Movement in Cambodia (click on the images to get a larger view)

    In ancient times, Cambodia was influenced by Indian traders in both religion and art. Variations of the Indian Hindu Ramayana are part of Cambodian, Thai, and Javanese cultures. These influences can be seen in temple sculptures. Today, as a result of ancient marriages, most of the country is Buddhist.

Garuda	Bayon

Apsara dancers	Shiva churning the sea of milk

Hanuman, king of the monkeys

    In addition to the French language, which is spoken mainly by intellectuals who survived the Pol Pot regime, France has influenced the architecture of Cambodia. A visitor would see its extensive use in buildings in Phnom Penh, but decay set in during the four years of desertion. Restoration of these architectural treasures is an ongoing, long-term process in a country with very little means, but there is ample evidence of rehabilitation. French bread can be bought at most market stalls.

 

Girl on a cyclo, Phnom Penh, with ruins behind her showing French architecture.	Restored building across from Tuol Sleng prison, Phnom Penh.

    Trade is limited to agricultural products, but U.S. corporations have begun to take a look at Cambodia. Nike has established itself in a limited way. Most international companies have adopted a wait-and-see policy toward the country, as governmental stability has been in question in recent years. Cambodians are proud to have become members of ASEAN, (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which should accord them increased trade with their neighbors. Infrastructure is not yet conducive to moving goods around the country, because roads in some areas are impassable during monsoon season, and airports in some areas are rudimentary. There are no ATM's, nor are there extensive online connections. Many banks are connected to other Asian nations, who were hit hard by the 1998 financial disaster. Cambodia did escape many of these problems, due to its U.S. dollar-based economy.

 

Recycled military vehicle used for public transportation.	Travel by bicycle outside Siem Reap.

Road in Rattanikiri Province, showing effects of monsoon rains

    Tourism is another industry which is developing slowly. There are now direct flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), so unfortunately travelers can avoid spending money and time in Phnom Penh. New hotel construction is exploding in Siem Reap in anticipation of a tourist boom at the temples. Duty free shops are in the planning stage. Ecotourism is in its infancy, and a visitor can take fishing boats on a tour of Ream National Park, southeast of Sihanoukville. Kirirom National Park is another excursion on the road from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.

 

Boat on Tonle Sap taking tourist from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.	Hotel Ban Lung in Rattanakiri Province.

Plane to Rattanakiri Province.