Mekong – The Three Ancient Kingdoms of Cambodia, Thailand & Vietnam
Even though the Mekong originates in the Tibetan Highlands and flows through China, its true source lies within South East Asia, in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, fascinating countries whose inhabitants can look back proudly on both a colorful and glorious past. Around 35 kilometres from the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, the jungle temple of Ta Prohm is a unique combination of both nature and culture. Colossal feigen, banyan and kapok trees cover the splendid temple site and their huge roots intermingle with the ruins and thus give the sanctuary a magical atmosphere. Most of the country’s traditional dances date back to the Angkor Period. The dancers of the classical and extremely complex Apsara dance once enjoyed great respect and were given the status of divine beings and were considered to be mediators between Heaven and Earth. For many centuries, the Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia, was a vital source of water for around 10 percent of Cambodia’s population. It is also of great importance for wildlife. Innumerable villages and houseboats fill the Tonle Sap with life. Furthermore, the extraordinary biodiversity of the indigenous bird population is truly remarkable. The lake, and particularly the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, are a true paradise for ornithologists. Over 400 Buddhist temples are to be found in Bangkok, Thailand. One of the most important is the magnificently designed Wat Phra Kaew that, in addition to many other valuable …
