Cambodia has more than 100 temples in the Angkor complex. The largest, best known and best preserved temple is Angkor Wat. In Sanskrit, Angkor means city and Wat in Khmer means pagoda, therefore, the translation of this temple is Temple City. Keep reading to discover the curiosities of this archaeological site worth a visit during your volunteer experience in Cambodia.
This complex was declared a World Heritage Site in 1992 and is divided into different archaeological areas, which are: Eastern Angkor, Eastern Baray, Roluos, Northeastern Angkor, Western Baray, Isvarapura and Central Angkor. In the last one you can find the Bayón temple, one of the most beautiful and well-known, characterized by having more than 200 sculpted faces. Some studies conclude that it is the representation of Avalokiteshvara Buddha, due to the similarity of facial features. It is also believed that it could be Jayavarman VII, the king of the Khmer Empire, who ordered the construction of this temple and it was one of the largest in this Empire. For this reason it is known as the temple of faces.
Many of these temples have a Hindu origin, although some of them were renovated as Buddhist temples, after the entry of this religion into Cambodia in the 12th century.
Currently, the official religion and the one they practice more is the Buddishm. More than 95% of the Cambodian population practice Theravada Buddhism, although it has Hindu elements, due to its Hindu past. The official language is Khmer, which is one of the oldest languages spoken.
Other incredible places in this country
Floating cities
Apart from visiting the temples of Angkor during your international volunteering, you can visit the floating cities on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will find different types of buildings such as: churches, schools and basketball courts. Due to the proximity to the lake, the main activity of its inhabitants is fishing. It is very curious to see how these houses are built above the sea, most of them are single-family houses painted in bright colors.
Yak Loum Lake
If you want to live new experiences during your volunteering in Asia, bathing in a lake located inside the crater of a volcano could be your next adventure in Cambodia. Yak Loum Lake is surrounded by trees and lots of vegetation, where various birds live. In addition, this crater has an almost perfect round shape and has very clean water. This makes the blue color of the water contrast with the intense green of the vegetation that surrounds the crater, creating a beautiful and unique site.
The Mekong River and Irrawaddy Dolphins
Another place that you cannot miss is the Mekong River, you can see it as it passes through Kratié and appreciate the sunrise or sunset on its river bank or while sailing in a boat. In addition, you can also take the opportunity to watch the Irrawaddy dolphin, it is known because it is usually found near the coast and in some freshwater rivers, such as the Mekong, the Ganges and the Irrawaddy River, from which its name comes from.
Paradise islands of Cambodia
On the other hand, we also find beautiful and paradisiacal islands such as Koh Tonsay, Koh Thmei or Koh Rong. The last one is the most popular one and most touristy, therefore, we find more people and services dedicated to tourism. Although this island hasn’t lost its essence, nor its spectacular white sand beaches. On the other hand, on Koh Tonsay island there are hardly any roads or cars, and since it is not as well-known there are fewer tourists, which allows you to disconnect and relax from the volunteer’s days in a unique place.
What Asian volunteer programs are available in Cambodia?
During your volunteering you will have free time on weekends, which will allow you to get to know this country. In most projects the participants have free time in the afternoons, therefore, many of them visit the city in which they are located. Depending on the program chosen, it will take place in one city or another. Cooperating Volunteers in Cambodia has six different programs, these are: the childcare program, the special needs childcare program, the teaching program and the Spanish teaching program. These volunteering programs are ideal for those who like children, taking care of them, playing and spending time with them. On the other hand, we find construction and painting programs and medical volunteering. Some of them are held in the country’s capital, Phnom Penh, and others in Siem Reap.
We are waiting for you, don’t think twice! Dare to discover Cambodia and get to know its inhabitants, their customs and their lifestyle more closely.