Sisophon in Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the most exotic destinations in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in the country a constitutional monarchy, but in fact a country ruled by the Prime Minister. The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, some citizens speak fluent French, but the English are very few people know – mostly hotel workers and tour guides, so our countrymen when visiting this amazing country may have difficulty in communicating.
Holidays in Cambodia are very popular because of a mild climate – the average temperature in winter is 30 – 35 degrees Celsius, and in the summer comes to a mark of 40 degrees Celsius.
Khmer Buddhists of different branches of living in the country are more inclined to Chinese Confucianism, Vietnamese, French, and many remained faithful to Catholicism, a religion of the few Malay Islam is Sunni. Religious diversity was reflected in the sacred architecture – built temples in Cambodia in all directions, visiting that creates a view of the spiritual life of the local population, its history and culture. Cambodia is divided into 20 provinces, one of which is Banteay Meanchey – the administrative county located in the northwest of the Cambodian kingdom on the border with Thailand.
Sisophon city is the cultural center of the province, one of the most interesting cities to visit Cambodia. It is easy to get from Thailand, it is important for tourists who want to combine holidays in Thailand on a fascinating journey to Cambodia.
If after visiting Thailand you still have leftover baht the remaining funds can be beneficial to spend in bars, cafes, boutiques and souvenir shops Sisophon. The administrative center of the province of Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia is a cozy, small and quiet town, so unlike the familiar regional centers, crowded cars, with congestion and exhaust fumes. However, it was not quiet at all times.
Once it was developed turbulent events, shots were fired, burned houses, killed civilians – the city, “as the flag is passed,” that was dominated by the Khmer Rouge, it passed under the jurisdiction of Thailand. But the Khmer Rouge reign of terror has long fallen, the city has since changed, the economy was quickly restored – nothing reminds of gremevshih here fighting, residents returned to their traditional activities and welcomes tourists from all over the world who want to see the original Khmer culture, visit ancient temples and ghost towns in the middle of the jungle.
To date Sisophon as a major transport hub, which bind together the highway north-west Cambodia, runs through it and the highway linking Cambodia with Thailand. Visiting the city is in many exciting sightseeing tours, developed tourist infrastructure here – a lot of modern comfortable hotel with a high level of service, parking for tour buses, expensive restaurants and cheap cozy cafes. In the vicinity of the provincial capital of many interesting excursion sites that characterize the unique culture of one of the ancient Asian civilizations. In Sisophon are ancient Buddhist pagoda, familiarity with which sheds light on the ancient culture of the Khmer people, which is significantly different from that of the neighboring nations – Thais, Laotians, Vietnamese and Tai more – from Malaysians.
Renting a car or buying tickets for long distance buses going on the national highway, just 10 kilometers before the eyes appear original village Roch, known to the world by making unique sculptures. These extraordinary sculptures related to the Khmer religious beliefs – such masterpieces once adorned all Buddhist temples. Unfortunately, many of the ancient sculptures were destroyed during the war, the Khmer Rouge – as they struggled with religion. In the village of Roch thriving trade sculptures, but their purchase must be careful – some vendors offer freshly-made sculpture, a little “aged” at inflated prices, passing it off as antiques.
A real antique sculptures and other cultural treasures to purchase is not recommended – such a purchase out of the country and is strictly prohibited by local law. But, even without buying a sculpture, a visit to this village is interesting in itself – the local people live here, like hundreds of years ago, their way of life and culture have not changed.
The most significant area of interest of the city – an ancient Khmer temple of Banteay Chma, for whom a visit to the province of Banteay Meanchey traveling tourists from all over the world. The temple is located just 63 km from the provincial capital, it is easy to get to, ordering a taxi or rent a bike. The temple was built in the 12th century, once was surrounded by powerful 9-km wall on which was captured history of ancient people – the bas-reliefs depicting war and religious ceremonies.
Over time, the church gradually destroyed – it inevitably acted time, rain, and he suffered from the Khmer Rouge, and the looters who attacked the temple underwent in 1998. However, the ruins of the church shows its original grandeur – kept the three towers with the enigmatic face of Avalokiteshvara, the remnants of the once powerful wall on which you can still see the unique bas-reliefs.
On the territory of the temple complex are a few dozen smaller churches, visiting each of which also is of interest for tourists. Unusual architecture is different and the temple of Banteay Top, located near Banteay Chma. This temple was built in honor of the invincible army of the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII.
