After Sihanouk fled to china, the Prime Minister Lon Nol’s army could not stop entering the South Vietnamese in Cambodia. He had hoped for US help but US was not ready to help as buy with Vietnamese. To add to Lon Nol’s problems, Sihanouk had been influenced to set up a different government named as Khmer Rouge. At that time he was in exile. Eventually the Khmer Rouge became a thorn in Lon Nol’s side. Lon Nol had to fight with both Khmer Rouge and also Vietnamese. The story continued until the Khmer regime collapsed. It collapsed because of another reason and that was repeated US bombing of the Cambodian countryside. In the year 1975, the Khmer Rouge took over Phnom Penh. Just after that the North Vietnamese were occupying South Vietnam.
The Khmer Rouge forced the urban Cambodians to live in the countryside. There they were forced to work even in agriculture. At that time Saloth Sar was leading the Khmer Rouge. He was popularly known as Pol Pot. Democratic Kampochea or DK was the ruling government at that time. It was run partly by rural Cambodians who were illiterate. They had fought along with the Khmer Rouge in the war.
The ill-treatment was slightly less with the intellectuals and religious people. Those who were against to the regime were sentenced to death. In Pol Pot’s i.e. Khmer Rouge’s regime more than twenty percent Cambodians was murdered.
The Khmer Rouge planned to attack Vietnam and some adjacent areas. But the plan backfired when the Vietnamese attacked Cambodia with 100,000 troops. This was a surprise for the Khmer Rouge. Cambodian Communist rebels accompanied them and also managed to occupy Phnom Penh.
The Khmer Rouge including Pol Pot fled to the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai government sent them to the asylum but this was of course unfriendly to Vietnam.
Sihanouk in Cambodian history
In the year of 1953, Cambodia achieved their independence. It happened in spite of World War II and the First Indochina War. The independence of Cambodia was obtained through the political savvy of King Sihanouk. He wanted to be released from the pressures of the monarchy and that was the reason Sihanouk renounced the throne. After that he became a full time politician. He also started a political sect and this was named as People’s Socialist Community or Sangkum Reastr Niyum. He won in the 1955 national elections. He was successful because of his popularity and also from police brutality at the polling stations.
His father died in the year 1960. After this incidence he was named head of state. Until then he had been the prime minister. Sihanouk remained neutral in the struggle between the USSR and US. He also changed his position regarding tensions in Vietnam in the year 1965. At that time he also eliminated diplomatic relations with the US.
At one point of time Sihanouk allowed the Communist Vietnamese admission to Cambodian soil. This has been done with an intention to set up bases. When Cambodian economy started becoming unstable, Sihanouk made up his mind to renew his relations with the US. But at that time they were secretly planning on bombing Cambodian areas. They were suspecting that some of the Vietnamese Communists are located in those areas.
In 1970, Sihanouk went to abroad. He was expelled from power and so fled to China. The Prime Minister, General Lon Nol, had hoped for US aid. But since US was occupied with Vietnamese troubles they were unable to help him. Meanwhile, since Lon Nol’s army was unequipped, they couldn’t stop the intrusion of South Vietnamese. They came their in order to search for the North Vietnamese.
His father died in the year 1960. After this incidence he was named head of state. Until then he had been the prime minister. Sihanouk remained neutral in the struggle between the USSR and US. He also changed his position regarding tensions in Vietnam in the year 1965. At that time he also eliminated diplomatic relations with the US.
At one point of time Sihanouk allowed the Communist Vietnamese admission to Cambodian soil. This has been done with an intention to set up bases. When Cambodian economy started becoming unstable, Sihanouk made up his mind to renew his relations with the US. But at that time they were secretly planning on bombing Cambodian areas. They were suspecting that some of the Vietnamese Communists are located in those areas.
In 1970, Sihanouk went to abroad. He was expelled from power and so fled to China. The Prime Minister, General Lon Nol, had hoped for US aid. But since US was occupied with Vietnamese troubles they were unable to help him. Meanwhile, since Lon Nol’s army was unequipped, they couldn’t stop the intrusion of South Vietnamese. They came their in order to search for the North Vietnamese.
Attractive visiting places in Cambodia
Cambodia has some really exciting places to visit. With such a rich cultural heritage, the city can also boasts of some magnificent creatures. There are many places where you can visit and enjoy the most. While in a holiday always think of the places where you can enjoy most. This is because of the fact that if you are with your family, they must have some expectations. You have to meet all of them at the same time also your budget. So, be careful while selecting your holiday destination as well as visiting places in Cambodia.
Shooting Range in Phnom Penh: This is an area where you can experience firing large weapons. You can have a wide range starting from automatic rifles to rocket launchers and also hand grenades. When you visit the place, you can look at the menu of various weapons and their prices. There are different fields for different types of weapons. You can practice at the specific field. The shooting range is located just out of Phnom Penh. We can find it in the direction of the airport. You may need a guide to get there. You have to face several unsealed roads and some checkpoints to be crossed before reaching the place.
Kep: Kep is a French colonial resort town in Cambodia. It is a more serene part to Cambodia’s primary beach spot Sihanoukville. You can enjoy excellent fresh seafood here while taking a dip in the sea. You can also explore the region via motorbike. There are some places in Cambodia which can be noted as religious and controversial in nature. The tourists should take care of their clothing and also behavior in those areas. You can hire taxis or tuktuks i.e. motorized rickshaws to reach some areas. During the months of November to February Cambodia looks at its best and the reason is at that time lots of festivals are celebrated in different towns.
Shooting Range in Phnom Penh: This is an area where you can experience firing large weapons. You can have a wide range starting from automatic rifles to rocket launchers and also hand grenades. When you visit the place, you can look at the menu of various weapons and their prices. There are different fields for different types of weapons. You can practice at the specific field. The shooting range is located just out of Phnom Penh. We can find it in the direction of the airport. You may need a guide to get there. You have to face several unsealed roads and some checkpoints to be crossed before reaching the place.
Kep: Kep is a French colonial resort town in Cambodia. It is a more serene part to Cambodia’s primary beach spot Sihanoukville. You can enjoy excellent fresh seafood here while taking a dip in the sea. You can also explore the region via motorbike. There are some places in Cambodia which can be noted as religious and controversial in nature. The tourists should take care of their clothing and also behavior in those areas. You can hire taxis or tuktuks i.e. motorized rickshaws to reach some areas. During the months of November to February Cambodia looks at its best and the reason is at that time lots of festivals are celebrated in different towns.
Choeung Ek in Cambodia
Choeung Ek: In Cambodia Choeung Ek is known as the killing fields. On 1970’s and around, the communist Pol Pot took over Cambodia. The person then moved to commit genocide against Cambodians i.e. his own countrymen. He hired many children as his army. After training them he made them turn against their own parents. They also turned against other adults of the country. Pol Pot wished to revert Cambodia back into an agrarian economy. In order to do this Pol Pot converted different school houses and also other buildings into torture chambers and prison camps. After doing different inhuman activities with the victims, he then led them to the killing fields to accomplish the whole process.
Such horrible place of ancient time is now filled with pits. These were used to be mass graves where thousands of skeletons were buried. In Choeung Ek a museum is situated nearby. This was better known as security prison 21 that acted as the torture chamber and detention center. In these schools some of the cells are kept in its original condition. In the walls photographs are there that showed victims. The photographs are taken as they were found in the torture rooms. Choeung Ek is located at the distance of 15 km from Central Phnom Penh. If you want to visit the place take Monireth Blvd south-westward out of the city from the Dang Kor Market bus depot. The site is placed at the distance of 8.5 km from the bridge.
In Cambodia you can also visit the Phsar Thom Thmei i.e. Central Market. This one is located in Phnom Pehn. This is a dome-shaped market teeming with antique coins, jewelry, food and also fabrics. In this market you can see that the market itself pays tribute to art deco-style architecture. It was constructed in 1937. If you want to visit go there before 5pm.
Don’t miss these exciting places while in Cambodia
It is known to all that Cambodia can be named as one of the poorest nations in Asia. But if we talk about the cultural heritage, we will find that this kingdom is very rich. From past history we can see that in Cambodia in various times various changes happened. But in spite of all that the place still retains some of the excellent pieces. From the magnificent temples in the jungle to the monuments dedicated to the hundredths of people died during the Khmer Rouge years, Cambodia has many such places and those are worth visiting. People especially those are interested in history love the place because of its treasure.
Wat Phnom or Hill Temple: This is a 700-year old temple situated in Cambodia. This temple was built on an artificial hill with 100 feet hight. This important Phnom Penh pagoda is well guarded where we can see that main entrance is guarded by modern statues of chinthes i.e. lion-like creature, dvarapalas i.e. human-shaped figures, and nagas i.e. serpents. In the celebration time of Cambodian New Year i.e. Pchum Benh, Wat Phnom shines with pomp. You can see the real glory of Cambodians at that time.
Floating Villages: In Cambodia you can see some fishing villages. They contruct their houses on bamboo stilts and thus adapt to the annual floodwaters. The stilts are raised up to 10 meters on the wet season and it remains like this throughout the whole season. If you like serenity and do not want to feel over crowded, go away from the capital city. Kampong Khleang is the most distant of these floating villages. Chong Khneas is popular as the nearest one. You can spend half a day for sightseeing and other interesting activities. Some of the activities include teaching English to schoolchildren, planting cucumbers, and lunch with a local family. You are bound to feel excited after all these actions.
Wat Phnom or Hill Temple: This is a 700-year old temple situated in Cambodia. This temple was built on an artificial hill with 100 feet hight. This important Phnom Penh pagoda is well guarded where we can see that main entrance is guarded by modern statues of chinthes i.e. lion-like creature, dvarapalas i.e. human-shaped figures, and nagas i.e. serpents. In the celebration time of Cambodian New Year i.e. Pchum Benh, Wat Phnom shines with pomp. You can see the real glory of Cambodians at that time.
Floating Villages: In Cambodia you can see some fishing villages. They contruct their houses on bamboo stilts and thus adapt to the annual floodwaters. The stilts are raised up to 10 meters on the wet season and it remains like this throughout the whole season. If you like serenity and do not want to feel over crowded, go away from the capital city. Kampong Khleang is the most distant of these floating villages. Chong Khneas is popular as the nearest one. You can spend half a day for sightseeing and other interesting activities. Some of the activities include teaching English to schoolchildren, planting cucumbers, and lunch with a local family. You are bound to feel excited after all these actions.
Where you can visit in Cambodia
Cambodia is the place where you can see some excellent historical places. People from different parts of the world come here and enjoy the place if they are interested in history. This is also a favorite place to various historians and archaeologists. They come here and visit the interesting places for their study or research purposes.
Koh Kong: Koh Kong is the place for the nature lovers. Here at this place you can enjoy some mesmerizing views of waterfalls and mountains. Jungles are also here to catch your attraction. Local zoo is there where lively animals are present. To feel some modern touch you can visit the casinos. In islands and mangroves you can enjoy the boat tours. These are very popular and attract a lot of tourists.
Battambang: While in Cambodia you must visit the places in Battambang. Wat Banan which is popularly known as small Angkor Wat is present here which you should visit. You must visit Wat Baydamram or the bat temple where you can see fruit bats live in hundreds. Wat Ek Phnom is also very famous and worth visiting.
Siem Reap: This is a favorite tourist spot in Cambodia. You can see some excellent places as for example Landmine Museum here in this city. This is dedicated to teaching and also educating the locals as well as the visitors about the hazards of land mines. The floating village namely Kampong Phluck is present here. You can see this unique piece when visit here.
Resort town of Kep: This favorite seaside destination is very popular in Cambodia. You can enjoy Cambodian sun where you can dine in platforms. Eat fresh seafoods if you are not allergic to it. So this is the perfect place where you can just relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. You can also visit the Rabbit Island and enjoy its lovely white sand beaches.
Koh Kong: Koh Kong is the place for the nature lovers. Here at this place you can enjoy some mesmerizing views of waterfalls and mountains. Jungles are also here to catch your attraction. Local zoo is there where lively animals are present. To feel some modern touch you can visit the casinos. In islands and mangroves you can enjoy the boat tours. These are very popular and attract a lot of tourists.
Battambang: While in Cambodia you must visit the places in Battambang. Wat Banan which is popularly known as small Angkor Wat is present here which you should visit. You must visit Wat Baydamram or the bat temple where you can see fruit bats live in hundreds. Wat Ek Phnom is also very famous and worth visiting.
Siem Reap: This is a favorite tourist spot in Cambodia. You can see some excellent places as for example Landmine Museum here in this city. This is dedicated to teaching and also educating the locals as well as the visitors about the hazards of land mines. The floating village namely Kampong Phluck is present here. You can see this unique piece when visit here.
Resort town of Kep: This favorite seaside destination is very popular in Cambodia. You can enjoy Cambodian sun where you can dine in platforms. Eat fresh seafoods if you are not allergic to it. So this is the perfect place where you can just relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. You can also visit the Rabbit Island and enjoy its lovely white sand beaches.
Study of Khmer civilization in Cambodia
The study of Khmer civilization in Burma is not that easy. The archaeologists and historians took lot of pain to study all these. After the excavation of Angkor, some of the writings were found. These were carved in different stones which became the enduring materials over a period of time. All these evidences are really important to know the constituency of the Khmer society. It can be seen that they were mainly concerned with King’s praise, religious rituals, and literature of Indian epics of ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’. The ordinary life of the local people can be seen from various instances.
But if you want to know about the lifestyle of ancient Khmers, go to the Chinese annals. During Chinese Yuan Dynasty i.e. in the middle of 13th century, a Chinese ambassador namely Zhou Daguan visited Angkor. He stayed there with the local villagers. During that time he explored this empire for a year before his return. In his Chinese chronicle he wrote about this wonderful empire. He described vibrantly about the living of people with excellent interpretation of the Khmer society of that era.
The Angkor Wat area was the center of the Khmer Civilization. This was situated on the plain of contemporary Siemreap province. This was located at the north of the Great Lake of Tonle Sap. During the Khmer history, the kingship was often accomplished by violent means and also with bloodshed throne. Successive capitals were built by different kings in the region. The names of the capitals were Yasodharapura, Harihalara, Angkor Thom, and Jayendanagari and also a few unknown names.
Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat and several other Khmer temples are certainly the ruins of the past Khmer Civilization. Before visiting Cambodia you can read various books or websites to get a clearer picture of the Khmer Civilization of the country.
But if you want to know about the lifestyle of ancient Khmers, go to the Chinese annals. During Chinese Yuan Dynasty i.e. in the middle of 13th century, a Chinese ambassador namely Zhou Daguan visited Angkor. He stayed there with the local villagers. During that time he explored this empire for a year before his return. In his Chinese chronicle he wrote about this wonderful empire. He described vibrantly about the living of people with excellent interpretation of the Khmer society of that era.
The Angkor Wat area was the center of the Khmer Civilization. This was situated on the plain of contemporary Siemreap province. This was located at the north of the Great Lake of Tonle Sap. During the Khmer history, the kingship was often accomplished by violent means and also with bloodshed throne. Successive capitals were built by different kings in the region. The names of the capitals were Yasodharapura, Harihalara, Angkor Thom, and Jayendanagari and also a few unknown names.
Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat and several other Khmer temples are certainly the ruins of the past Khmer Civilization. Before visiting Cambodia you can read various books or websites to get a clearer picture of the Khmer Civilization of the country.
Places of interest in Cambodia
Cambodia is a place where you can see some really beautiful historical places. History always attracts people as it tells story of old things. If we don’t know our own past how can we go forward? Sometimes we feel nostalgic when we visit such historical places. Often teachers of different school arrange some students to visit these places. Knowing of history of a country is really important as it helps the person to proceed in life. The historical places of Cambodia are worth visiting. Some of the names are randomly selected and mentioned below.
Bokor National Park: In Cambodia you should always try to visit the national park. This is the place where an old and dilapidated French hill station is present. The place is historical as a lot of Khmer people lost their lives and this was done for the creation of this used-to-be magnificent building. Other than this interest, a myriad of floras and faunas can be seen in the national park. The colorful flora will definitely take you to the different world.
Kompong Luong: Kompong Luong is the floating town in Cambodia. This is a must-see while you are present in the beautiful city. This floating village is situated in Tonle Sap where you can experience different Cambodian culture. The uniqueness of the floating town is awesome. For foreigners it is a pleasure to see such a unique thing. Schools, different houses and restaurants float over the lake of Tonle Sap and this is very exciting that you can be a part of all these.
Banlung: In Banlung, you will surely enjoy Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake. You can enjoy a good swim in the lake. Some of the other attractions are Virachey National Park or Wat Rahtanharahm. You can find the famous reclining Buddha here at this place. Excellent waterfalls are present here such as Cha Ong and Kan Chang.
Bokor National Park: In Cambodia you should always try to visit the national park. This is the place where an old and dilapidated French hill station is present. The place is historical as a lot of Khmer people lost their lives and this was done for the creation of this used-to-be magnificent building. Other than this interest, a myriad of floras and faunas can be seen in the national park. The colorful flora will definitely take you to the different world.
Kompong Luong: Kompong Luong is the floating town in Cambodia. This is a must-see while you are present in the beautiful city. This floating village is situated in Tonle Sap where you can experience different Cambodian culture. The uniqueness of the floating town is awesome. For foreigners it is a pleasure to see such a unique thing. Schools, different houses and restaurants float over the lake of Tonle Sap and this is very exciting that you can be a part of all these.
Banlung: In Banlung, you will surely enjoy Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake. You can enjoy a good swim in the lake. Some of the other attractions are Virachey National Park or Wat Rahtanharahm. You can find the famous reclining Buddha here at this place. Excellent waterfalls are present here such as Cha Ong and Kan Chang.
Khmer or Angkor Civilization in Cambodia
The Khmer or Angkor Civilization came into subsistence very early. The time was during the period from 802 to 1431 A.D. The civilization stretched as far as the modern Thailand-Burma Border in the West direction and in the North direction there is Wat Phou of Laos. The country has a beautiful and calm look that attracts a lot of people. As a matter of fact its emergence lies that the olden Khmer rulers followed a right political doctrine of its time. This eventually implements the unity among people. They had developed an irrigation system just to control the water of the Mekong River for agriculture. This helps in the enhancement of its prosperity. The Khmer Civilization had long been passed away over 5 centuries ago. But we can see some of the marvelous monuments such as numerous unique sculptures like Apsara and also the great Khmer temples of Angkor Wat and Bayon.
We can see that ‘Angkor’ is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Nagara’ and that means ‘City’. Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language. So, the literal meaning of Angkor Wat is ‘City of Temple’ and Angkor Thom is ‘The Magnificent City’.
There is no doubt about the fact that the ancient Khmers were famous for their stone carving. The instances are scattered everywhere in the country, e.g. various Angkor temples lying on the sies of Siemreap and also in the border to the Phnomrung and Phimai in Thailand, Preah Vihear at Dangrek Mountain, and Wat Phu in Laos. The ancient Khmers created these unexceptionally good craftings in successive centuries. It can be assumed that this art contradict with the ordinary and easy-going life of the local Khmer people of that time. But they took the effort and thus marked their art as uniquely memorable. The glorious creatures are really worth visiting.
We can see that ‘Angkor’ is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Nagara’ and that means ‘City’. Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language. So, the literal meaning of Angkor Wat is ‘City of Temple’ and Angkor Thom is ‘The Magnificent City’.
There is no doubt about the fact that the ancient Khmers were famous for their stone carving. The instances are scattered everywhere in the country, e.g. various Angkor temples lying on the sies of Siemreap and also in the border to the Phnomrung and Phimai in Thailand, Preah Vihear at Dangrek Mountain, and Wat Phu in Laos. The ancient Khmers created these unexceptionally good craftings in successive centuries. It can be assumed that this art contradict with the ordinary and easy-going life of the local Khmer people of that time. But they took the effort and thus marked their art as uniquely memorable. The glorious creatures are really worth visiting.
Some important Historical Places of Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia is included in the Southeast Asian nations. Some of the important industry of Cambodia can be mentioned as textile and garment production. The industry and tourism is also important to fulfill the needs of the country. If you see the tourism part of the country, every visitor to Cambodia wants to go to the historical places. In this write up I’ll try to give snapshot of some of them.
Angkor Archaeological Park: At this location we can see the world-famous Khmer civilization. This civilization was very modern during its time. Till date the place is capable of attracting lots of visitors towards it. The Temple of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom is right here waiting for you. You can also see the Bayon Temple. You can have the best way to view the whole Angkor and the process is to take one of their tours. They are more comprehensive and will help you a lot.
Kampong Cham: Kampong Cham is known as Cambodia’s third biggest city. Known as popular tourist destination, this city is really rich in French influence. Though Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are more popular in Cambodia still Kampong Cham has its own charm. Beautiful places like the Nokor Wat as well as the Bamboo Bridge can be seen here. This bamboo bridge connects Koh Paen to Mekong.
Phnom Penh: This place is well recognized as the biggest city of the kingdom of Cambodia. It is also known as Cambodia’s capital city. You can enjoy the place by doing lot of things such as visiting the Sisowath Bay. Here you can enjoy its quasi-carnival vibes. Some other attractions of this place are the Royal Palace and also the National Museum. The place is very happening where you can see some real fashionable girls as well as guys.
Angkor Archaeological Park: At this location we can see the world-famous Khmer civilization. This civilization was very modern during its time. Till date the place is capable of attracting lots of visitors towards it. The Temple of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom is right here waiting for you. You can also see the Bayon Temple. You can have the best way to view the whole Angkor and the process is to take one of their tours. They are more comprehensive and will help you a lot.
Kampong Cham: Kampong Cham is known as Cambodia’s third biggest city. Known as popular tourist destination, this city is really rich in French influence. Though Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are more popular in Cambodia still Kampong Cham has its own charm. Beautiful places like the Nokor Wat as well as the Bamboo Bridge can be seen here. This bamboo bridge connects Koh Paen to Mekong.
Phnom Penh: This place is well recognized as the biggest city of the kingdom of Cambodia. It is also known as Cambodia’s capital city. You can enjoy the place by doing lot of things such as visiting the Sisowath Bay. Here you can enjoy its quasi-carnival vibes. Some other attractions of this place are the Royal Palace and also the National Museum. The place is very happening where you can see some real fashionable girls as well as guys.
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