Srah Srang

Srah Srang, often called the Royal Bath, is a massive man-made reservoir (baray) located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, just east of the Banteay Kdei temple. Originally dug in the mid-10th century under King Rajendravarman II, it was later renovated in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. Today, it remains a serene, water-filled basin measuring roughly 700 by 350 meters, famous for its picturesque sunrise views. The Landing Terrace's western edge, there is an impressive multi-tiered sandstone platform adorned with guardian lions and naga balustrades. Though its modern name implies a private royal bath, historical inscriptions suggest it was originally created for the ritual washing and benefit of all creatures. Srah Srang is part of the larger Angkor complex, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unesco: Angkor
Thank you Marnie!
Date: Dec 4

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. The Cambodian Water Festival, is celebrated in late October or early November, often corresponding with the lunar Mid-Autumn Festival. It marks the end of the monsoon season. The festivities are accompanied by dragon boat races.

Tag: Europe meets the world
Date: Nov 3

Bayon Temple

At the heart of Angkor Thom is the 12th-century Bayon, the mesmerising, if slightly mind-bending, state temple of Jayavarman VII. It epitomises the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 Gothic towers are decorated with 216 gargantuan smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, and it is adorned with 1.2km of extraordinary bas-reliefs incorporating more than 11,000 figures.

Unesco: Angkor
Date: Nov 20

Temple of Preah Vihear

The Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment. Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva.

Unesco: Temple of Preah Vihear
Thanks a lot Sara!
Date: Oct 20

Ankor Wat

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century; as such, it is also described as a 'Hindu-Buddhist' temple. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world, having played a major role in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist nation. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and is the country's main tourist attraction.

Unesco: Angkor
RR: 10 Countries RR (20)
Date: Sept 2

Flags of the World - Cambodia

The flag of Cambodia in its present form was originally adopted in 1948 and readopted in 1993. The colors of the flag of Cambodia hold great significance to the nation. The two colors represent the bravery of the nation, liberty, cooperation and brotherhood. The flag also features a depiction of the Angkor Wat, which symbolizes justice, heritage and integrity. Combined, these elements also represent the nation’s religion, the king, and its people.

Thanks so much Sara!
Date: July 16

Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat is an enormous Buddhist temple complex located in northern Cambodia. It was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the world.

Unesco: Angkor
Distance: 9,557 km
Travel time: 19 days

Angkor

From Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.  This card shows Prasat Bayon, a richly decorated Khmer temple at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom.

Thanks a lot for offering me this card Ruedi!
Unesco: Angkor
Cambodia offer / Swap: July 16