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Travel guide – the temples of angkor

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Overview

The famous Temples of Angkor are Cambodia's biggest tourist attraction. Situated close to the town of Siem Reap, the former capital and heart of the ancient Khmer Empire was built between the 9th and 13th centuries, and in an area of over 232 square miles (600 sq km) more than 100 temples have been uncovered. Today they stand as a monument to what was the greatest ancient civilisation in South East Asia. The kings of the period built stone temples as a way of asserting their divinity and cities were created around them. Today it is the temples that remain, a mere sacred skeleton of what must have been one of the biggest cities of its time. The best-known site is Angkor Wat, the spectacular Hindu temple surrounded by a moat and the biggest monument ever built to religion. Covering an area of 81 hectares (200 acres) the splendour and enormous dimension of the complex make it one of the wonders of the world. The walls of the outer gallery are a sculptural treasury, one mile (two km) of intricately carved bas-reliefs. Another of the well-known sites is the walled Royal City of Angkor Thom, which contains many monuments, notably the Bayon, a temple mountain situated in the middle of the city. Its special feature is the many gigantic stone faces gazing in different directions, surrounding whoever stands in the temple. Ta Phrom is the only temple that has been left to the clutches of the encroaching jungle and it looks as it might have done when the European explorers first laid eyes on it more than a century ago. It has particular charm, with trees and roots intertwined with the carvings and chambers of the buildings. The exquisitely decorated pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srey has the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. To visit the temple region visitors must buy a one day pass (US$20), three day pass (US$40) or one week pass (US$60).

Climate

Cambodia's climate can generally be described as tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between June and October, average 80-95°F (27-35°C). The dry season is characterised by cool months, November to February, with temperatures averaging 80-95°F (17-27°C) and hot months, from March till May, which sees temperature range between 84-100°F (29-38°C).

Health

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Cambodia and travellers are advised to seek the latest medical advice on vaccinatons and precautions especially regarding typhoid, cholera, malaria, hepatitis B and polio, at least three weeks before travelling. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas except Phnom Penh, around Lake Tonle Sap and the Angkor temple complex. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is prevalent especially in heavily populated areas. There have been outbreaks of bird flu with four deaths in Cambodia, and although the risk of contracting the disease is slight, travellers should avoid contact with domestic, wild and caged birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. Diarrhoea is the number one ailment afflicting travellers. Visitors should assume that the water is not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available. Avoid uncooked meat, unpeeled fruit, salads and food sold by street vendors, and don't drink beverages with ice. Medical facilities are poor, except for a few expensive private hospitals in Phnom Penh. Treatment must be paid for with cash and health insurance is essential.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.