The kingdom of Cambodia! There’s so much more to see!
- By David Weldon
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E-mail China.org.cn, February 26, 2016
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The Royal Palace |
When people mention the Kingdom of Cambodia, there’s usually one thing that springs to mind: the city of Siam Reap. It’s widely recognized as the top tourist destination in Cambodia with its world famous Psahchas (old market) and, of course, the world renowned and all inspiring ‘Angor Wat Temple’, the largest religious temple in the world which dates back to the twelfth century. It truly is Cambodia’s Crown Jewel! But what else does Cambodia have to offer today’s tourists?
More and more worldwide tourists are visiting the capital city of Phonm Penh, and the sun drenched, white and golden beaches of Sihanoukville as Cambodia opens a new chapter in ecotourism.
Phnom Penh is a lively metropolis and was once known as the "Pearl of Asia." With its wide boulevard avenues and French architectural buildings and villas, one can only envisage what it must have looked like during the French colonial era. However, whilst wandering around the city’s bustling streets and overcrowded pavements, the distinct aromas of Asian cuisine, mingling with strong black coffee, still left me with a sense of colonial ambiance and feeling for the city.
Eventually, I came across the magnificent and iconic Royal Palace. It was built during the1860’s and is the official residence of the king of Cambodia. The Palace, ideally situated beside the mighty Mekong River, is a mass of soaring temples and Buddhist shrines, and was splendidly designed using Cambodian architecture. Walking around these temples and shrines, you will see many Buddhists monks wearing their colorful saffron and orange robes. Before long, one can actually begin to experience the serenity of this stately Palace.
From here, one can leisurely stroll down the tree palmed river front and frequent many of the contemporary coffee shops, bars and restaurants that offer an assortment of western and Asian fare.
After eating alfresco on a balmy sultry evening, there can be nothing better than watching a glorious sunset over the Mekong River as the sun slowly disappears behind the horizon.
Finally, at the end of your day, what can be more exciting then riding back to your hotel in one of Cambodia’s famous tuk tuk taxis? You can go anywhere in the city for around 5 US dollars. Believe me, riding in a tuk tuk really is a great experience. Weaving in and out of the traffic can be a bit scary, but at the same time, it gives you a true understanding and perspective of the buzz and energy of the city! Of course, for the less adventurous, you can just hail a street taxi.
After several days of the hustle and bustle of city life, try taking a 3 hour drive (bus or taxi) to the coastal peninsula in Sihanoukville province, situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Here you will find Cambodia’s finest beach resorts and isolated tropical islands.
Otres Beach 2, one of many, is a beach paradise. Clean and white sandy beaches that are lined with fruit berry spindle trees seem to stretch for miles, and the shallow and glistening blue waters are a joy for safe swimming. It really is a paradise for any beach lover.
Accommodation varies from beach bungalows to five star resorts. All the beach resorts have idyllic beach bars where you can eat local food or western food. There is also a varied range of activities on the beach including kayaking, windsurfing and boat trips to the numerous islands close by. If you like to party, then Ochheuteal beach is about 5km down the coast. Here you will find a more exhilarating experience with pubs, bars and live music.
In conclusion, there is so much more to do and see in the Kingdom of Cambodia!
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