BEANG MEALEA TEMPLE

This temple is hardly visited because it is not in the temple circuit, which is a great pity as Beng Mealea is a specially spectacular sight. It is 60km from Siem Reap but only about 7km from the Kulen Mountains. So it is best to visit this temple when touring Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean in a one-day trip. This 12th century temple built by Suryavarman II (reigned 1112-52) who built the stupendous Angkor Wat is one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor. The design is very similar to Angkor Wat but it is single-storey whereas Angkor Wat is multi-storey. A massive moat of about one km in breadth encircles this jungle-clad temple. The jungle has claimed it more securely than it did Ta Prohm, and no restoration work has been done on it. The central sanctuary has collapsed totally bringing down some most impressive carvings that can be seen on the ground among the rubble. More are on the still standing walls and archways. A library building still stands intact in the northeastern corner. It is a special place and well deserves a visit.

TONLE SAP LAKE

Cambodia's Great Lake, the Boeung Tonle Sap (Tonle Sap Lake,) is the most prominent feature on the map of Cambodia - a huge dumbbell-shaped body of water stretching across the northwest section of the country. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, swelling to an expansive 12,000 km2. During the dry half of the year the Lake shrinks to as small as 2500 km2, draining into the Tonle Sap River, which meanders southeast, eventually merging with the Mekong River at the 'chaktomuk' confluence of rivers opposite Phnom Penh. But during the wet season a unique hydrologic phenomenon causes the river to reverse direction, filling the lake instead of draining it. The engine of this phenomenon is the Mekong River, which becomes bloated with snow melt and runoff from the monsoon rains in the wet season. The swollen Mekong backs up into the Tonle Sap River at the point where the rivers meet at the 'chaktomuk' confluence, forcing the waters of the Tonle Sap River back upriver into the lake. The inflow expands the surface area of lake more than five-fold, inundating the surrounding forested floodplain and supporting an extraordinarily rich and diverse eco-system. More than 100 varieties of waterbirds including several threatened and endangered species, over 200 species of fish, as well as crocodiles, turtles, macaques, otter and other wildlife inhabit the inundated mangrove forests. The Lake is also an important commercial resource, providing more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia. In harmony with the specialized ecosystems, the human occupations at the edges of the lake is similarly distinctive - floating villages, towering stilted houses, huge fish traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters. Tonle Sap Exhibition in Siem Reap The Exhibition on the Khmer Heritage is sponsored by Krousar Thmey. The current exhibition is dedicated to the Tonle Sap Lake and the people, culture and environment of the area. The displays are actually quite informative and include maps, photos, models of traditional houses, boats and fishing implements with written explanations in French, English and Khmer. The highlight of the exhibit is a working scale model of the Tonle Sap Lake. There are also exhibits on the work of Krousar Thmey.

Kulen Mount

Kulen Mount
is located between Svay Leu District and Va Rin District in Siem Reap Province. It is in 48-kilometer distance from the provincial town of Siem Reap by a short cut or in 50-kilometer distance from the provincial town of Siem Reap via Sal Deu Gol Road, small circle, big circle, Preah Dak, Road A66, and then turning to the Malaysian-Developed Road.It was established during the Angkorean period by King Jayavarman II in the 9th century. It was named then as Mahendraparvata; a dedication to Mahendraparvata became a worshipping place for the Theravada Buddhism. It is well known as a sacred place of the Khmer people. During the constructional period of the ancient temples, sandy stones were brought from this sacred mountain. The means of transport were bamboo-rafting and elephant-towing. The mainattraction of this resort is the River of One Thousand Lingas or Kulen Waterfall.Recently, the resort has become not only a place of worship, but also a historical, cultural, and natural tourist resort.

Jayavarman II was the founder of the Khmer empire, and he proclaimed himself a devaraja or god king (deva = god, raja = king) possessing similar powers to the Hindu god Shiva. You'll find that this god-king theme was also adopted by his 'successors' throughout Angkor Wat's history.Jayavarman II built a temple mountain at Phnom Kulen (Kulen Hill/Mountain), and this was where he held his court. He built it on a mountain to mimic Shiva's dwelling place, the mythical Mt. Meru. By setting up his court at the top of the mountain, he was saying that Phnom Kulen was the center of the universe and that he was the king. To this day, Phnom Kulen is the most sacred site for Cambodians. Later on in history, the court was moved to Rolous.

The Phnom Kulen is no doubt the mount the most sacred of Cambodia and a very active pilgrimage place. King Jayavarman II proclaimed there independence of the country during the IXth century and dissociated the country from the Kingdom of Java. A big Buddha lying in its temple and sculpted in the rock is overlooking the vicinity.

From Siem Reap (app. 50 kms - 1h45mns drive), take the road to the temples till Banteay Srei then a trail through a dense jungle leads you to the top. First visit of the place to the sanctuary housing the Buddha where you will admire the forest around. A statue dedicated to Jayavarman II and a footprint of Buddha complete the visit.

Move to the river then, where a portion of bed is sculpted with lingas and other sculptures, before transferring to the waterfalls where you will be able to freshen up. The same water passes through Siem Reap and pours out into the Tonle Sap lake.

* Programme: morning departure via Banteay Srei. Visit the Phnom Kulen and vicinity. Return after 12pm. Lunch available both on the spot or in front of Banteay Srei where many restaurants stand.The trail leading to the Phnom Kulen is a one-way due to the closeness of some parts of road. The ascent is done compulsorily before 11am and the return is done compulsorily after 12pm.This excursion may be combined with one of our programmes SIT-ANG or SIT-KH.

Say that you love me

SAY THAT YOU LOVE ME

Oh darling when I met you, I know you’re the one for me. There you are smiling sweetly and swept me off my feel. And I hope, hope that I will always have you as my girl, so say you stay here, and that you never ever gonna leave me alone. Time just passes by; you’re still not here by my side. Is something wrong babe? Please tell me now, babe. And I’ll do the best that I can. Time just passes by; I just need you here in my life. So come on, baby .say that you love me. FROM NOW ON UNTIL END OF TIME.

CAMBODIAN CULTURAL VILLAGE

Cambodian Cultural Village, the only Cultural Village in the country is “Cambodia in miniature” located in the historical province of Siem Reap. It was constructed to provide tourists, both local and foreign a glance of the country‘s famous and historical milestone as well as a showcase of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Khmer people.
Inside the extensive village are the representations of Cambodia’s 11 Villages featuring houses of different architectural styles while providing examples of Khmer creativity in arts and crafts. At each village, there are distinctive traditional dance performances traditional wedding ceremony, performance of ethnic minorities, Apsara Dancing, Circus, Acrobatic, popular games and especially the much awaited Grand Khmer Family white Night Shows. Wax museum exhibits the development of Cambodian Culture from the first century up to present, the way how Angkor Wat temple was built, Khmer people during the Chenla period, various characteristics and replicas of important historical people.
Cambodian Cultural Village is history, a representation of Cambodia only on a half day tour.

• Wax Museum: Exhibits the famous Cambodian historical people from the first century up to the present. Showcases the antiques and lifestyle of Khmer people during the Angkor Period.
• Millionaire House: The Millionaire House is an ancient style of Khmer construction during the Ou Doung time. It is built from fine wood materials. The place where the most popular and must see traditional Khmer Wedding is performed.
• Souvenirs: All high quality souvenirs from different provinces in Cambodia made of sandstone, marble and wood reproductions for Angkorian era Quality silk products: wallets, handbags, scarves and cushions. Well designed jewelry and more are available at the Souvenir building. All of these are produced inside the Cambodian Cultural Village work-shops.
• Cham Village: The origin of Cham people is from Champa, Vietnam. Cham people mostly live along the riverbank and make their living by fishing and blacksmithing. The principle religion is Islam.
• Chinese Village: The Chinese people have moved to live in Cambodia more than thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty. Most of them are dealing by small business, crop and vegetable. The principle religion is Buddhism.
• Kola Village: Kola people, originally from Burma since 1870, are one of the minorities living in Pailin District, northwest of Cambodia where there are plenty of precious stones and peacocks. A dance called Pailin Peacock Dance is performed here highlighting the peacock’s activities.
• Kroeng Village: Kroeng people are the ethnic minorities living in the northeast of Cambodia, Rattanakiri province. They make their living by farming and hunting. They believe in Animism. “Fiancé Choosing Show” is performed in this village.
• Cambodian Immigrants to Oversea Village: The lifestyle of Cambodian people who live abroad. Features house and the church which shows the Christian religion.
• Khmer Village: Khmer are the main people of Cambodia. There are main models of houses of Khmer people. Wood and stone carving, clay pot making, palm sugar making, crafting, fishing and more are performed here especially Grand Khmer Family White Night show.
• Miniatures: Gathers all the miniatures of famous historical building and structures, former capital Ou Dong, Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Phsar Thmey, 12th century Kampong Kdey Bridge, 10th century reclining Buddha and more.
• Phnorng Village: One of the tribal groups living in the Northeast of Cambodia, Monduldiri Province. They make their living by farming and hunting. They believe in Animism. They are headed by Water & Fire Master who takes care of Preah Khan (Sword) which is granted by the ancient Khmer king. In this village “Water & Fire Master Choosing Show” is performed.
• Surin Village: Surin people are living along Cambodia and Thai border, next to Osmach District. Presently, they are in Thai territory but their Culture is not different from Khmer people living in the north of Siem Reap. They are good at organizing elephant matching they believe in Buddhism and some in Neak Ta Me Mut (witchcraft).
• Floating Village: Tonle Sap Lake is the big source of fishes which are the main food of Cambodian Peaople. The Villagers in this area make their living by fishing. They believe in Buddhism. Thei village where the “Fishing Show” is performed.
• Mini Theatre: It is building roofed by “Khunma” leaves. At the Min-theatre there are performance like classical dance, popular dance and circus etc…
• The unique, sprawling new cultural attraction in Siem Reap, intended to introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history. There are many types of houses in Khmer village such as house Peth, house Kantaing, house Raungdoeung, Sala Chan as a small pagoda… which are the main model houses of Khmer people. They make their living by farming, making palm sugar, rice storage, carving, weaving, crafting farm, making clay pot, fishing and popular games.
  

The Cambodian cultural villages has two museums that exhibit the well-know persons of Cambodia since the century until the present such as queen, king, general army, ambassador, monk, ethnic minority, movie star, Apsara dance and the way of how Angkor Wat temple was built by ancient Khmer, Khmer lifestyle during the Angkorian period and the breath-taking human figures with various paints. There are more than thirty wax statues that show about the development of Cambodian Cultural from the first century up to 20th century.
Cambodia has a long and rich tradition of classical dance, also know as Apsara dancing. Though some of the dance are shared with other cultures in the region. The slow graceful style of Cambodian dance is unique. There are many traditional performances you can see in the Cambodian cultural village in Siem Reap.