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As a country blessed with a rich ancient history, Cambodia is home to wondrous historical sites that reflect the country’s cultural and spiritual values. As such, they also attract millions of tourists visiting them each year. Together with Asia King Travel, let’s embark on a journey through the country’s abundant history by checking out 7 of Cambodia’s most famous historical sites.
Angkor Wat is the most famous historical site in all of Cambodia. It is considered a national symbol of the country as well as Cambodia’s biggest tourist attraction. Part of the Angkor Complex - the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious structure in the world. It was built in the 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman I to originally dedicate to the Hindu god Vishnu, but was later converted to a Buddhist temple. Visiting the monument, tourists can witness the genius architecture of ancient Khmer art and civilization with the temple’s exquisite bas-reliefs and magnificent towers.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is not only considered a precious architectural heritage but also a witness to history, having survived through all the ups and downs of Cambodian history. Centuries have passed since its construction, but Angkor Wat still stands firm as the spiritual heritage that represents Cambodia as a whole that shall last for generations to come.
Angkor Thom
Also part of the Angkor Complex, Angkor Thom is a historical monument that spans over 9 square kilometers. It is located just shy north of Angkor Wat, and was constructed in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII to serve as the capital city of the Khmer Empire. The structures were constructed with laterite and designed following the “Bayon style”. Among the most well-known attractions in Angkor Thom is the Bayon Temple, which is distinguished by the Buddha's smiling stone faces, and the Terrace of the Elephants, which is believed to have been used by Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army.
Leaving Angkor, we shall embark on the journey to the country’s capital Phnom Penh, with the first stop being the Royal Palace of Cambodia. Home to the Cambodian royal family since its construction in 1866, the palace is also a famous tourist attraction site, with the Silver Pagoda compound, Throne Hall and Chan Chhaya Pavilion remaining available for tourists to visit while the King’s living area is closed to public. It is a captivating sight with its elaborate Khmer architecture, elaborate gilded roofs, and lush gardens with various tropical flowers and plants.
Royal Palace
The Silver Pagoda is located on the south side of the Royal Palace. Upon entering, tourists can see a portion of silver tiles inlaid inside the pagoda with their outer facades remodeled with exquisite Italian marble. Several national treasures, such as several gold pieces and jeweled Buddha images, may be found within the pagoda. It is a well-known Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, and numerous royal and national rituals are held on its premises.
Read more: Art and Culture in Cambodia: A Guide for the Creative Explorer
Staying in Phnom Penh, tourists can visit Wat Phnom Doun Penh, the most famous pagoda in the city that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh itself. Legend has it that a wealthy lady named Daun Penh retrieved a floating Koki tree in the river and inside of it were four Buddha statues. She then gave the locals the task of creating a man-made hill and erecting a little wooden temple to house the statues atop that hill. The hermitage was named "Wat Phnom" by the monks and has kept its name to this day.
Wat Phnom
The inside of the temple features a central altar complex that is encircled by additional sculptures, flowers, candles, and objects of devotion and worship around a massive bronze figure of a sitting Buddha. Murals adorn the walls, many of which depict tales of the Buddha's previous reincarnations before he attained enlightenment. The more recent murals in the lower tiers are classic and modern in a somewhat balanced way. There is also a tiny shrine to Lady Penh in the southwest corner of the temple and stupa.
National Museum of Cambodia
Serving as the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum, the National Museum of Cambodia is an excellent destination for tourists interested in learning more about the country’s abundant and fascinating history. The museum's building, which was created by French architect George Groslier and opened in 1920 during the colonial era, is a reflection of traditional Khmer design. Visitors can view an extensive exhibition of relics from many eras in Cambodian history. The museum's collection of Khmer sculptures and artwork, especially those from the Angkor era that highlight the artistic prowess of the Khmer Empire, continues to be its main attraction.
Choeung Ek Memorial
The last destination in Phnom Penh is Choeung Ek, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Perhaps the most heart-wrenching historic site on the list, while visiting the memorial, tourists will have the most realistic and heartbreaking view of the horrors that happened in Cambodia whilst under the rule of Pol Pot. This is not for the faint of hearts, however, as tourists shall visit the site known as the “Killing Fields”, which includes mass graves of the victims as well as a stupa dedicated to the victims containing their skulls, which shall give visitors a mixed feeling of heartbreak and sympathy to the victims, as well as fear and hatred to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge.
Preah Vihear
The final destination on the list is the Preah Vihear Temple, located in the Dangrek mountain range, near the border with Thailand. Perhaps most famous for the dispute between the two countries over its sovereignty, Preah Vihear is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects the great length of Cambodian history, having been modified by many kings from different eras throughout history, as such, it bears elements from various architectural styles. It was first built in the 9th century to worship the Hindu god Shiva, making it even older than the infamous Angkor Wat.
The temple's layout runs from the base of the mountain to the summit along the North-South axis. Following that, the temple saw several centuries of constant renovations and new construction under various kings of the Khmer Empire. The structures were constructed with meticulousness and sophistication, with the rooftop of the temple containing the image of the Naga snake's tail curving up to the sky in a symmetrical style. Currently, the main hall area has been renovated to become a Buddhist worship site.
These historic sites of Cambodia as well as many others have captured the essence of the country’s rich and proud history, serving as timeless treasures that shall forever reflect Cambodia’s cultural and spiritual values and are witnesses to the former glorious stance of the Khmer Empire. If you are seeking to visit these historical sites or any other attractions in Cambodia, feel free to contact us to receive the best pieces of advice and offers to make your tour as affordable and convenient as possible.
Read more: Explore the Mysterious Temples in Cambodia
