The monuments of Cambodia are not only grand and architecturally marvelous, but all of them have rooted in history, the heritage of the Khmer empire and the glorious past. The historical monuments in Cambodia, design, sculptures, and religious significance of temples, and the rich history of statues will leave everyone awestruck and amused. Here’s the guide which has all the details about the most popular and beautiful Cambodian monuments for you to explore like never before.
List of Monuments in Cambodia
1. Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple is located at the center of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, regarded as one of the most famous religious Cambodia monuments. Constructed by King Jayavarman VII, the center of the universe as per the Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, a mountain temple to represent Mount Meru. Originally Bayon was a Buddhist temple, under the covers of the snake; Mucalinda, the main shrine is a seated Buddha image protected. This temple cum monuments in Cambodia was transformed into a Hindu religious site, a few years later dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
Read More: Famous Monuments of Zurich
2. Independence Monument
As a memorial to Cambodia’s independence from France, Independence Monument is built. It is one of the most significant and famous monuments in Cambodia. The shape of the monument resembles a lotus-shaped stupa and the monument was designed in typical Angkorian style. Each level is decorated with snakeheads, this is a 5-story monument. Every day after sundown, the monument is beautifully lit up by white, blue and red floodlights, similar to the colors of the national flag of Cambodia
3. Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the prime attractions of Angkor Thom. Built with pink colored rocks, this temple boasts the most intricate sculptures of various Gods and Goddesses and finest stone carvings. Banteay Srei was not commissioned by a king but by a brahmin, legend has it, that unlike other temples, who was the mentor of King Jayavarman V. literally translates into the citadel of woman, as the local word Banteay Srei many historians, and archeologists even believe, that best monument in Cambodia was built by a woman.
Read More: Monuments in Bulgaria
4. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat temple complex is Spread over sprawling 400 acres. It is among the largest religious Cambodia sites. The main temple of Angor Wat was dedicated to Vishnu built in the 12th century which later converted to a Buddhist temple in later years. The complex has several other Hindu and Buddhist temples as well along with the main temple. Honored as one of the seven wonders of World and World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this top monument in Cambodia comprises of a 650 feet wide dugout area, seven-headed Naga sculpture, stone doorway with guardian lions and Mt. Meru Tower
5. Lolei Temple
During the Cambodia tour, visiting the Lolei Temple is one of the most fascinating experiences. The other two being Preah Ko and the Bakong temples, this unique monument in Cambodia is the third and northernmost temple of the Roluos group. Lolei was built in the late 9th century, renowned as an island temple on an island of Baray Indratadaka lake, which has completely dried up now. With false doors and central lintels, there are 4 temple towers, beautifully decorated.
Read More: Monuments of Hong Kong
6. Baksei Chamkrong
Near the south gate of Angkor Thom, this 10th-century temple is located. The temple resembles has a beautifully decorated Prasat tower at the top and a Hindu sanctuary a pyramid and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. By king Harshavarman, the construction of the temple was started and by Rajendravarman finally completed. It is one of the popular monuments in Cambodia. This gorgeous temple made of sandstone has steep staircases on all sides and the magnificently fascinating Gopura structures and lateritic rocks and Airavata and sculpture of Indra will surely leave you in awe
7. Preah Vihear Temple
Preah Vihear is an ancient Hindu temple and one of the most popular temples of Cambodia and another by UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is constructed during the reign of the Khmer Empire. This Hindu temple took 300 years to complete dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by like Yasovarman, Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II multiple Khmer rulers. On the Dângrêk Mountains, known widely for its hilltop location, this ancient monument in Cambodia is decorated with incredible sculptures.
Read More: Monuments of Bruges
8. The Victory Gate
The Victory Gate is the most popular one to visit, It was guarding the ancient town of Angkor Thom and of all the 5 gates. In the 12th century, this gate can be accessed through the Royal Road built by King Jayavarman II which extends from the Royal Palace. Gopuras and three-headed Eyrawana elephants adorned with marvelous sculptures of Gods and Goddesses, the victory gate is one of the most visited monuments in Cambodia. This gate was used to send the army into the battle for protecting the Khmer empire
9. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument is constructed to honor the cordial relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia. By the Vietnamese regime, it was built in the 1970s which overtook the authority after Khmer Rouge. Consists of two soldiers guarding over a Cambodian lady, this is a huge concrete monument holding a baby, on a plinth. This is one of the monuments to see in Cambodia located in Hun Sen Park.
Read More: Monuments in Burkina Faso
10. Golden Lion
The Golden Lion statue in Sihanoukville was constructed in 1966 locally known as Vimean Tao Meas. The statue comprises of two golden shiny lions. With his mouth wide open, the lion stands proud while the lioness looks calm, compassionate and composed. This important monument in Cambodia represents the political scenario of Cambodia the locals believe that. The dominating lion represents the calm and serene one symbolizes Khmer’s inner tranquillity and content while the vehemence that affected the country over the years
11. The French Tower
This is a red-brick structure, located on the banks of Mekong River, also known as the French Colonial Watchtower. This tower acted as a watchtower built in the early 1900s to guard the river against pirates. Over the river and Kampong Cham city, the French Tower is best known for offering majestic views of the sunset. It is counted as one of the vintage monuments in Cambodia.
Read More: Monuments in Cabo Verde
12. Phnom Yat
A list of old monuments in Cambodia is incomplete without Phnom Yat- an ancient pagoda in Pailin city. It can be ascended by climbing 242 steps situated at the top of a mountain this historical and cultural site attracts tourists round the year. Located on a hilltop the place has several big and small stupas and asromms or dedicated places for meditation along with the Kola Pagoda
13. Statue Of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
In Phnom Penh, Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk is a major tourist attraction. It is one of the most famous monuments in Cambodia. The statue represents the prime minister of Cambodia and the erstwhile king by the same name. The bronze statue was erected in the following year, after his death in 2012, this 4.5-meter tall, under a huge stupa. Located close to the famous Independence Monument, the statue is placed in a memorial park.
Read More: Monuments of Edinburgh
14. Ta Dambong Statue
A quaint city of Cambodia, Ta Dambong is a prominent landmark of Battambang located by the Sangker River. It is now considered one of the monuments to visit in Cambodia. Ta Dumbong was a cowherd legend believes. One day he used the same to defeat and take over the king of Battambang and founded a magic stick. The king’s son ran away to the woods in complete fear and converted himself to a monk. Moreover, as he had constant dreams of a holy man, defeating him, Ta Dumbong was also fearful
15. Kep Crab Statue
This life-size blue crab statue is the icon of Kep- a small coastal city of Cambodia and another name in the list of Cambodia monuments is Kep Crab Statue. The famous for fresh crabs and resting on a wooden platform. Where people visit mostly for leisure strolls, sunbathing and photogenic sunset, the statue is located near the Kep Bay waterfront
Read More: Monuments in Burundi
So far we have discussed the best monuments in Cambodia, which contains the proper information regarding all the most visited monuments in Cambodia. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about Cambodia then kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about Cambodia.
The post Most Visited Monuments in Cambodia | Famous Monuments of Cambodia appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel.