Cambodia

Globe Trekker. Cambodia is a land of lush beauty and ancient mystery. Together with Laos and Vietnam it formed what was historically known as Indochina. While the country is still recovering from the effects of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, in recent years it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Globe Trekker Ian Wright begins his journey to Cambodia by celebrating Buddha's Day at Phnom Da, the country's oldest temple. From Phnom Da, he travels to Kampot at the base of the Elephant Mountains and explores the extraordinary Bokor Hill Station built by the French in 1912. Then, Ian catches the slow train to Sihanoukville and sets off for the pristine beaches of Koh Rong. From Koh Rong the journey takes him to the capital, Phnom Penh, where he explores the central market and sits in on a rehearsal of traditional Cambodian dance. A short flight to Senmonorom in Cambodia's northern Mondulkiri Province brings Ian to the celebration of a traditional hill tribe wedding. The final leg of the journey takes Ian to Lake Tonle Sap and on to Siem Reap. His visit to Cambodia ends exploring the ruins of the awe inspiring temple complex at Angkor. Along the way.... * Sample a bowl of traditional bat soup. * Help the Mines Advisory Group clear unexploded mines outside of Phnom Penh. * Visit one of the Khmer Rouge's notorious killing fields. * Take a bicycle tour of Angkor's famous temples, Ta Prohm, the Bayon and Angkor Wat.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. The kingdom of Cambodia is one of three nations within Indochina. A fertile country with a friendly population that appears to have forgotten its recent dramatic history that comprised French colonial times, Vietnamese occupation and the cruel rule of the Khmer Rouge. The former palaces of the gods have now been transformed into tourist attractions and regal splendor and shining pagodas indicate that a new era has begun. Phnom Penh is the reawakened capital of Cambodia and former Land of the Khmer. It is a wonderful city with all the charm of a bygone age. During the second half of the 19th century Phnom Penh became a French colonial town with wide streets, shops, government buildings, hotels and villas all in colonial style. Within its park-like surroundings the Temple Of The Blooming Lotus Blossom features perfect harmony with nature. The Temples of Angkor are the remains of various religious buildings that were built by more then ten kings of the Khmer realm between the 7th and 16th centuries A.D. The Ta Prohm Monastery was built in 1186 in honor of the king's mother and was the centre of the health care for the entire country. 20 kilometers north east of Angkor Thom are the remains of the ancient sanctuary of Bantey Srei, also known as, The Women's Citadel. To many visitors to Cambodia this unique and atmospheric temple site is the most impressive of all the country's historic monuments. Cambodia is a country that is slowly awakening with a population that is willing to forget its past and look optimistically into a bright new future. After 30 years of strife and deprivation this south Asian jungle realm is today a fine tourist destination that is friendly, natural and unspoiled.

Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Angkor Thom and the ruins of the last great capital of the Khmer are entered by way of an impressive causeway that contains an array of gigantic statues. This `giants' causeway' consists of a hundred and eight mythical beings and divine spirits which, according to leading archaeologists, were created toward the end of the 12th century. The main features of the royal palace were built around a hundred and fifty years prior to the remaining construction of Angkor Thom by Suryavarman The First. In subsequent years the centre of the palace complex was the Phimeanakas, the Aerial Palace, that was mostly used for important royal occasions. The royal palace is surrounded by several terraces such as the Elephant Terrace famous for its exquisite decoration. The magnificent stonemasonry is just one of the reasons that Angkor Thom is one of the greatest cultural heritage sights in Cambodia. Most sections of its northern wall are adorned with highly detailed portrayals of ceremonial elephants. In recent decades the unique cultural and historical importance of Cambodia's Angkor Thom has attracted much interest from around the world.

Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. For many centuries a cultural and historic treasure lay hidden amid the dense jungles of Cambodia: Angkor Wat. This huge temple site was once completely surrounded by water-filled ditches that protected the sanctuary from the noise of the once busy city of Angkor. To date 1,700 artistic reliefs have been counted in Angkor Wat. Most of them contain religious illustrations derived from Indian mythology. Interestingly, the historic figure of the god-like king, Suryavarman The Second appears to combine with the Hindu god, Vishnu. Khmer culture was strongly influenced by numerous Indian tribes and peoples who had immigrated to Cambodia in the first millennium. Liberation from the long domination of the Chinese-influenced Funan Empire made the Khmer stronger and created their first period of prosperity. The remarkable monuments of Angkor Wat along with the amazing cultural heritage of Cambodia were discovered in 1850 by a Frenchman, Bouillevaux. Based on his sensational discovery, archaeologists have been able to shed further light on this remarkable location. This has led to even greater knowledge of both the legendary mythological images and inhabitants of the Khmer epoch.

DVD. Terra Mystica. 26 Minutes. Just as the mighty roots and branches of the trees entwine themselves around Cambodia's historic ruins of Angkor, there are also many myths and legends that circulate around the ancient kingdom of Kambuja that, for centuries, dominated huge areas of South East Asia. Angkor Wat is a temple complex of monumental proportion. Measuring a 1,000 by 800 metres, it is not only the largest sanctuary of the ancient Khmer realm, but also the largest sacred building in the world. Monumental stone figures announce the last great capital of the ancient realm of Kambuja, the legendary Angkor Thom that was built around 1200 A.D. The nine square kilometre metropolis is the most well-preserved example of Angkorian city architecture. The ancient Khmer temple of Banteay Srei is thought to possess magical powers. Demons guard the entrance to this sanctuary that was discovered in 1914 by a French lieutenant. It was not only plundering by the Siamese that damaged Angkor's majestic temple complex and its unique works of art, but also the elements, as well as the tropical vegetation. Today, it is the atmospheric ruins that give the old temples of the Khmer their magical allure.

Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Twenty kilometres north east of Angkor Thom are the remains of the ancient sanctuary of Bantey Srei that is also known as, `The Women's Citadel'. To many visitors to Cambodia this unique and atmospheric temple site is the most impressive of all the country's historic monuments. It captivates not so much by its size which, compared to many other of Cambodia's religious sites is comparatively small, but by its exceptional charm. The most sacred area of the temple is surrounded by what are referred to as `libraries', long buildings the significance of which is unknown. However it is clear that these mysterious buildings once served an important function as they are to be found within each of Cambodia's Khmer temples. More than a thousand years after its creation the Banteay Srei Temple still contains the rich cultural inheritance of the Khmer people.

Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Phnom Penh is the reawakened capital of Cambodia and former Land Of The Khmer, now a wonderful place with all the charm of a bygone age. The Wat Ounalom Monastery is the centre of Cambodian Buddhism and home of the patriarch and around two hundred monks. The monastery once contained more than forty buildings that were either damaged or totally destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. During the second half of the nineteenth century Phnom Penh became a French colonial town with wide streets, shops, government buildings, hotels and villas all in colonial style. The Mekong has its origin in China on the edge of the Tibetan High Plateau and for almost five thousand kilometres it crosses China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. During the rainy season the river is at its highest and not only floods the land but also creates a miracle of nature. The Tonle Sap changes its direction and the surplus water of the Mekong flows into the Tonle Sap Lake that has ample room for the extra water. After the monsoon period the water drains out of the lake back into the Mekong when everyone celebrates the Festival Of The Turning Water. Today, one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Asia is gradually recovering from the tragic events of the past. It is as though Phnom Penh is now keen to enjoy everything that was forbidden during the Vietnam War and the savage rule of the Khmer Rouge.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. Phnom Penh is the starting point for a special journey through Cambodia, an exotic land that is gradually transforming itself from a traditional way of life into modern times. The royal palace and the southern sanctuary of the Wat Preah Keo Morokat is one of the most important sights in Phnom Penh.The temple monastery was completed at the beginning of the 19th century and symbolises the religious section of the splendid palace complex that also features a reception area as well as the royal living quarters. It takes around five hours for the Royal Express Boat to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and after around a hundred kilometres the boat reaches Tonle Sap Lake.The inhabitants of the Tonle Sap Lake area have adapted to the annual change in the water level - when, amazingly, the river reverses it's flow - and consequently live in floating villages.For many centuries fishing has been vital to the local people and the lake contains more fish than any other in the world. Most of the inhabitants of the rural areas around Siem Reap have a very relaxed lifestyle.For tourists the local scenery is like a great natural paradise but for the region's farming families it mainly means hard work. The highlight of any journey across Cambodia is most certainly to be found within the historic monuments of the Angkor region, such as the Women's Citadel of Banteay Sre, an extraordinary temple complex. For the people of Cambodia the main temple of Angkor Wat is a unique national monument and an imposing sacred building that is to be found on Cambodia's bank notes as well as on its national flag. The boat cruise on the Royal Express is the perfect way to view Cambodia's scenery and to experience the age old traditions and lifestyle of a land that is slowly saying farewell to its tragic past while optimistically beckoning a bright new future.

2-Volume Set. Martin Sheen narrates this 2-volume collection with a tour of Vietnam, Burma and Cambodia that focuses on the history and culture of these ancient, enduring civilizations and their developing state today. Although reminders of war are still evident, this is a story about the people, their culture, history, heritage and desire to move forward. Titles include: AWAKENING VIETNAM, EMERGING BURMA, and CAMBODIA. 60 minutes.

Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Siem Reap is a relatively small town three hundred and fifteen kilometres north of Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. Here, growing tourism has created a boomtown because Siem Reap is close to Angkor, the ancient capital of a huge and mysterious jungle realm. The Temples Of Angkor are the remains of various religious buildings that were built by more then ten kings of the Khmer realm between the 7th and 16th centuries A.D. The gigantic roots of kapok trees cling to the moss-covered walls of the temple complex and everything is dominated by the encroachment of nature. The monastery was once home to five thousand including more than two thousand monks and over six hundred female dancers who played an important part in the sacred rituals and ceremonies of that time. The fishermen on the tributaries of the Tonle Sap live peacefully together in large families. They are not particularly interested in commerce or trade as their lives are dominated by Buddhism. In the Middle Ages Angkor was the largest city in the world. The majestic silence amid the temples and dense jungle vegetation seems to highlight Angkor's immortal splendour and its magnificent contribution to Asian history and culture.