CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- When discussion involves Cambodia, a natural reaction is to recall horrendous images of ruthless genocide. While this is true, one should nonetheless not exclusively equate this small country with immense suffering and torment. Cambodia is also home to a precious cultural heritage left by a very distinct civilization.
Although physical elements have conspired with human greed and destructive tendencies to destroy much of this heritage, fortunately all has not been lost. Consequently, there remains great international in exploring the treasures of Angkor and its magnificent surroundings.
"Angkor" comprises not just one temple complex but, as Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk explained in a text written in November 1993 from his hospital in Beijing, "almost 300 other temples and monuments of the Angkorian era (eighth through 14th century."