The discovery of Cambodia’s national treasure, Angkor Wat in early 20th century revived the neighboring village of Siem Reap and helping it grow into a vibrant tourist destination.Siem Reap accommodation can be found easily as the city boast many star-rated hotels including some in close proximity to the city’s famous Cambodian Cultural Village.
A short walk from Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa, the 21 hectares Cambodian Cultural Village is where visitors can glimpse the country’s fascinating history and its vibrant culture by taking a few hours walk through the Park. The only Cultural Village in Cambodia, the Village has eleven villages dedicated to the unique cultures of Cambodia’s ethnic groups which display the traditions, cultural performances and crafts of each ethnic group. A must-see in the Park is the many miniature replicas of the county’s landmark buildings including the Royal Palace, Angkor Wat and The National Museum.
The entrance to Cultural Park is through the Park’s museum. Visitors first enter one of two sections of the Museum which houses preserved animals, old tools, age-old jewelry and wall murals, showpieces of Cambodia’s rich history. The second section is Cambodia’s only Wax Museum where its 39 wax statues guide visitors through Cambodia’s history from the 1st century to the present. Beginning with the Khmer-style Apsara in a traditional greeting pose, the Museum has life-size statues of Cambodia’s royal family including King Jayavaraman VII, Princess Indradevy, King Ang Doung and a statue of the 16th Century Army General Krohla Hom. The museum also pays tribute to Chenla and Angkor periods in Cambodian history with statues and antiquities dating to that era and an exhibit of the construction of Angkor Wat temple. Among the Wax Museum’s more modern exhibits are statues of the country’s popular actors, musicians and the controversial exhibit of an Untac-era peacekeeper and his female companion. Concluding a tour of Cambodia’s history, visitors are brought to reality with the museum’s final exhibit of a modern-day Cambodian family which shows a now westernized Cambodian culture.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
