Travel Cambodia ? Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville And Roads From Hell
|
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through 1980, the Khmer Rouge ruled the country, fanatics bent on genocide. Millions were killed and the period was put to film in the movie, "The Killing Fields." Fortunately, those days are over and the country is becoming a tourist destination.
Cambodia is a land of incredible contrast. Thick forest, mountains and pristine rivers compliment amazing white beaches. When you get down to it, however, travelers know Cambodia for two things, Angkor Wat and the nastiest roads around. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. The city is a combination of old French beauty and modern condominiums. The city is full of amazing Wats [Buddist monasteries], including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and Wat Moha Montrei. Modern buildings surround these monasteries and it's difficult to avoid a feeling that the old ways are being lost.
Still, the vibrancy of the city is impressive considering the fact that it was completely abandoned for three years in the last 70s. During this period, the Khmer Rouge tried to return the Cambodian people to their agricultural heritage and evacuated all cities. The only exception, of course, is Tuol Sleng, a high school used to torture and kill "enemies of the state." Just beyond the city, one will also find the infamous killing fields where thousands upon thousands were put to death.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a small, sleepy village on the Southwest edge of Cambodia. Fairly undeveloped, the area is an oasis similar to the beaches of Thailand. The difference, however, is the lack of tourists. Depending on the time of year, the beaches can be more or less empty and privacy assured. Rooms run between $5 and $15 a night and come with private bathrooms. If you are looking to lounge professionally, Sihanoukville is a very good place to do it.
Angkor Wat
Stunning. There is no other word for the temples of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a temple surrounded by hundreds of others. Each is unique and worth a look. The most famous are Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Phrom. Angkor Wat is in the best shape as well as the most known. The Bayon is impressive, but the constant mob of tourist makes it a pain to visit. Ta Phrom is amazing because it has been left to the jungle, which is to say trees and the structure have become one in many areas. If you have seen Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie, you have seen Ta Phrom. Personally, I prefer Angkor Wat to the Pyramids in Egypt.
Roads From Hell
Cambodian roads are evil. There is simply no other way to put it. The country is hit by monsoons every year and is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge. This combination has resulted in roads with huge potholes, missing bridges and pretty much the worst elements of Dante's Hell. Avoid them if at all possible!
Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - preserve the experience with a written journal. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travelogues and articles.
|
|
|
Ditch The Hotel For A Villa Or Vacation Home
Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown. I did not even set foot in the Hilton. My mother and I saw Budapest like only someone who stays away from the Americanized hotels can. We stayed with the locals. We came to feel the city, not just see it.Several years later, I returned to Europe on my honeymoon (this time, without my mother). The first two nights in a little village near Schaffhausen, Switzerland, we stayed in the European version of a vacation villa rental: our own unit in a private home, our own balcony overlooking the scenic village, comfort, privacy and peace.Three weeks of ...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Cottage Holidays
Holiday time is around the corner and its time to plan where to go and what sort of holiday you prefer.If you dislike the hustle and bustle of busy hotels or living in a selfcatering apartment what are your options!You can rent a caravan or hire a tent, or you could decide to take a cottage holiday.Holiday cottages come in all shapes and sizes tiny ones for two people or large ones for ten to twelve people or more.They can be quaint and crooked or up to date with all the mod cons.You can find one with a thatched ro...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Tranquil Setting For The Weary Traveler
The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is a wonderfully remodeled 1909 Craftsman style house just blocks from downtown Ashland and the Historic Railroad District. The comfortable and attractive suites have imaginative and spiritual names to reflect the joy and spiritual process of the owner-operator Deborah DeLaunay. Peace Pilgrim, Peace Mountain, Zen Cottage and the Harmony Suite are luxuriously appointed yet restful and comfortable. Originally named Breathe Peace Inn, The DeLaunay House is truly a place to "breathe peace in", a tranquil setting for the weary traveler.A successful artist, interior designer and proprietor, Deborah DeLaunay, says restoring and decorating the home was an act of love and the fulfillment of a dream...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Rent A Town Home In Orlando, Florida For Less Than Hotel
When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why mess with crowded hotels, dirty rooms, and tons of tourists? You are coming to see the theme parks of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, not to compete with the many other people who will be visiting the Central Florida area as well. That' why you need to look into booking a reservation for home town suites! Not only are they comfortable and easy to live in, they are low cost and a luxury to come back to!Why you should rent them:1. Home town suites are roomy ? Think about stuffing yourself and your kids and your spouse in one or two rooms at...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Townhouses ? Rooms For Rent For Every Family!
Rooms for rent! No, not the kind where you are staying in someone else's home or are stuffed into the same living space as another family.We are talking about a house of rooms for rent for cheap discount prices t...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Welcome To Floridas Emerald Coast!
Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle is hard to resist. You'll never forget how you relaxed on the sugar, white powder sands, listening to the blue green gulf water. One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this 100 mile stretch offers vacations that you will never forget. From elegant houses to highrise condos, the emerald coast has it...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Ten Cheap Vacations
Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else you want them to be. Unlike cars and shoes, vacations don't get better according to price. Give up that expensive resort if you don't have the money, but don't give up your vacation. Try one of the following ideas instead.1. Visit your friends. The key here is to have friends with spare beds that live in interesting p...(related: Vacation Rentals)
How You Can Save Up To 50% Or More On Your Next Rv Rental Vacation
RV rental vacations aren't cheap, but they do contain loads of opportunities for savings. In fact, there are probably more ways in which the proactive RV rental vacationer can save money than in any other mode of vacation travel.Entertainment costs are often lower (enjoying RV and campground experience often serves as a major source of entertainment). You also have the option of doing some, or all, of your own meal preparation ? meals and drinks can cost about the same as if you'd stayed home.An RV vacation has potential for savings i...(related: Vacation Rentals)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Vacation Rentals