly damaged, it was restored in pristine splendor.
National Museum of Cambodia
The museum was opened in 1920, but its history is already amazing with its drama. During the Red Khmer regime, all evidence of the Cambodian national identity and culture were destroyed, so the museum was closed, and its employees were repressed; For several years, the building fell into decay – bats were started under the roof, the garden was randomly overgrowing, the collection was partially plundered. But in 1979, immediately after the fall of the bloody regime, the museum was opened again, although years, years took the full restoration.
Today, the world’s largest collection of Khmer art is exhibited here, which included sculptures, ceramics and bronze objects. The architecture of the Cambodia National Museum itself is also impressive: be sure to allocate at least half an hour for a walk around the museum courtyard and an inspection of the exterior of the building.
Where to stop: In the five -star hotel Palace Gate Hotel & Resort (from 7900 rubles* per night in a two -seater room) or in a budget, but very cozy hotel, the YK Art House (from 1900 rubles* per night in a double room).
Battambang: Angkor-wat in miniature
Temple of Wat Banana
Wat Banana is considered the most well preserved from the Khmer temples in the Province of Battambang. It resembles a strongly reduced copy of the famous Angkor-Vata. This sanctuary was built by Hindus in the XI century. Not far from it is another temple of the same time – Wat Ec Fun. True, to this day he has reached a worse state: the cult structure was repeatedly plundered and destroyed. However, this does not stop fans of antiquities and a special atmosphere.
Where to stop: In the four -star tropical villa Maisons Wat Kor (the price per night in a double room is from 8800 rubles*), or in the authentic Banan Hotel (from 1600 rubles per night in a double room).
Sianuquile: The most inaccessible sanctuaries
Pagoda and the Church in Boror Park
The Boror National Park is a magnificent location, which in itself already deserves a visit. If you came here for the sake of hiking and observing wild animals, do not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with architectural monuments. The pagoda is located at the very top of the Boror Park – at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, so that only brave roads will be mastered here. But an abandoned church, built in a traditional European style, can be seen if you climb a serpentine on an SUV. Inside the church, frescoes are still preserved.
Where to stop: In the luxurious beach hotel Sokha Beach Resort (from 10,700 rubles* per night in a double room) or in a cozy guest house Om Home on the lake (from 1,500 rubles* per night).
Tentbengmeanthi: a temple belonging to two countries
Temple of PREAHVICHA
The temple complex of the Khmer Empire, erected in 893 and dedicated to the god Shiva Shikhareshvar, is today on the border between Cambodia and Thailand (you can visit it on both side). He was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 2008: this decision, by the way, caused fierce territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia and even led to several armed clashes. Fortunately, today it is safe here: you can come to admire the building almost touched by people and avoiding the triumph of the jungle. From the hill on which stands PREAHVICHA, exciting views of the emerald valleys of North Cambodia are opened.
Where to stop: In the guest house Sokha Home (from 1,500 rubles per night in a double room).
With ideas for the upcoming vacation, our project “where to go” will help you. You choose a month and city of departure, and we offer the most interesting and affordable options – with ticket prices and information about restrictions for tourists.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication
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