A country that is culturally rich and visually stunning, Cambodia’s history spans all the way back to the 1st Century, with examples of architecture and art leading up to the 15th Century collected from over 4000 archaeological dig sites. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites exist in Cambodia – Angkor, the temple of Preah Vihear, and Sambor Prei Kuk. Adorned in power and beauty, the sights of the country are unique.
Cambodian Culture
Most of the architecture in Cambodia is inspired or defined by religious significance. With a composition of 90% Buddhists and 1% Christians, the demographics show that the original culture from times past still holds. In comparison to the modern day, the use of time-specific features in design and construction is one of the major archaeological dating methods used to identify timelines.
Angkor
Inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor became quite popular as a tourist destination, with much development from popular hospitality brands and properties such as the FCC Angkor by Avani. Although, this doesn’t take anything away from its historical significance or natural beauty. Representing a large capital of the historic Khmer Empire, the largest of the 9th to 15th Century in South Asia.
The Temple of Preah Vihear
Earning its Heritage status in 2008, the temple is built on the edge of a plateau, holding dominion over the plain of Cambodia and an imposing, entrancing presence. Dating puts it in the 11th Century AD, and its current quality is impressive given the passage of time, still allowing relatively easy glimpses of the past. The carved stone ornamentation and architectural insights are fascinating, and should not be missed regardless of its distance from the best hotels in Siem Reap.
Sambor Prei Kuk
Known as ancient Ishanapura, the “Temple in the Lush Forest”, Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk is a temple zone, inducted into the Heritage list most recently of its fellows, in 2017. Once the capital of the Chenla Empire, one that was the seat of power for South East Asia from the 6th to 7th centuries. The architectural accomplishments here set the stage for the Khmer feats in the later future.
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