#Koh Ker (site)

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Koh Ker’s UNESCO Listing Ignites New Interest in Cambodia

Koh Ker's recent UNESCO listing and feature in National Geographic revitalize interest in Cambodia’s ancient sites, promising sustainable tourism growth and diverse visitor experiences.

via Khmer Times, 10 April 2024: The inclusion of Koh Ker in the UNESCO World Heritage List marks a significant turning point for Cambodia’s tourism industry. This recognition not only alleviates the over-tourism pressures on Angkor Wat but also enhances Cambodia’s appeal by offering a new destination for cultural and historical exploration. Industry experts highlight the potential of Koh Ker to…

[askdrzinasia]

Pyramids everywhere

Memories from the first time I climbed a pyramid. And I even had deliberations with a monk at the top!

The really weird thing about the former city now called Koh Ker are the tight restrictions on walking. Outside the well marked, and well used pathways there are still undetonated mines. The work removing them are still going on, a quarter of a century after the civil war ended here.

It is a pity, because the nature here is as beautiful as it is in the rest of the Angkor Archaeological area. There are some small villages, but it is the nearly 180 remains of temples and other sanctuaries in the 81 km2 jungle filled region that is really interesting. But yet not very accessible. But the 40 sites in the demined areas are worth a visit.

Former imperial capital

Among them this pyramid. It is a 36 meter high, seven tiered pyramid probably serving as the state temple for the Angkor King Jayavarman IV. He, and his son and heir king Harshavarman II briefly moved the capital of the Khmer Empire to this site between 928-944 CE. The capital was named Lingapura (city of lingams) or Chok Gargyar (translated as city of glance, or as iron tree forest).

The panorama view is worth the short climb up a modern steel scaffold stairs. I did meet a buddhist monk on top. As often is, the local monks like to talk and practice their English on visitors. You do get some insider information on people and culture in Cambodia that way.

Even after the capital was moved back to the area around todays Siem Reap, Koh Ker played an important role in the development of art and architecture in the Khmer empire. Jayavarman IV himself initiated a heavy program of building a stately capital. Over 40 temples and an enormous water tank was built during his reign.

Day trip options

Koh Ker (Khmer: ប្រាសាទកោះកេរ្ដិ៍) is a remote archaeological site in about 120 kilometres (75 mi) away from Siem Reap, to the east of Koulen Mountain. It is one of the places of old Angkor where the Temple ticket/pass does not cover entrance. The fee is (2021) 10 USD. It is appx a 90 minute drive from Siem Reap.

Food, drinks and lodging is available. And the contribution to the local economy is highly welcome.

[blueiscoool]

Family of Late US billionaire Agree to Return Looted Artifacts to Cambodia

The family of late American pipeline billionaire George Lindemann has agreed to return 33 looted artifacts to Cambodia, according to the US Attorney’s Office, a decision described as “momentous” by the Southeast Asian country.

The collection includes statues of deities, angels and demons from the 10th and 12th centuries from Koh Ker, the ancient capital of the Khmer kingdom, and from the famous Angkor Wat temple, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said on Tuesday.

In a statement it said the family’s decision to return the artifacts was voluntary. Lawyers for the Lindemann family did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cambodia’s archaeological sites suffered widespread looting during civil conflicts from the 1960s to 1990s and its government has spent years pursuing the return of antiquities, some of which it says are on display in American museums.

The United States repatriated 27 smuggled antiquities to Cambodia in 2021, including Hindu and Buddhist statues valued at about $3.8 million and last year returned 30 more including several that were more than 1,000 years old.

The artifacts that were held by the Lindemann family are expected to be repatriated later this year, said Bradley Gordon, a lawyer advising Cambodia on the repatriations and head of its investigation team.

He said he understood the Lindemann family had paid more than $20 million for the artifacts.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in a statement said the Lindemann family’s decision to return the artifacts set “an excellent and proper example for other museums and private collectors.”

In a June speech to the American Chamber of Commerce, two months before becoming Cambodia’s leader, Prime Minister Hun Manet said the antiquities were national treasures and more than just historical relics.

“They are the blood in our veins and the soul in our hearts that forge the identity of being Khmer… our heritages define who we are and who we will be,” he said.

US authorities have spent more than a decade working on locating artifacts from Cambodia and have so far repatriated 65. In 2019, art dealer Douglas Latchford was indicted for wire fraud and other crimes related to selling looted Cambodian artifacts, but the charges were dismissed after his death.

[rhythmantics]

Hey, since Kur in "our" universe looks like a giant, iridescent, black serpent with a mane of flaming feathers and antlers (amazing design you came up with, btw), and since the Monday universe takes the normal character designs and skews it a bit to the left (Monday-Fisk has horns, Monday-Zak had his hair colors swapped, etc), what would your Monday-Kur look like?

Actually, I believe Monday!Kur would be a jaguar!

The Smoke Mirror is based on the Aztec myth of the 5 suns, which states that the world has been created and destroyed four times already. Each world is defined by which god acted as the sun; the first sun was Tetzcatlipoca, who - maybe because he lost his leg in an earlier myth - did kind of a crappy job. His sun was dim and black.(We know it’s specifically this myth because the game is “beasts of the fifth sun”)

The Smoke Mirror in the show is explicitly found in a temple dedicated to Tetzcatlipoca, and furthermore, one of Tetz'z epithets was The Smoking Mirror, as mirrors in Aztec times were made of obsidian, which is one of the things associated with Tetz. FURTHERfurthermore, Jay Stephens was active on forums around the time of the show's airing, and he confirmed that the Monday universe is not a MIRROR dimension (as in, Monday!Argost would not be a good guy), but rather, a DARKER dimension. It's kept deliberately vague whether the Smoke Mirror LITERALLY leads to an earlier version of the universe, or whether the mirror ALREADY led to a dark and twisted universe and the Aztec five suns myth sprang up around it.

Now, the reason why this means Monday!Kur is a jaguar to me is because Tetzcatlipoca was traditionally BITTER RIVALS with Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl is a big snake, and Kur is a big snake. (For the record, Quetz was the second sun in the five suns myth, and also the reason Tetz's world ended. In retaliation, Tetz ended Quetz's stint as sun. Now some other guy is the sun and these two are just Around).

Tetzcatlipoca is associated with, and sometimes takes the guise of, a jaguar. Hence, if "our" universe venerates Quetzalcoatl (and he is considered a folk hero), and "our" Kur is a big snake, then it makes sense to me for the Mondays' Kur to be aligned with Tetzcatlipoca, and to therefore be a jaguar.

(And in case you need context on Kur being a big snake - at the time the show was created, the Sumerian word "Kur" was believed to refer to a massive serpent that lived in the Netherworld (think the Greek underworld), therefore making it the first-ever recorded dragon in all of human history. This has since been debunked, as it turns out "kur" is kind of a multi-purpose word meaning - among other things - "mountain," "land," and "netherworld."

THAT ALL BEING SAID, there is actually a very interesting thing in Indo-European mythology, where there's a recurring theme of massive cthonic (of the underworld) serpents being slayed by storm gods. Tiamat and Marduk, Jormungandr and Thor, Yamato-no-Orochi and Susanoo, Typhon and Zeus... the list goes on. This points to all these stories having some sort of shared common ancestor (which we have not yet pinned down), and this idea of the quintessential massive cthonic serpent, father of all monsters, directly opposing the gods, embodying primal forces of chaos, is what Kur in the show is based on even if we now know that the WORD "kur" does not refer to one of these serpents. Neat, right?

Also, the show constantly associates Kur with the Hindu god Shiva, if you want some more symbolism to add to the pile. Kur's Tomb is listed in the Field Guide as the Koh Ker archaeological site, which is a temple in Cambodia dedicated to Shiva, whose remoteness meant it was excluded from remodels other temples in the area got when the religion changed. Also, one of Shiva's epithets is "The Destroyer," which Rani Nagi calls Kur when she's drowning Zak. Also, one of his symbols is a cobra (which happens to be a naga) around his neck, which represents Shiva's position as Lord of the Beasts, and Rani Nagi communicates through cobras. Also, the "divining rod" Fisk's lemurian instincts cause him to create is actually Shiva's trident, which represents trinities, like past/present/future, or creation/preservation/destruction. Just some fun trivia for you that you didn't ask for.)

[cecilia-gf]

Jungle doorways at Koh Ker, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia

[merelygifted]

Revelations in Cambodia looting scandal name ‘scholar’ at Denver Art Museum Emma Bunker as accomplice to disgraced dealer Douglas Latchford

Cambodian farmers near the temple complex at Koh Ker knew that if they saw sculpted feet on a temple floor, it meant that looters had sawn off a statue at the ankles before shipping it abroad. Emma C. Bunker, a researcher with close ties to the trade, also knew that. In 2013, Sotheby’s repatriated a tenth-century footless statue that she advised them to auction. Most objects that she opined on sold without a problem.

Last August the Denver Art Museum (DAM), under pressure from the US government, returned four statues that were shown to have been looted from Cambodia. As many more works in its collection now come under suspicion, the role of Bunker, a donor and researcher who helped bring those objects to the museum, sheds new light on a notorious smuggling operation.

Those most recent revelations come from the Denver Post, which traced how the DAM became what Bradley Gordon, a lawyer representing Cambodia, called a “laundromat” for looted sculpture from Cambodia and Thailand. The involvement of Bunker, once a mostly-unnamed link, brings fresh scrutiny from law enforcement and embarrassment for the museum.

The DAM, a relatively small and modestly funded institution, was an improbable waystation in a network of dealers who bought sculptures illegally, shipped the works to Bangkok and beyond, and arranged museum exposure to enhance their value. Bunker often helped dealers falsify the works’ provenances, investigators say.

The museum’s Cambodian connection began with Douglas Latchford, the now-notorious English expatriate dealer who paid impoverished rural Cambodians to detach sections of in-situ sculptures for him to export and sell. Looters in his service told of payments that changed their lives. Latchford died in 2020 while under US indictment for fraud, smuggling and other crimes.

Latchford found a friend in Emma Bunker, who died in 2021, aged 90. Bunker wrote on Chinese and central Asian art, collaborating on three books with Latchford and travelling to sites in Cambodia and Thailand. Works in those books with bogus provenances brought high prices when Latchford sold them. Bunker was thanked publicly by trusting officials in Phnom Penh for her work on behalf of Cambodian culture. Researchers in Cambodia and Thailand now use the books to trace missing objects.

Latchford and Bunker’s provenances were also questioned by former looters who recalled pillaging sites as Khmer Rouge child soldiers and spoke of being paid by Latchford for objects.  ...

[hosannacambodiatravel]

Discover Cambodia's Hidden Gems with Expert Tour Operators and Tailored Packages

A trip to Cambodia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. To make the most of your journey, partnering with a reputable Cambodia tour company is essential. With a professional tour company, you can enjoy a well-planned itinerary that covers the country’s top attractions while offering insights into its rich heritage.

Cambodia is home to a diverse range of experiences, from the iconic temples of Angkor Wat to the vibrant markets of Phnom Penh and the serene beauty of Tonle Sap Lake. Whether you're interested in ancient history, local culture, or natural wonders, Cambodia tour package provide a structured and stress-free way to explore everything the country has to offer. A comprehensive tour package can include everything from accommodation and transportation to guided tours of Cambodia’s must-see sites.

One of the standout features of Cambodia is the world-famous Angkor Wat, but there’s much more to discover beyond the temples. Many Cambodia tour operators offer specialized itineraries that can take you off the beaten path, where you can explore rural villages, interact with local communities, and even visit some of Cambodia's less-known treasures like the temples of Koh Ker or the remote areas of Mondulkiri, famous for their lush landscapes and wildlife.

When choosing the right Cambodia tour company, it's important to select one that offers flexibility and personalized services. Some travelers prefer a detailed, guided experience, while others might want a bit more freedom to explore on their own. Reliable tour operators understand this and offer customizable Cambodia tour packages that cater to different travel styles. Whether you want a luxury trip with private tours and upscale accommodations or a budget-friendly adventure, the right tour operator can make it happen.

Another advantage of booking with a professional Cambodia tour operator is their knowledge of the local culture and hidden gems. With their guidance, you’ll not only visit popular attractions like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace but also discover hidden markets, local crafts, and authentic dining experiences that are often missed by independent travelers.

With a trusted Cambodia tour company, you can immerse yourself in Cambodia's wonders while leaving the logistics and planning to the experts. Cambodia tour packages offer convenience, comfort, and the chance to explore this beautiful country to its fullest.

[biensdupatrimoinemondial]

2023 : Koh Ker : site archéologique de l’ancienne Lingapura ou Chok Gargyar. Cambodge

Le site archéologique de Koh Ker est un ensemble urbain sacré comportant de nombreux temples et sanctuaires renfermant des sculptures, des inscriptions, des peintures murales et des vestiges archéologiques. Construite en une période de vingt-trois ans, elle a été l’une des deux capitales rivales de l’Empire khmer (avec Angkor) et est restée l’unique capitale entre 928 et 944 de notre ère. Établie par le roi Jayavarman IV, la ville sacrée a probablement été conçue en suivant les anciens concepts religieux indiens concernant l’univers. La nouvelle ville est un modèle tout à fait original d’urbanisme, d’expression artistique et de technologie de construction avec, notamment, d’énormes blocs de pierre monolithiques.

[destinationsomeplace]

Siem Reap Temples: The Ultimate Guide

Get ready for a magical mystery tour of the Siem Reap temples, where the ancient monuments of Angkor stand as monumental testaments to Cambodia's rich history and spiritual depth. In this guide with take a no-nonsense approach to getting the best from your visit to the enchanting world of the Siem Reap's templesThis post may contain affiliate links to things like hotels, tours or products.  These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you and help keep the lights on at Destination Someplace.

Making The Most of Your Time at The Siem Reap Temples

Embarking on a journey to explore the Siem Reap temples is an adventure that deserves thoughtful planning to fully appreciate the diversity of this archaeological wonderland. The duration of your visit can significantly influence your experience, allowing for either a fleeting glimpse or an in-depth exploration of these historical marvels.

Ideal Visit Durations for a Great Experience

For a truly immersive experience, consider allocating different lengths of time based on your schedule and interests:Short Stay (1-2 days): Ideal for travellers with limited time, focusing primarily on the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. This duration offers a snapshot of the temples' grandeur but limits deeper exploration.Medium Stay (3-5 days): A more balanced option, allowing you to explore the key highlights and several lesser-known temples. This duration provides a richer understanding of the architectural and cultural nuances.Long Stay (6+ days): For the ardent explorers, a longer stay enables a deep dive into the history and artistry of numerous temples, including remote sites, and offers opportunities for repeat visits to favourite spots at different times of the day.

Me and Mrs A outside Ankgor Wat

Suggestions for Short, Medium, and Long Stays

Short Stay: Prioritize sunrise at Angkor Wat, the enigmatic faces of Bayon, and the tree-root enshrouded Ta Prohm. These iconic sites offer a condensed yet powerful experience of Siem Reap's temple heritage.Medium Stay: Expand your itinerary to include Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings, and the grand circuit temples like Preah Khan and Neak Pean. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds and experience the temples in different lighting.Long Stay: Delve into the outskirts to uncover gems like Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. Dedicate time to revisit your favourites, exploring them at a leisurely pace to appreciate their beauty and tranquillity fully.

Ankgor Wat

Tips on Prioritizing Temples Based on Interests and Time Constraints

Research Ahead: Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of each temple to align your itinerary with your interests, whether they are architectural, historical, or spiritual.Consult Local Experts: Guides and guided tours can provide insights into the best times to visit specific temples and suggest itineraries that maximize your experience based on current conditions and interests.Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather, crowds, or spontaneous discoveries. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences arise from unexpected detours or moments of quiet reflection in less visited corners of the temple complex.In optimizing your visit to Siem Reap's temples, balancing structured planning with the openness to discovery can lead to a truly enriching and memorable experience.

Transportation Tips: Navigating Siem Reap and Angkor

Navigating the majestic landscapes of Siem Reap and the grand Angkor temple complex is an integral part of your adventure. Here's how you can make the most of your transportation options, ensuring a smooth and respectful journey through this sacred land. Variety of Transportation Options:  Siem Reap offers a diverse array of transport modes tailored to every traveller’s preference and budget. From the Cambodian versions of tuk-tuks (or remork-moto - which is basically a large trailer hitched to a motorcycle) and bicycles to more modern options like taxis and e-bikes, you can choose your ideal way to explore the temples at your own pace. For those seeking a deeper connection with the environment, cycling offers an eco-friendly way to traverse the temple grounds, providing a serene and intimate experience. Meanwhile, tuk-tuks (or rather, remork-motos) remain a quintessential part of the Cambodian travel experience, offering a local and flexible mode of transport.Recommendations for Reliable and Convenient Transport:  For convenience and reliability, consider arranging your transportation through reputable companies, a specialist tour or your accommodation provider. Booking in advance can often secure you a knowledgeable and trustworthy driver, who can not only navigate the complex with ease but also share insights into the temples and local culture. If opting for a tuk-tuk or taxi, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and agree on the fare or rental rate in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.Safety Tips and Cultural Etiquette:  When using local transportation, always prioritize safety and respect local customs. Wear helmets if cycling or riding motorbikes, and secure your belongings, especially in open vehicles like tuk-tuks. Be mindful of local etiquette, such as removing your shoes when entering certain temple areas and dressing modestly out of respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of the sites. Remember, your transportation choices not only affect your experience but also contribute to the local economy and environment, so choose wisely and respectfully.

Nuture takes over at Ta Prohm Temple

Ticket Essentials: Your Pass to Siem Reap's Wonders

Discovering the architectural magnificence of Siem Reap's temples starts with securing the right ticket. Understanding the available options ensures you make the most of your visit while respecting the heritage and preservation efforts of these ancient sites.Ticket Types and Benefits: Siem Reap offers several ticket types to cater to varying durations and interests. The most common are 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes, each allowing ample time to explore at your own pace. Longer tickets provide the flexibility to visit during different times of the day, capturing the temples in varying lights and avoiding peak crowds.Purchasing Process: Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor ticket centre, located near the entrance to the temple complex. To avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season, arrive early or consider purchasing later in the day for use the following day. Ensure you bring a valid ID (passport is ideal) as it may be required during purchase and at temple checkpoints, please note you will also have your photograph taken for your temple pass.Maximizing Value and Avoiding Pitfalls: To get the best value, plan your visit according to the ticket duration—don't rush through sites just to "get your money's worth." Respect the cultural and natural setting by following guidelines and disposing of waste properly. Be wary of unofficial ticket sellers and always verify the authenticity of your pass to prevent any inconveniences during your temple exploration.

Travel Guide: Reaching Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Embarking on your journey to the majestic Siem Reap and its awe-inspiring temples involves navigating various travel options, each offering a unique perspective of the region's landscape and culture.Travel Options to Siem Reap: Visitors can reach Siem Reap by air, land, or water. The new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, which opened in 2023, welcomes flights from many major cities, providing a convenient entry point, but please note your transfer time from the airport to the Siem Reap itself will take about 50 mins by car. Overland routes include bus or car travel from neighbouring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, and offer scenic views along the way. Alternatively, more adventurous travellers might consider a boat trip along the Tonle Sap Lake, providing a serene approach to the city.International Access and Connections: Siem Reap's airport facilitates direct and connecting flights from across the globe, making it an accessible destination for international travellers. Key regional hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur offer frequent connections, easing the journey to this historic locale.Tips for Smooth Travel and Entry: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date and check visa requirements based on your nationality. E-visas can simplify the entry process and are recommended for their convenience. Upon arrival, be prepared to navigate customs and immigration, respecting all local regulations. To enhance your travel experience, consider learning a few basic Khmer phrases and familiarize yourself with Cambodian customs, demonstrating respect and appreciation for the local culture as you begin your exploration of Siem Reap's wonders.

Need Flights?

Elephant Terrace

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Finding the perfect place to stay in Siem Reap can significantly enhance your temple exploration experience, offering comfort and convenience after a day of adventure.Accommodation Recommendations: Siem Reap boasts a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference. Luxury seekers can find opulent hotels with spa services and fine dining, while budget travellers have numerous guesthouses and hostels offering clean, affordable rooms. For convenience, choose a stay near the Angkor complex or the vibrant city centre. Consider amenities like free Wi-Fi, pool access, and on-site dining when making your selection.  On our recent visit, we stayed at the serene Amber Ankgor Villa and Spa, just a short distance from the centre of Siem Reap and with a very relaxing pool area, ideal for cooling off with a beer or a cocktail after a hard day's temple hunting.Unique Lodging Experiences: Enhance your temple visit with accommodations that offer a touch of Cambodian culture or unique experiences. Boutique hotels often feature traditional Khmer architecture and art, providing an immersive cultural experience. Eco-lodges and farm stays offer insight into local life and sustainable tourism practices.Booking Tips and Peak Season Advice: To secure your ideal accommodation, book well in advance, especially during peak season (November to February). Compare prices and read reviews on trusted travel sites. Consider the timing of your visit; while the dry season offers comfortable temple exploration, the wet season can provide lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Remember to check for flexible cancellation policies and confirm your booking closer to your travel date to avoid any issues.

Evening, the pool at Amber Ankgor Villa and Spa

Wall carving Siem Reap Temples

Top Tips for Exploring Siem Reap Temples

Delving into the spiritual and architectural grandeur of Siem Reap's temples is a profound experience that demands thoughtful preparation and respect for the ancient heritage.Best Times to Visit: To avoid the crowds and experience the temples in relative solitude, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. Specific temples, like Angkor Wat, are renowned for their sunrise views, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot. Conversely, temples like Ta Prohm or Banteay Srei offer serene beauty during the late afternoon when the light accentuates their intricate carvings.Respectful Behaviour and Attire: Demonstrating respect at these sacred sites is paramount. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats and sunglasses when entering temple sanctuaries. Speak softly, and avoid disruptive behaviour. Remember that these are places of worship and cultural significance for many Cambodians.Enhancing the Experience: To truly connect with the history and spirituality of the temples, consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide or join a tour that can provide insights into the site's history, architecture, and religious significance. Take time to pause and absorb the atmosphere, perhaps meditating or simply sitting in quiet contemplation. Respect the sites by not touching the carvings or climbing on fragile structures, and always carry water and sun protection to ensure a comfortable and enriching exploration.Look After Yourself: Ensure you take, or your tour/tour guide provides water for your exploration of the temples, don’t underestimate how quickly you can de-hydrate. Also ensure that you lather on the sunscreen to protect against sunburn and UV damage, absolutely essential in this part of the world, also pack a hat for shade and protection, especially if your hair is a distant memory – like mine! Finally, don’t forget mosquito repellent, the little beasties will be most active in the mornings and the evenings, so make sure you spray before catching those epic sunrises and sunsets.Be aware that the ground around these ancient temples can be uneven and unpredictable, and especially at Ankgor Wat there are some very steep stairs to ascend to the top of the temple,  therefore flip-flops are not advised, instead wear something more robust such as trainers when exploring the ruins.

Exploring the Siem Reap Temples complex

Top Ten Temples in Siem Reap

The temple complex of Siem Reap is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, each temple offering a unique window into the past. While Angkor Wat steals the spotlight, numerous other temples in the area promise equally fascinating experiences with their distinctive histories and architectural features.Angkor Wat: The crown jewel of Angkor, known for its grand scale and intricate bas-reliefs, represents the epitome of Khmer architecture.Bayon: Famous for its serene stone faces gazing across the land, Bayon stands at the heart of Angkor Thom, offering a mysterious and captivating allure.Ta Read the full article

[kokobiz24]

UNESCO's Latest Triumph: 27 New World Heritage Sites

India's Shantiniketan among the proud additions!

UNESCO has unveiled 27 new heritage sites, including Shantiniketan.

These sites, chosen for their universal value, showcase our diverse cultural and natural heritage. Let's cherish and protect them!

Here are the 27 incredible new additions to the UNESCO World Heritage list:

1) Koh Ker archaeological site in Cambodia 2) Santiniketan, West Bengal, India 3) Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er, China 4) Mongolia's Deer Stone Monuments 5) Korea's Gaya Tumuli burial mounds 6) Türkiye's archaeological site of Gordion 7) Germany's Jewish medieval historic center of Erfurt 8) Architecture of the town of Kaunas, Lithuania 9) Guatemala's National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj 10) Old town of Kuldīga, Latvia 11) Prehistoric Sites of Talayotic Menorca 12) The Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor of the Silk Road 13) Ethiopia's Gedeo Cultural Landscape 14) Iran's Persian Caravanserai 15) Canada's Tr’ondëk-Klondike region 16) The Czech town of Žatec and its tradition of Saaz Hops 17) Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan 18) “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route in Azerbaijan 19) Djerba in Tunisia 20) India's Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 21) Indonesia's Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta 22) Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia 23) The Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua in Congo 24) Volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and pitons of Martinique 25) Viking-age ring fortresses in Denmark 26) The Maison Carrée of Nîmes, France 27) Russia’s Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University

[zoeyragequits]

Jungle doorways at Koh Ker, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Cambodia's Historic Sites Attract Over 30,000 Visitors Early This Year

Over 33,000 tourists visited Preah Vihear and Koh Ker in Cambodia in early 2024, marking significant tourism growth and highlighting the need for new promotion strategies.

via Phnom Penh Post, 06 March 2024: In the first two months of 2024, over 33,000 tourists visited the Preah Vihear and Koh Ker temples in Cambodia, marking a significant increase in visitor numbers. While Cambodian visitor numbers slightly decreased, foreign tourist numbers saw a substantial rise, with Preah Vihear temple hosting over 14,000 visitors and Koh Ker attracting nearly 19,400. The…

[kiyotakabunnymaru]

Jungle doorways at Koh Ker, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia

[diviani]

Jungle doorways at Koh Ker, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia

[lovelyrugbee-art]

Koh Ker, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia

[mlm-illustrations]

Jungle doorways at Koh Ker, a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia