SW explores the Khmer Empire
By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of AP, AFP,
Reuters and Bangkok Post
The Kingdom of Cambodia is Thailand's neighbour to the west. The country has a population of around 15 million and a total land of 181,0356 square kilometers. Cambodia share similarities with Thailand in terms of both culture and traditions. The week SW takes a look at the country and its popular tourist attractions.
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A rainbow shines above Angkor Wat, the world’s largest Hindu temple complex. Located in Siem Reap province, the temple was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. |
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Preah Vihear Temple on Cambodia's northern border with Thailand is one of the region's most popular historical sites. |
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The port city of Sihanoukville is famous for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. |
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The Mekong River in Kratie province is home to rare Irrawaddy dolphins. |
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Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake welcomes millions of visitors who come to celebrate the Water Festival each year. |
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Visitors can shop for local fresh food and fruits in Battambang, northwestern Phnom Penh. |
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Built of red sandstone, Banteay Srei Temple is famed for its beautiful views and ancient wall carvings that are still clearly visible today. |
Exercises
Read though Freeze Frame. Then, answer the following reading comprehension questions.
1. What material was used for constructing Banteay Srei Temple?
2. What festival is annually held in the area of Tonlé Sap?
3. Who built Angkor Wat Temple?
4. Mekong River in Kratie province is home to rare Irrawaddy dolphins. True or false?
Vocabulary
- complex (n): a group of buildings of a similar type together in one place
scenic (adj): having beautiful natural scenery
freshwater (n): having water that is not salty
sandstone (n): a type of stone that is formed of grains of sand tightly pressed together, used in building
carving (n): an object or a pattern made by cutting away material from wood or stone
ecotourism (n): organized holidays/vacations that are designed so that the tourists damage the environment as little as possible
