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Last Updated: Sep 14th, 2008 - 22:35:57 |
While Britain's weather drops to its ridiculously freezing seasonal low, things are just hotting up in Cambodia. With the humid monsoon season well and truly washed away, visitors can expect steadily rising temperatures and abundant sunshine from now until April.
Despite having well and truly recovered from its wartorn past, Cambodia is still something of an undiscovered gem for tourists, meaning that adventurous holidaymakers can not only get value for money but can also glimpse a traditional culture away from the saturation of Western influences prevalent in most oriental destinations.
In a sprawling land of ancient palaces, unspoilt beaches and remote, dense forest it's hard to know where to begin, but the temple complex of Angkor in the province of Siem Riep makes a good starting place.
The incredible network of 60 ancient holy sites and monuments at Angkor dates back to the 12th Century and lay forgotten in the jungle for years before being unearthed and restored by the French in 1908. At its heart are the legendary ruins of Angkor Wat, built to honour the Hindu god Vishnu. The amazing structure took 50,000 workers 40 years to build and is its maze of courtyards and chambers constitutes the world's largest religious construction. Almost every surface is richly decorated with scenes and carvings depicting battles, legends and everyday life.
Travellers can spend weeks exploring the surrounding monuments, including the Bayon, a three-tiered pyramid carved with the giant faces of the Bodhisattaya (spiritually enlightened being) and Ta Prohm, a majestic temple still gripped by massive strangler fig and banyan tree roots as it was found by the French at the turn of the last century. The mysterious ruins of the area inspire a sense of deep awe in the visitor and together form one of the true wonders of the oriental world.
To the south, capital city Phnom Penh retains a real charm despite its bloody recent history. Crumbling French colonial architecture makes a romantic backdrop to the newly redeveloped main drag, which now bristles with cafes, restaurants and throngs of people. Pedal-carts weave their way among the cars and motorcycles during the week, and on a Friday night the town reliably erupts into a joyful party atmosphere.
The city boasts several impressive temples, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and Wat Moha Montrei, with the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace playing host to a rare collection of artefacts exemplifying the richness of the Khmer dynasty.
When the serious travelling gets too much, beachfreaks will find relief further south in the form of Sihanoukville. The little-known resort is perfect for families and offers miles of untouched sands, swaying palms and crystal clear waters. The nearby Kbal Chhay waterfalls, the Bokor hills and the Ream National Park with its stretches of mango forest all create the ideal environs for a relaxation paradise. From Sihanoukville a fast boat services the Koh Kong province and Trat in Thailand.
Seafood is of course a prominent part of local cuisine, with grilled fish and shrimp accompanying delicious vegetable curries and rice. Cambodian eating has also inherited some unusual habits from the times of French colonialism, with roasted turtle and frogs' legs equally considered delicacies. Desserts of sticky rice cakes and pudding, washed down with locally brewed brandy and beer, will leave the most wearied traveller feeling rested and satisfied.
Now is the time to visit Cambodia, with the arrival of the dry season and before the summer's tourism drive kicks off. For a taste of the east you'll never forget, book now!
Call Global Holidays the travel agent for cheap holidays on 0870 1999038.
Read more Cambodia news:
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