Culture

History

Angkor – Although early Cambodian history dates back to the 1st century when the Kingdom of Funan was established, the most important dynasty was to emerge in the 9th century. The Khmer empire or Angkor was established near the present day city of Siem Reap. Angkor is an amazing complex of over 1,000 temples that exists to this day in varying sizes and states of ruin, though more sites are found reaching as far as 30 miles away. Angkor Wat, the largest of the temples, is also said to be the world’s largest single religious monument with walls nearly one-half mile long on each side. The temples and shrines were built over a period of about 300 years and they reflect the change of religions from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism, and finally to Theravada Buddhism, the most common form of Buddhism found in Cambodia today. Ninety-five percent of Cambodians are Buddhist.

The Khmer dynasty lasted until the 13th century and then mysteriously went into a state of decline. In the succeeding centuries Cambodia was occupied by its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors and eventually in the 19th century by the French. After independence from France in 1953 Cambodia was ruled by a Monarchy and a parliamentary democracy.

Khmer Rouge – In the mid-70s Cambodia experienced one of the most remarkable and devastating social experiments in human history. Cambodia is still recovering from the devastating effects of the Khmer Rouge communist regime, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Led by Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge sought to create a utopian, agrarian society in which family, money and status were irrelevant. Within a few days of invading Phnom Penh all of the cities were emptied of their inhabitants who were then forced into agricultural labor. All aspects of everyday life were controlled by the Khmer Rouge including the food rationing, which caused widespread starvation. The Khmer Rouge was also responsible for a program of mass executions targeting intellectuals. More than 1.7 million Cambodians died under the regime.

Current Government – Following the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 Cambodia was occupied by the Vietnamese for a decade and with the end of the cold war in 1989 the Vietnamese began to withdraw and eventually the monarchy was restored. The current King is his Majesty Norodom Sihamoni and the Prime Minister is Mr. Hun Sen.

Transportation

Motos and Cyclos – A cyclo, pronounced “see-klo” is short for cyclo rickshaw. It’s a taxi, powered as a tricycle, with a single passenger seat in the front, and the driver perched behind.

Motos are motorcycle taxis, ideal for traveling sort distances, and a much faster and cheaper way to get around. Passengers simply sit behind the driver and hang on!