A strong sense of national pride exists in Cambodia, and there is an abundance of sites that locals hold close to their hearts. Here are a few of the most-favoured spots.
This iconic temple complex may well be Cambodia’s main tourist draw but, more importantly, it sits at the centre of Khmer national pride. It’s also well worth remembering that while it’s a major tourist attraction, it also serves as a temple and sacred place of worship – the largest religious monument in the world – for Cambodians, of which the majority are Buddhist. Built in the 12th century as a Hindutemple, it later changed to a Buddhist temple, and served as the capital of the ruling Khmer Empire. It appears on the national flag.
The eastern province of Mondulkiri is predominantly home to Cambodia’s hill tribes, the Bunong. The minority ethnic group, who have inhabited the rugged region for generations, have been dubbed the caretakers of Cambodia’s sacred forests. Living alongside nature, the Bunong people deem areas of the thick forest sacred due to ancestors being buried there. Nature lovers will be in their element in Mondulkiri thanks to the vast jungle, which is being threatened by illegal loggers, and its rare flora and fauna. It is also home to a handful of elephant sanctuaries.
