VISITEUSSOON: August 2015

Cambodia Tour Koh Ker Temple

Koh Ker (Khmer: ប្រាសាទកោះកេរ្ដិ៍) is a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia about 120 kilometres (75 mi) away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. It is a very jungle filled region that is sparsely populated. More than 180 sanctuaries were found in a protected area of 81 square kilometres (31 sq mi). Only about two dozen monuments can be visited by tourists because most of the sanctuaries are hidden in the forest and the whole area is not fully demined.

Koh Ker is the modern name for an important city of the Khmer empire. In inscriptions the town is mentioned as Lingapura (city of lingams) or Chok Gargyar(sometimes translated as city of glance, sometimes as iron tree forest).

Under the reign of the kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the whole empire (928–944 AD). Jayavarman IV forced an ambitious building program. An enormous water-tank and about forty temples were constructed under his rule. The most significant temple‑complex, a double sanctuary (Prasat Thom/Prang), follows a linear plan and not a concentric one like most of the temples of the Khmer kings. Unparalleled is the seven‑tiered and 36-metre (118 ft) high pyramid, which most probably served as state temple of Jayavarman IV. Really impressive too are the shrines with the two‑meter 6 ft 7 in high lingas.

Under Jayavarman IV the style of Koh Ker was developed and the art of sculpture reached a pinnacle. A great variety of wonderful statues were chiselled. Because of its remoteness the site of Koh Ker was plundered many times by looters. Sculptures of Koh Ker can be found not only in different museums but also in private collections. Masterpieces of Koh Ker are offered occasionally at auctions. These pieces in present times are considered stolen art.

The site is about two and half hours away from Siem Reap, and basic visitors' facilities are now being built. This makes Koh Ker very attractive for anyone who would like to experience lonely temples partly overgrown by the forest.

Since 1992 the site of Koh Ker is on the UNESCO tentative world heritage list.

History

Jayavarman IV

Jayavarman IV ruled from 928 to 941 at Koh Ker. Probably he was a local king at this remote site (his homeland?) before he became king of the whole empire. That could explain why he preferred to has his residence at Koh Ker and not at Roluos (Hariharalaya) or at Yashodharapura (Angkor) like the kings before him. Some historians think that Jayavarman IV was an usurper. But the majority of them say that he was a legal ruler and could ascend the throne because he married a half-sister of king Yasovarman I (889 – 900). It seems to be sure, that the two sons of Yasovarman I (Harshavarman I, who ruled from 900 to 922 and Isanavarman II, who ruled from 922 to 925?) had no children. In the short time as Jayavarman IV reigned in Koh Ker an ambitious building program was realised. That was only possible because of a restrictive system of raising taxes as inscriptions say. About 40 temples, the unique seven-tiered pyramid and a huge baray (water-reservoir) were built. Under Jayavarman IV the Koh Ker-style was developed and the art of sculpture reached a pinnacle.

Harshavarman II

After the decease of Jayavarman IV not the designated prince became his follower. Harshavarman II (another son of Jayavarman IV) claimed the throne. Like his father he ruled at Koh Ker (941 – 944) but after three years he died; probably it was not a natural decease. No temples at Koh Ker can be ascribed to him. His follower on the throne (a cousin of his) went back to Roluos (Hariharalaya).

Koh Ker after 944 AD

Even after 944 as the capital of the Khmer Empire had changed back to the plains north of the Tonle Sap-lake some more temples were built at the site of Koh Ker. An inscription mentions the reign of Udayadityavarman I in 1001. At the beginning of the 13th century the last sanctuary was realised there. Under Jayavarman VII the Prasat Andong Kuk a so-called hospital-chapel was built (one of more than 100 of hospital-sanctuaries of this ruler).

96 temples have been found in Koh Ker: Dav, Rumlum Bey, Beung Veng, Trapiang Prey, Dey Chhnang, Srok Srolao, Lingam, Kuk Srakum, Trapiang Ta, Sophy, Krahom, Andoung, Ang Khna, Teuk Krahom, Damrei Sar, Krarab, Banteay Pichoan, Kuk, Kmao, Thneung, Thorn Balang, Rohal, Chamneh, Sampich, Trapiang Svay, Neang Kmao, Pram, Bat, Khnar Chen, Klum, Chrab, Dangtung, Prang, Kampiang.... These temples were not constructed near each other. Today, many of them are no longer standing, and some are buried in the ground. The followings are locations and descriptions of some of the Koh Ker temples:

Neang Khmao Temple
The Koh Ker complex is along a trail that is about 3 kilometers long. The first temple, Neang Khmao sits atop a small hill on the east side of the trail. The temple, which faces west toward Angkor city, is made of sandstone. It is 20 meters high and resembles a stupa. The temple terrace is 2 meters high and divided into three decks. The temple is surrounded by a laterite rampart, 44 meters square and 2 meters high. The rampart has only two openings; one on the east side, and the other on the west. The temple once housed lingam and yoni, but only yoni remains. The lintel sculpture has been damaged, but otherwise, most of the temple is in good condition, while nearly three-quarters of the rampart is good condition.

. Pram Temple
About 700 to 800 meters north of Neang Khmao temple is another temple called Pram temple. Constructed of laterite and sandstone, it sits on a small hill surrounded by bushes that block the lingam and the lintel. The main body of the temple is in good condition.

. Chen Temple
Farther down the trail is a three-peak temple made of laterite and sandstone. It faces east and is called Chen temple. Inside the temple there is a piece of lingam and remnants of a statue of King Jayavarman IV. A sculpture of garuda's head on the south lintel is missing. The temple is overgrown by forest.

. Preng Well
About 800 to 900 meters farther, there is the Preng well, which is similar to a pond. Surrounded by stone, it is 20 meters square. The terrace is about 8 centimeters high. The water in the pond is clear, and a nearby tree provides shade for weary visitors looking for a place to relax.

. Rampart of Koh Ker Temple
Another kilometer down the trail is the rampart of Koh Ker temple. 1 kilometer long and 2 kilometers high, it is made of laterite. Koh Ker temple is the middle of a rampart, surrounded by 20 more temples. Some of the temples are:

. Kuk Temple or Gopura
Kuk temple or Gopura is made of sandstone and has a sculpture of lotus petals on the temple fronton. Although the door frame is damaged, most of the temple is in good condition. A Shiva lingam that once was housed inside has been looted. . Prang Temple
Prang temple is constructed of sandstone and bricks. There are five separate parts of this temple. About 70 percent of the temple is still standing.

. Krahom Temple
About 10 meters farther is Kramhom temple (The red temple). Constructed of brick and shaped like a seven-level pyramid, the temple is decorated with a 20-meter-tall sculpture of lotus petals. Inside the temple, there is a 3-meter-tall statue of Shiva with eight arms and four heads. The statue is supported by a l-square-meter base. The statue is seriously damaged, only some parts remain.

. Khmao Temple
Farther down is Khmao temple. On the wall and door frame of the temple, there is a partially damaged inscription. Near the temple is a rampart gateway to Kampiang temple. The gateway is a 2-meter staircase. Some sculptures of lotus petals, seven-headed nagas and garudas remain.

Cambodia Tour kbal Spean

Kbal Spean (Khmer: ក្បាលស្ពាន) ("Bridge Head") is an Angkorian era archaeological site on the southwest slopes of the Kulen Hills to the northeast of Angkor in Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. It is situated along a 150m stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River, 25 kilometres (16 mi) from the main Angkor group of monuments.

The site consists of a series of stone carvings in sandstone formations carved in the river bed and banks. It is commonly known as the "Valley of a 1000 Lingas" or "The River of a Thousand Lingas". The motifs for stone carvings are mainly myriads of lingams (phallic symbol of Hindu god Shiva), depicted as neatly arranged bumps that cover the surface of a sandstone bed rock, and lingam-yoni designs. There are also various Hindu mythological motifs, including depictions of the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Rama, and Hanuman, as well as animals (cows and frogs).

A visit to Kbal Spean, a reference to the natural rock bridge, is one of the easiest ways to take a short jungle trek in the Angkor area. It is a 30-minute walk to the carvings through steamy forest and some curious rock formations. It is best to try to visit between July and December, at other times of year the river rapidly dries up.

The access to the trail is not permitted after 3:30pm. Food and drinks are available at the base of the trail.

HISTORY OF KBAL SPEAN

The carving of vestiges began with the reign of King Suryavarman I and ended with the reign of King Udayadityavarman II; these two kings ruled between the 11th and 12th centuries. The 1,000 lingas, but not other sculptures, are attributed to a minister of Suryavarman I during the 11th century, and these were carved by hermits who lived in the area. Inscriptions at the site testify to the fact that most of the sculpting was done during the reign of Udayadityavarman II. It is also mentioned that King Udayadityavarman II consecrated a golden ling here in 1059 AD. It is believed that the Siem Reap River flowing into Angkor is blessed by the sacred lingas over which it flows.

The archaeological site was discovered in 1969 by Jean Boulbet, an ethnologist, but further exploration was cut off due to the Cambodian Civil War. The site regained prominence for safe visits from 1989.

Sculptures

The sculptures carved in the river bed and banks depict many Hindu mythological scenes and symbols. There are also inscriptions which get exposed as the water level in the river decreases. The common theme of these sculptures emphasizes creation as defined in Hindu mythology in the form of Lord Vishnu lying on a serpent in a reclining repose on the ocean of milk in mediation, the lotus flower emerging from Vishnu’s navel which bears god Brahma, the creator. Following these sculptures seen carved on the banks of the river, the river flows through several sculpted reliefs of Shiva the destroyer shown in the universal symbol of the Linga; 1000 such lingas have been carved in the bed of the river which gives the name to the river valley formed by the river as “valley of 1000 lingas”. Vishnu is also carved to match the contours of the river bed and banks. A carving of Shiva with his consort Uma is also visible.

Though the sculptures have been vandalized and damaged, the carved idols still retain their original grandeur. Under the supervision of archaeologists, the graduates of Artisans d'Angkor have been able to reproduce some portions of Kbal Spean's missing bas-relief carvings.

BONTEAY SREI TEMPLE.

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey is a 10th-century Cambodian sanctuary committed to the Hindu god Shiva. Situated in the territory of Angkor in Cambodia.

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបន្ទាយស្រី) is a 10th-century Cambodian sanctuary devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. Situated in the zone of Angkor in Cambodia. It lies close to the slope of Phnom Dei, 25 km (16 mi) north-east of the fundamental gathering of sanctuaries that once fit in with the medieval capitals of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom. Banteay Srei is constructed to a great extent of red sandstone, a medium that fits the extensive beautiful divider carvings which are still recognizable today. The structures themselves are small in scale, strangely so when measured by the measures of Angkorian development. These components have made the sanctuary to a great degree famous with vacationers, and have prompted its as a rule generally applauded as a "valuable diamond",or the "jewel of Khmer art.

Bantãy Srĕi was liable to further extension and revamping work in the eleventh century. Sooner or later it went under the control of the ruler and had its unique devotion changed; the engraving K 194 from Phnoṃ Sandak, dated Monday, the 14th or 28 July 1119 A.D. records (line B 13) the sanctuary being given to the cleric Divākarapaṇḍita and being rededicated to Śiva. It stayed being used at any rate until the fourteenth century as per the last known engraving K 569, dated Thursday, 8 August 1303 A.D.

The sanctuary was rediscovered just in 1914, and was the subject of a praised instance of workmanship robbery when André Malraux stole four devatas in 1923 (he was soon captured and the figures returned). The occurrence empowered enthusiasm for the site, which was passed the accompanying year, and in the 1930s Banteay Srei was restored through the first critical utilization of anastylosis at Angkor whereby a demolished building or landmark is restored utilizing the first structural components to the best degree conceivable. Until the revelation of the establishment stela in 1936, it had been expected that the amazing beautification showed a later date than was truth be told the case. To keep the site from water harm, the joint Cambodian-Swiss Banteay Srei Conservation Project introduced a waste framework somewhere around 2000 and 2003. Measures were additionally taken to anticipate harm to the sanctuaries dividers from adjacent trees. Sadly, the sanctuary has been assaulted by appropriating and vandalism. At the point when toward the end of the 20th century powers uprooted some unique statues and supplanted them with solid copies, bandits took to assaulting the imitations. A statue of Shiva and his shakti Uma, evacuated to the National Museum in Phnom Penh for care, was struck in the historical center itself.

Cambodia Tour Prek Toal ( Bird sanctuary )

Boat trip to Prek Toal takes about two hours from Chong Kneas boat dock, upon arrival meet Prek Toal Environmental Research Station for guiding tour to birds sanctuary. The Research Station has information on the area's flora and fauna. There are also basic overnight accommodations at the Research Station if you want to stay the night to take full advantage of the sunset and early morning viewing hours. The entrance free for birds watching for two persons cost 25$ each, 3 pax up cost 20$ per person including boat guided tour to birds sanctuary. Your entrance fee expense use to help promote responsible tourism in Cambodia, and contributes to the conservation of the area especially educate children, villagers about the importance of the birds and the unique flooded forest environment, all your expenses go through to local communities The 'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large water birds.

Prek Toal bird sanctuary is a protected site located on the North Eastern shore of the Tonle Sap Lake, one hour by boat from Siem Reap port. The area consists of a vast undisturbed flooded forest where thousands of water birds come each year to breed during the dry season.

As such, it is one of the most important places in South-East Asia for the conservation of endangered species such as Storks, Adjutants, Pelicans and Ibis. Birdwatchers drifting through the forest will observe large flocks of birds feeding on the lakeshore, perched on trees or soaring above the forest.

A traditional floating village

At the edge of the flooded forest, a lively human community has settled in floating houses, a practical solution to cope with the changing water level of the lake. In the village, the visitor will see floating grocery boats and stores, coffee and dessert sellers paddling gently along.

All village life is organised around and heavily relies on fishing. Various types of traditional fishing gears are encountered on the lake as well as in the village and in the streams of the flooded forest. Some villagers raise fish in pens while others have set up crocodile farms behind their floating homes.

COMMUNITY BASED ECOTOURISM OF PREK TOAL

Settled in the core of the Tonle Sap Lake Biosphere Reserve, and surrounded by flooded forests, the community of Prek Toal invite you to a unique experience of sharing their floating life. Everything, except a few administrative buildings, is floating in Prek Toal village: the children reach their floating school by paddle boats, the floating shops pass from house to house to sell their vegetables…

More than a floating village, Prek Toal is also the main entrance to the famous bird sanctuary: this unique ecosystem is host to the highest number of large breeding water birds in South East Asia. Endangered species such as black headed Ibis, Milky stork, greater adjutant come to breed every year in the flooded forest of Prek Toal.

Prek Toal Community Based Ecotourism Site was established in 2005 under support from Osmose NGO.

TRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Paddle boat tours: the villagers will take you on their traditional paddle boat through the water streets of their village and give you a unique perspective on a way of life that is unimaginable to many of us. Each stop to a specific spot will be an opportunity to learn more about the special work performed in the floating villages such as fish farming, crocodile farming, floating gardens

aray, the floating handicraft cooperative: Originating from South America and introduced to the Tonle Sap Lake, the water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant, becoming an increasing environmental issue. Since 2004, the non-profit water hyacinth handicraft cooperative SARAY, offers employment to the women of the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy experiencing the weaving in action with the women by visiting the workshop. SARAY offers a wide range of 100% natural products, including bags, baskets, mats and accessories.

Weaving class: More than just the learning of a handicraft technique, you will share a special time with the joyful women of Saray cooperative and help them developing their self confidence.

oating home stays: Spend a night in a traditional floating Khmer house, marvel at the sunset and sunrise over the water. Enjoy the amazing experience of a night in a floating village and share in your host’s daily life experiences. Wake up and appreciate the early morning life.

Floating community restaurant: Enjoy a unique dining experience at the community restaurant where local food has been styled to accommodate your taste. The floating restaurant has a capacity of over 60 seats.

Bird Sanctuary and Osmose Ecotours: join an Ecotour to the bird sanctuary guided by one of the specialized guides of Osmose. Enjoy the magnificence of the flooded forest and observe the huge bird colonies from the ranger’s platforms. A variety of tours, including day and overnight are available into the bird sanctuary and the village and can be customize to suit your needs.

A bird sanctuary

Prek Toal bird sanctuary is a protected site located on the North Eastern shore of the Tonle Sap Lake, one hour by boat from Siem Reap port. The area consists of a vast undisturbed flooded forest where thousands of water birds come each year to breed during the dry season.

As such, it is one of the most important places in South-East Asia for the conservation of endangered species such as Storks, Adjutants, Pelicans and Ibis. Birdwatchers drifting through the forest will observe large flocks of birds feeding on the lakeshore, perched on trees or soaring above the forest.

HOW TO ACCESS TO PREK TOAL COMMUNITY BASED ECOTOURISM SITE?

Prek Toal village is located about 2 hours travel by boat and taxi (or tuk tuk) from Siem Reap. To reach the Floating Community Based Ecotourism you can: