Independence Monument of Cambodia

The Independence Monument (Khmer: "Vimean Akareach") in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, was built in 1958 for Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. It stands on the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the centre of the city. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the great Khmer temple at Angkor Wat and other Khmer historical sites. The Independence Monument was designed by the influential Cambodian modern architect Vann Molyvann.
There is a big open park at the Independence Monument and it seems to be a popular place among the locals. Smacked right at the corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Blvd, this piece of landmark is hard to miss. I took a nice picture of this piece but be careful because it is located in the middle of a roundabout.The monument was built in 1962 to celebrate Cambodia's independence from the foreign rule. It also serves as a monument to Cambodias war dead. It is the site for celebrations and services.


During national celebrations, The Independence Monument is the center of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs. Every year, The Independence Monument is visited by foreigners and locals alike. Behind the monument is the newly constructed Statue of Norodom Sihanouk.

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Pursat Province

Located on the western side of the Tonle Sap lake, Pursat province is covered mainly by moutainous terrain. Although the province is not home to many ancient temples, the highlight of this province concerns the history of the war between Siamese and the Khmers that took place just before the French Colonial era in Cambodia. An popular historical site is that of the Tomb of Oknha Klang Meung, the Cambodian hero who led the war against Siamese and defeated them in 1482.


While in Pursat, visit the floating town of Kampong Luang, and take in the natural beauty of the Ouda. These are unspoiled attractions that this charming province boasts. This is also a town known for its top-quality marble. Besides farming, most of the residents make their living sculpting using marble as the main medium.

Kampong Luang, a town floating on the Tonle Sap Lake is just 40 km away from the Pursat town center. The floating village includes a police station, schools, restaurants, a clinic, shops and bars. The town is self-sufficient and is equipped with all the facilities of a grounded city.

The Ouda, a remote attraction, refreshes even the most tired travelers with its gorgeous scenery and tranquility. Any stress brought on by the challenges of work or family life will be carried away in the natural splendor of the river, which flows from the Arai River in the Cardamom Mountains. The mouth of the river, approximately 500 meters wide, is framed by thousands of large and small rocks. During the rainy season, the crystal clear water crashes over the smooth stones, but when the rains dry up, sentimental travelers can take a seat on the rocks to reflect on their journey. Opened just a few years ago, Ouda is located in Rokat Commune in Kravanh district 58 km from Pursat town.

Pursat and its surrounding attractions are sure to season even the savviest traveler. Lunch along the highway, dip into history with Oknha Kleang Mueng, a floating village tour, and a bathe in the healing waters of Ouda for an unforgettable trip.

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Prey Basak,Svay Rieng Province

The resort of Prey Basak can provide income to the state and attracts local visitors to spend their visit and pleasure there. So, the resort is trending to develop for local visitors in Svay Rieng province due totheir tradition, and for international tourists due to the real Cambodian culture and civilization. Prey Basak located on the hill, the former place of ancient temple, which was completely damaged by war.


Nowadays, in order to change this place to be the attractive site for local and international tourists, the provincial tourist office should initially rearrange the place and statues for local visitors for worshiping during festival days or their travel. Prey Basak is the place, which has the most complex forest among others in Svay Rieng province.

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Bavet International Border,Svay Rieng Province

Located 48 kilometers from Svay Rieng provincial town is counterpart across the border is Moc Bai, Vietnam.. The Bavet checkpoint is the main international border crossing for people traveling between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.


Bavet's main attractions are two casinos that are within short walking distance of the border. This casinos are very popular with foreigners crossing the border. There is also a market, Phsar Nat, where goods are transferred between Cambodia and Vietnam.

Bavet belongs to one of the poorest provinces of Cambodia. Actually, its only economic resource is its position on NH1, on the straight way between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.

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Svay Rieng Province

Svay Rieng may be one of the smallest provinces in Cambodia, but it has the country's busiest highway running right through town. National Highway No 1 links Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam just after the Mekong River via the Neak Loeung ferry point. Here is the international gateway of Bavet which leads to Vietnam.


This is a prosperous town reaping the benefits of the border trade traffic. There is a lively marketplace and the people here are friendly. The province comes with good food and great accommodation options.

Nearby, the Waiko River and its vast, scenic marshlands provide pleasant settings for photography. Not far from town is a bridge over the Waiko donated by prime minister Hun Sen.



The allure of this pretty province is not just in its conveniences; its friendly nature, the beautiful Prey Ba Sak lake area just outside of town and the Prasat Prasat temple make this a worthwhile stopover. There are a couple of little known temple ruins here in Svay Rieng as well; they are the Prasat Chea Hao and Prasat Basac.

The province of Svay Rieng is off the tourist maps but it is great for those who want a slice of rural life in Cambodia.

Located in the southeast, the province juts into Vietnam, which surrounds it to the north, east and south.

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Ang Trapeang Thmor,banteay Meanchey Province

The Ang Trapeang Thmor Sarus Crane Conservation Area is one of the prime bird watching sites of northwest Cambodia. The area offers a unique opportunity to easily observe a diversity of bird species including the endangered Eastern Sarus Crane, the world's tallest flying bird. The protected area is a huge reservoir created by forced labor during the Khmer Rouge regime, which harbors a unique wetland now. Besides the Sarus Crane, the reservoir harbors more than 200 species of other birds, of which 18 have been classified as globally threatened or globally near-threatened.

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Banteay Chhmar,Banteay Meanchey Province

Banteay Chhmar is a largely unrestored, sprawling monastic complex set amongst jungle overgrowth. Face towers, temple in jungle scenes and extensive, amazingly well preserved bas-reliefs provide some of the highlights. Banteay Chhmar was dedicated to the son of the King, Jayavarman VII, who died fighting Champa. Khmer-Cham battles are depicted in the bas reliefs.

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Banteay Meanchey Province

Situated in northwestern Cambodia, Banteay Meanchey--“Fortress of Victory” in Khmer--is a charming province that offers a wide selection of natural and historical attractions, including ancient temple complexes, wildlife reserves, and a crane sanctuary. Though primarily known to visitors for its Thai-Cambodian border crossing in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey is much more than just a passing-through spot. Adventurous travelers will find the province presents plenty of opportunities to sample authentic Khmer culture and take in the stunning natural beauty Cambodia has to offer. Banteay Meanchey's capital is Serei Sophon (also known as Sisophon).


The main attraction in Banteay Meanchey is the 12th century temple of Banteay Chhmar.

Built under Jayavarman VII between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Banteay Chhmar Temple complex is a lesser-known, but equally magnificent, alternative to the Angkor Wat temples. Just two hours from Siem Reap, Banteay Chhmar is a unique historical treasure: a massive, sprawling temple complex tucked away in a largely-untouched location, surrounded by lush vegetation. Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of the two temple complexes outside of Angkor that feature massive stone “face-towers” bearing Bayon-style enigmatic smiles. Abundant sandstone bas-reliefs in the temples depict images of mythical Cambodian battles along with scenes from daily life.

The enormous complex of Banteay Chhmar is perhaps one of the most intriguing in the Khmer empire, both in terms of its scale and its relative seclusion. This mysterious temple complex embodies perfectly the image of a lost Khmer city; ruined structures with exotic carvings are strewn about in dense forest surroundings, while the occasional bird call echoes through the temple walls to break the stillness. Those who visit the temple will find many beautiful carvings hidden amongst the ruins and broken colonnades.

In the vicinity, there are at least a dozen smaller temples, all in ruinous state. These include Prasat Mebon, Ta Prohm, Prom Muk Buon, Yeay Choun, Pranang Ta Sok and Prasat Ciem Trey.

Banteay Chhmar is not on the tourist map, but a trip to this exotic site is one adventure you will harbor in your memory for a long time.

 

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Home-stay in Baray District,Kampong Thom Province

In Kampong Thom, tourists can enjoy a real taste of life in rural Cambodia. The Khmer village home-stay tourism experience is a unique community-based program that captures the essence of village life in the heartland of Cambodia.


Tourists can visit ethnic houses, ride on a bullock cart, watch farmers tap palm trees, learn silk weaving, and enjoy traditional dance performances.

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Wat Kuhak Nokor,Kampong Thom Province

Wat Kuhak Nokor is an eleventh-century site with a collection of laterite and sandstone buildings in a well-maintained 200 square meters park surrounded by a large sandstone rampart 3 meters in height. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman I, the style is similar to the Tonlé Bati temple.

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