Cambodia Protects Tourist Sites

The Cambodian Cabinet voted to preserve 14 tourist sites that are connected to the Khmer Rouge regime. Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was a totalitarian organization that ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979. The 14 sites that are being protected from illegal encroachment by locals will provide travelers with an opportunity to learn about the 1.5 million Cambodians who were murdered and tortured during that period. The targets of the regime were often city-dwellers who were educated or considered to be part of the intellectual elite.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Although beautiful Angkor Wat (see photos) is rightfully the most popular tourist destination for travelers headed to Cambodia, sites connected to the Khmer Rouge genocide are also important to visit. While The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are already developed for tourism, newly developed stops in towns such as Anlong Veng (final resting place of Pol Pot) are welcomed additions.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.

Angkor Wat Through the Lens

Angkor Wat is a historic temple complex near Siem Reap, Cambodia. It has been used as a religious temple for several faiths including Hinduism and Buddhism. The structures are locally influenced by the classic Khmer architectural design. With more than eight hundred years of history, Angkor Wat is on almost every must-see list for travelers headed to Southeast Asia.

Follow this photographic journey into the temple complex:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Massive tree roots engulf many of the temple structures especially at Ta Prohm. That’s where scenes from Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider were filmed. It’s also one of the most visually pleasing segments of Angkor.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

The space is filled with lots of detailed figures. Many of them represent Hindu devatas (deities or celestial beings). Along with that representation comes a variety of Hindu stories told through carvings in the stone.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Buddhist statues demonstrate later influences at Angkor Wat. At the same time, scattered stones and partial structures show years of wear and tear at the grand temples.

For tourists visiting Angkor Wat, the temple complex has hundreds of structures over a considerable distance. Consider spending several days viewing them. Hiring a motorbike or renting a bicycle is a great way to get around.

View another journey featuring Bodh Gaya, India photos.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

 

Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.