Cambodia，A Country With Brilliant His…

念怡

In the end of 2019, we came to this Southeast Asia country with brilliant ancient culture. Our first stop was Siem Reap where Angkor Wat is located.

Located in the suburbs of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.

As one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, Angkor Wat is famous for its magnificent Khmer architecture and meticulous sculpture.

The central structure of Angkor Wat is like a pyramid. The temple stands on a terrace raised higher than the city. It consists of three layers of rectangular galleries that stack on each other and rise to a central tower.

As the biggest temple complex, the Angkor National Park Stretches over some 400 km2. There are different temples scattered in different areas of Siem Reap.

Prea Khan Temple

Although full of crumbles, one can still see it’s rich history and brilliant civilization through the remaining fine carvings and architectural styles

Doesn’t it look like Roman Ruins?

Dusk of Angkor Wat

Pre Rup Temple

This is another temple that is very tall, like a tower.

As a temple city, Angkor Wat has a tall city wall which has several gates which were heavily decorated. （below）

The pillars of the wall gate are the sculptures of elephant noses

The city wall is so thick, that it’s top has been eroded into a dirt path. This “dirt path” is lined with trees of hundreds years old.

There is a moat as well. The moat is wide and pretty with fishing boats dotted on it.

The below is the railing of the bridge on the moat. It is formed by many connected statues of Khmer warriors. Some of them are badly eroded.

One important part of Angkor Wat is the Lady Temple （below). The buildings here are more elegant. They used to have richer colors and decorations. It is said the builders and artists were all female.

The Lady Temple is known for it’s fine carving and delicate designs.

Sculptures resembling cobras are often seen in Cambodia. They were used as decorations or, sometimes, as rails. This is originated from the seven-headed snake Naga in Khmer tale stories whose prototype is a cobra. The statues of Naga at the entrances of temples and palaces reflects the worship of Cambodian people to Naga.

Dawn at Angkor Wat

Cambodia’s cultural heritage is amazing. But what’s more impressive is the kindness of the Cambodians.

Whenever they noticed someone’s camera pointed at them, they would pause and smile at you.

This is a corner of the slums outside Siem Reap. The tiny tin huts are closely next to each other. Despite of the poverty, people here live with their dignity.

This smile gives one hope.

Sarah, a Cambodian country girl.

这是我最爱怜的一个女孩。她长时间地依偎在我的身边，对我们带来的食物也并不去争抢。

This girl caught most of my attention. She stayed at my side for long time, holding my hand, playing with my bracelet, and payed little attention to the food we brought.

This boy was reading his school textbook when we were outside of their hut. Noticing us, he came to the door and timidly peeked at us.

Curious eyes

Siem Reap has not only the charming ancient heritage, but also mesmerizing country scenery.

On our last night in Siem Reap, Siya, our tour guide took us to a country restaurant.

It was settled amid lotus pond and rice fields with rows of cottages on water.

It was like a paradise when the cottages and the surroundings glowed under twilight.

The thatched huts on the water are actually separate dining rooms, which can be randomly selected by guests.

Guests sit on the floor at a low table, where they can order the local beer and the country styled dishes. The frog chirping and the breezes from the water made this evening one of our best memories in Cambodia.

We spent an unforgettable evening with Siya and our driver.

First from the left is Siya, the best tour guide I have met.

Siya recommended this hotel in Siem Real which was phenomenal!

The glamorous Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

Waterfront restaurant in Phnom Penh

Pretty and friendly dancer in the restaurant

Lotus decorations are often seen at the entrance of hotels and restaurants. The folded flower peddles make them more unique and attractive.

Lotus leaf wrapped fish is a local delicacy

Lotus on the table

Many visitors to Phnom Penh went to Tuslyan Prison to witness the tyranny history of the Khmer Rouge.

Tuslyan prison is a dark page of the communism regime in this country. It can be compared to the Auschwitz concentration camp. This prison was converted from a school, some two millions of Cambodian intellectuals were murdered. Every victim was brutally tortured before death.

All the scenes here exerted a chilling terror.

A medical doctor and his wife.

Polpot, the leader of Khmer Rouge

One of the two survivors from two million victims （below) was selling his memoir.

“First They Killed My Father”. A Hollywood movie in the same name was made based on the story of Loung Ung who fled to America after Khmer Rouge ended.

We must all remember that Communism is the worst enemy of mankind; and freedom is not free.

The end