Cultural sightseeing in Cambodia. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Cambodia is an amazingly beautiful country, whose sights attract tourists from all over the world. It is not only Cambodian nature famous for its magnificent landscapes and picturesque views, but also ancient temples and monuments, majestic palaces, and interesting museums. Must-visit places include the Angkor National Museum opened in 2007, which is located in Siem Reap. Its exhibition presents archaeological artifacts belonging to the age of the Khmer Empire found in the historical area of Angkor. In the museum halls, you can see the exhibits devoted to the history and culture of the ancient Khmers: stone inscriptions, clothing, jewelry, household items. The museum also introduces visitors to the influence of Buddhism on the lives of indigenous people of Cambodia.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a true architectural monument paying tribute to the country's terrible past. Today it has become a direct evidence of several years of the whole nation's extermination. The museum building was originally a regular school, which was later closed. The facility was converted into the Security Prison S21 where victims of the persecution of the "Khmer Rouge" were held. This is the left-wing regime, whose representatives had been in power for 4 years in Cambodia. The prisoners were brutally killed and buried in the "death fields" located nearby.

One of the finest and most unusual places in Phnom Penh is the spectacular Royal Palace. Built as far back as the early 19th century for the royal family, today it serves as the residence of the King of Cambodia. Under its roof are several wonderful premises, including the Throne Hall and the Ivory Pavilion. In publicly accessible pavilions of the palace, you can admire many historic frescoes. The picturesque Royal Gardens are spreading around. Nearby are the Napoleon Pavilion, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Treasury. One of the gems of the palace complex is a Buddha statue carved from a solid piece of emerald. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Temple of the Lotus Blossoms built in the middle of the 15th century stands out among other ancient Cambodian temples. Today, it is rightfully considered one of the most important religious centers for Khmer people. The temple building features an unusual exterior. Members of the royal family and other prominent figures from the history of the country are buried in the temple's courtyard. Nearby is a huge park where you can see several ancient sculptures. Their creation dates back to the period of the Cambodian-Vietnamese friendship. The national pride of Khmers is the 12th-century temple complex Angkor Wat erected in honor of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The building is surrounded by a water-filled moat. This complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as the largest temple in the world.

Another landmark of Cambodia is the Independence Monument. It was built in the 50s of the 20th century to memorialize the country's independence from the French protectorate. The structure stands on the intersection of Sihanouk and Norodom boulevards in the central part of Phnom Penh. It has the shape of a lotus-shaped stupa. The monument's general style reflects the architecture of the Angkor Wat. On days of important holidays, the historical monument turns into a center of celebrations: it is decorated with bright ribbons in the colors of the national flag, and fire is lit on the inner pedestal. After sunset, tourists come to admire the beautiful illumination and take some memorable photos. A visit to the Independence Monument is absolutely free.

On the Mekong River banks, in the middle of the picturesque Botum Park, is the Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument. It was commissioned by the Vietnamese Communists as a gift to Cambodia to commemorate its liberation from the "Khmer Rouge".` The construction was completed in the late 70's of the 20th century. Since then, it has symbolized the establishment of friendly ties between the two Asian countries. Nearby there are several cool fountains. An ideal place to walk after sightseeing is Sisowath Quay. There are many historic buildings of the 19th century stretching along it. The main events of the New Year celebration and the Water Festival take place here.