CENTRAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

KAMPONG THOM & SAMBO PREI KUK
Kampong Thom is situated in the central part of Cambodia. It is one of five provinces located on the lower part of eastern side of the Tonle Sap Lake. Rice, fishery production and forest products are the major resources of the province. It is also rich in historical sites with countless temples from the pre-Angkorian era. The famous Sambor Prei Kuk is also found here. This ancient city has almost two hundred clay brick temples in it. It was built during the time of King Isanavarman when he successfully united the territory (Chenla Kork) and the Khmer water territory (Chenla Toek). Sambo Prei Kuk was used as the capital of the Khmer Empire for centuries. It is interesting to visit Sambor Prei Kuk before visiting the splendid Angkor complex, as its design and style are the foundations that inspired the Angkor civilization.

This is one of the most populated provinces in Cambodia. Its red-soil land makes it the most fertile land in the country and perhaps resulted in it being the richest province in Cambodia. Tobacco, Soya-beans, Rubber and other tropical producers are planted and exported from here. The Kizona, the longest bridge in Cambodia across the Mekong River was built and completed in 2002. This bridge connects the country's northeastern regions. Kampong Cham is home also to a number of amazing 12th Century temples such as the Nokor Ba Chey, the Han Chey and the Phnom Pros-Phnom Srei; all of which are fascinating places to visit.

KAMPONG CHHNANG
This is a province well known for its fine clay pottery, as the name of the province says it all in Khmer. Kampong Chhnang in Cambodian means "Port of Pottery". The people in this province enjoy making pots, vases and various others types of ceramics during the season when they are neither planting nor harvesting rice. While visiting this charming little town, it is a good idea to try a boat tour to the floating village where hundreds of floating homes can be seen.

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia. It is found at the conjunction of the Four Branch River ( the Upper Mekong, the Lower Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac Rivers. ) Phnom Penh serves as the center of culture, economy, society and politics in Cambodia. This city is populated by approximately 1.5 million people. Reputed for its relaxed lifestyle and the beauty of its Khmer and Colonial architecture, Phnom Penh is a unique destination. The tree-lined streets congested with cyclos and the growing number for motorbikes make the city one of Asia's bustling spots. With attractions such as the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace, the rivers and other interesting sites Phnom Penh is a fascinating city. Phnom Penh has progressively developed with many new parks and gardens and gleaming streetlights. To celebrate the city's 567th Anniversary, the city council is now implementing its beautification policy, which will enhance the city's greenery even more. Phnom Penh is selected to host the Asean Tourism Forum ( ATF ) in 2003.

- Wat Phnom
This temple is located right in the center of the city. It is a small manmade hill, topped by a huge ancient Stupa and Buddhist Monastery. A famous laywoman named Daun Penh built the hill in 1372 AD in order to store a statue of Buddha that was found inside the hole of a floating koki ( teak ) tree. Later ,king Ponhea Yat left the Angkorian capital and showed interest in re-locating the capital city to Phnom Penh. The original name of Phnom Penh was Phnom Daun Penh in memory of the founder, but was often called Phnom Penh for short. From then on, this enchanting city has been known simply as Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom is covered with evergreen trees, some of these trees are fairly old and are often relatively tall. The hill is a charming place that is always filled with the sounds of many kinds of birds, various animals, such as monkeys and elephants. There are elephants riding available for touring around the hill too.

An Angkorian style tower, the inimitable place in the whole city, located in the heart of the capital. It was built in 1954 to symbolize Cambodian Independence day after winning back their independence from the French protectorate on the 9th of November 1953. The monument attracts many tourists for its peculiar looking but unique style distinguishes it from all the buildings in the city. It is also used as a memorial place dedicated to the Cambodian's patriot who died for the country.

- National Museum
The distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture was officially inaugurated on April 1920. Today the museum contains more than 5,000 of art objects that have been collected and conserved from all over the country and which are on display to visitors. The artifacts date back from pre-historic to the late 20th century. Most of these works of art are made from sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, or pottery.

Located 15km South of Phnom Penh City. This Killing Fields were used to bury the victims from Toul Sleng prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. This site is covered by mass graves. A memorial Stupa was built after the Khmer Rouge were overthrown. The Stupa contains the remains of these victims.

- Silver Pagoda
A truly remarkable temple located within the terrain of the Royal Palace. Beside this English name, the Vihear is known to Cambodians as Wat Preah Keo Morokat ( the temples of Emerald Buddha ). The Silver Pagoda is revered by Cambodians and appreciated by visitors as one of the most popular cultural spots in Phnom Penh. The King of Cambodia has made the majority of treasures available on display in this Pagoda, in Particular gifts from other countries. Among the major treasures on display is a 90 kilogram standing Buddha and the floor decorated with 2,086 decorative pure silver tiles weighting 1.15 kilogram each.

This pagoda is famous for it's appealing works of art. The monastery also serves as a center for the Cambodian Buddhist Society. In Cambodia there are two schools of Buddhism known as Mahanikaya and Dhamayoka. Mahanikaya is perceived as stricter and more obedient than the Dhamayoka. Monks in Ounalom Monastery mainly practice Mahanikaya Buddhism. There is a beautiful panoramic view over the confluence for the rivers from the top of this Monastery.

- Central Market
Well known to visitors for its magnificent colonial-style architecture, it was built in 1937. It provides a vast indoor shopping space. The design of the building actually has a meaning to it. The four cross wings of the building are said to represent the Chacktomouk Rivers ( the intersection of four rivers ), which is the country's economic body, and the two hands and two legs as compared to human.

It is about 40km from Phnom Penh, located along the National Road No-2. Visitors enjoy seeing the temples of Ta Prohm and Prasat Yeay Peo, which are situated close to Tonle Bati and both date back to 12th century.

- Oudong, Former Capital
A historical place that must not be missed, Oudong is the former Cambodian capital city. After King Ponhea Yat abandoned the capital city of Angkor in 1431 AD, Oudong was one of the capital cities before Phnom Penh. The hill is topped by enormous ancient Stupa and is surrounded by lush green forest. Visitors enjoy the panoramic views overlooking rice fields, forests, lakes, and other lovely scenery around the hill. In addition, Oudong today is a sacred place, where the construction of a huge stupa has just completed this year to store and conserve the Preah Serei Roek Theat ( the Ash of Buddha ) as the religious relic. Along the same road, we can also visit the famous silver craft village, where people produce the silver product for souvenirs. Oudong is located about 37 km from Phnom Penh on National road No-5.

This mountain is located 57 km from Phnom Penh on National Road No-2. There is an ancient temple which dates back to 11th century, built on the crest of the mountain, and surrounded by panoramic views of the countryside. It is a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage destination for Cambodia.