Cambodia - Ancient World

Its been 3 days since i came back from Cambodia. It was a fruitful trip. Some pple tot its an exotic place in Southeast Asia. To a certain extend, its quite true. However, i think its more of the country's history and political involvement in the international stage. To be honest, the place is a lot better than Myanmar. Well, it may be on par with Vietnam but definitely still behind Thailand.

I reached Siam Reap airport early in the morning. I was greeted by a breeze. I realised the airports in Cambodia are managed by French airport company. Pretty laid back. The trip began with a trip to Tongle Sap River. Yep, the same river that drown our Singaporean guys one year ago. Had mixed feeling as we cruised along the river. There were pple who live on floating platform in the river. Interesting.

Well, the highlight of the trip is to visit Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world. Very majestic and magnificient site. I was stunned by the beautiful outlook. There were plenty of historical sites in Siam Reap. They were built by Kings of Angkor Era in the 7th century if i remember correctly. There were lots of statues. Most of these ancient buildings are built by rock. You really wonder how pple in the past did tat. There were also beautiful carving on the rocks too.

However, some were destroyed due to many reasons. It might be due to Khmer Rouge ruling, pollution or political struggle in the past. In Angkor Wat, the place has been lost for 400 years with no one taking care of it. It was when French came and discovered the jewel of Cambodia. After which, Cambodia became a colony of the French government. Some buildings are built in the French style, while road names are in French.

Spent 4 days in Siam Reap, after which i headed to capital Phnom Penn. The S21 prison in Phnom Penn left a deep impression in me. The prison was a high school previously. The Khmer Rouge government converted the school into a prison where they really torture their prisoners. It was scarly. The place is now a museum.

There were pictures of prisoners and the army guards. There were also torture equpiment that were left behind. Some blood stain can still be seen on the floor even after 30 over years. I really pity those prisoners who were tortured to death. Its a history that most Cambodians would not want to talk about. However, the museum serves as a reminder to Cambodians as well as others of such atrocities.

Overall, the place is worth a visit if you have never been. I wouldnt mind going again. Probably the next time, it would be Cambodia and Vietnam trip. I realise Ho Chi Min city is only a 2-3 hours bus ride from Phnom Penn. Well, it's a good choice to explore IndoChina. Historical, exotic and fun!!!