Here you find the oldest Khmer temples origin in the 7th century. The Angkor Thom is mainly from 9th – 14th century when the Khmer kingdom was one of the biggest in history. The city of Angkor had at that time 1 million inhabitants where compared to London just 70.000 were living.
One thing no one will forget wherever he visit to or learn from Cambodia is - it`s tragic history.
Unbelievable that just few decades ago 20% of the entire population was killed by the extreme Khmer Rouge regime and with it all national treasures, cultural heritage and most painful TRUST. 2 million people were executed or died on the rice fields where they had to work hard for a common goal.
In Phnom Penh you can visit many places who tell the incredible story of this past. Don`t miss to visit the S21 museum (and watch the 60min movie) the most infamous prison and the killing fields at Choeung Ek where the prisoner of S21 where executed – more than 15.000 just there.
Another day we spent visiting the city center sights and temples which can easily compete with Bangkok. The Imperial palace is featuring the most precious life-sized massive golden Buddha statue decorated several 25karat diamonds.
To relax and watch the sunset over the Mekong River we joined the masses at the famous FCC club (previous for press only) and watched the locals making their turns in their dragon boats.
Lest We Forget
More on: http://picasaweb.google.at/marco.schoeggl/ATragicPastTheKillingFields#
