Tag: cambodia

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Magic of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

on November 22, 2019

Angkor Wat is one of the reasons many visitors are brought to the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia. This monument to the Hindu god Vishnu is one of the largest and best preserved in the entire world and is a true archaeological masterpiece. From the Hall of Echoes to the intricate inscriptions on the pillars and walls, there is so much beauty to be seen at this Khmer landmark turned Buddhist temple. Come join us in Cambodia to see this enchanting and beloved site and so much more.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user Lynn Benito using the hashtag #gate1travel. This entrancing view was captured in Siem Reap, Cambodia at Angkor Wat. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Cambodia trips here! 

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

Nature and Architecture Converge at Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia

on December 21, 2018

You may recognize Ta Prohm as one of the settings for the Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie. You will understand why this place was chosen as a unique setting upon arrival. This temple is a true marvel of nature marrying architecture and creating something unique and beautiful all on its own, all in the middle of the Cambodian jungle. Come visit Ta Prohm for yourself. Make sure to get your camera charged and have your film ready, because you will want to take a lot of pictures here.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @sgtsmartguy using the hashtag #gate1travel. This natural photo was taken in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Cambodia and Southeast Asia trips here!

Travel Tips

Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World

on November 1, 2018
Pictured: Queenstown, New Zealand

Hello and warmest welcomes to our list of the friendliest cities in the world. Let’s be honest, sometimes travel can be a little uncomfortable and stressful, especially in a new location. A helpful culture, friendly people and beautiful sights all help make you feel at home in a new city and may even help contribute to making it your new favorite vacation spot! Follow us around the world as we bring you to some of our friendliest spots due to their authenticity and unashamed personality.

10. Thimphu, Bhutan
Welcome to the tiny, magical kingdom of Bhutan, located in-between India and China. Tradition and independence reign supreme in Bhutan and you will see that instantly in the people who live here. The capital city of Thimphu gives you the perfect taste of what Bhutan is all about. This city is located in the Himalayas and is extremely isolated from outside cultures, meaning it has largely kept its authenticity. Thimphu is the most modern in the entire country and boosts a great amount of sights to see. A great thing to do here is to surround yourself with temples and courtyards that will make you feel just like a local. Top attractions here include the Dochula, a mountain pass through the Himalayas and Simtokha Dzong, an important historic building and former Buddhist monastery, Do not forget to be on the lookout for the rare national animal; the Tazin.

9. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Travel along the beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway to get to alluring Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, Canada. This town is a true homage to Victorian charm, through the architecture and genuine nature of the locals. It is also the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, which means its has a lot of history stretching back thousands of years. British and Asian traditions are also prominent here thanks to the cities past involvements with trading and British rule. While in Victoria, you will want to visit Beacon Hill Park, Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC Museum. Perhaps stop in Canada’s oldest Chinatown and indulge in a delicious snack! Perhaps you’ll enjoy a stroll or have a meal along the Victoria Harbor and take in the view of the Parliament Building along the water. Victoria, British Columbia welcomes you and you will be greeted with a warm embrace!

8. Hoi An, Vietnam
The ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam will give you a feel for the culture as soon as you get here. Many of the people in this city still wear the “ao dais” or cultural dress of the Vietnamese. Hoi An is bursting with tradition, given its past as an important Asian training port. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has an impressive collection of canals, pagodas, temples, bridges and shops in the Old Quarter. While in Hoi An, be sure to visit the Organic Village where you can enjoy vegetables and herbs grown in the area to support the local community. This town has no airport or train station so you will oftentimes land in the airport of Da Nang and drive to Hoi An, but it is worth it! Warm weather, happy people and a city with much to do will make Hoi An a new favorite of yours.

7. Savannah, Georgia, United States
Welcome to the “Belle of the South” Savannah, Georgia, and what a beauty this city is. A storied past and numerous landmarks give this city a heart all its own. Historic landmarks you must see in Savannah include Forsyth Park, River Street, the Waving Girl statue and the Cotton Exchange. While here, be sure to keep an eye out for the manicured gardens, historic district, antebellum architecture and horse-drawn carriages, that will transport you to another era. Take a walk down the cobblestone streets at night and get a real feel for the city; breathe in the warm weather and magnificent sights of the South in Savannah.

6. Galway, Ireland
You’ve arrived in the Emerald Isle and we have an excellent spot for you to visit! Galway is a seafaring town in this country that deeply honors tradition. The Gaelic language is alive here and can be observed in the people of this area. When in this city, be on the lookout for folk music, traditional pubs and fun shops. These are all a must to truly understand the character of this city and those who live here. Must see sights in this city include the Eyre Square, River Corrib, Latin Quarter and Galway Cathedral. If you love a city that marches to the beat of its own drum and has a truly unique nature, Galway is a must for you.

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is located in the mountainous Himalayas in the region of Northern Thailand. Northern Thailand is said to have a persona and food scene all its own and cannot be compared with the cities in the south. This is due to its close border to Myanmar and Laos and the Lanna inspiration that exists here. This area is rich in character and is very fond of festivals and celebrations! Chiang Mai is a perfect example of the culture of the north and has temples and wats that you will not believe. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh are just a few of the must see attractions. Some things to try and do here that are authentic include sampling local dishes, perhaps Larb, a spicy salad, or Khao Soim, coconut curry soup, enjoying a Thai massage, venturing through Sankampang Street for handicrafts and exploring the temples. Experience for yourself, the spirit and beliefs of Northern Thailand, with a visit to the genuine Chiang Mai.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand was named for Queen Victoria and is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island of this Pacific nation. Queenstown has a rich Maori culture and history of gold-mining that helped shape what this area is today. This city is considered the adventure sports capital of the country and is a perfect place to live like the locals. Bungy-jumping, skydiving, paragliding and zip-lining are all available here. For more natural scenes, Milford Sound, Elington Valley, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls are some of the few in Queenstown. See excellent views of the city below at Bob’s Peak and view some of the Lord of the Rings filming locations. Be sure to also get acquainted with the downtown of this resort area and perhaps visit a relaxing spa, find a good restaurant or do some exploring! Getting yourself into some adventures in Queenstown is sure to make you feel like a kiwi and meet kiwi friends as well.

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is your gateway to the Angkor temples and a unique city all it’s own. It is very probable that the Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat masterpieces brought you here, and that’s an excellent reason. These amazing temples were built by Khmer Kings and were once home to over a million people! These temples are truly a must see for your travel bucket list and are unlike anything you have seen. This city is very popular and safe and has adapted to accommodate travelers. Hotels, restaurants and shopping are all prevalent and excellent in this city. Many of the people of Cambodia are grateful and happy to meet travelers and people from all over the world so do not be afraid to interact! The Cambodians have had a fascinating and sometimes horrific history but they are more than happy to share their country, as well as ancient sights, with the world.

2. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland is one of those cities that is always a good idea and will always provide travelers with a good time. Whether you are walking around, exploring sights or having a drink in the pub at night, this city is full of excitement, singing and people enjoying themselves. Some of the must see sights in Dublin include Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a drink, eat Irish fare or do a little shopping, head down to the Temple Bar area. This area can get a bit touristy and crowded, so do not be afraid to spend a little time here and move on to another area. If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, this is one of the best places in the country to find it! Have a bowl of Irish Stew with a local or listen to an Irish folk band at the pub and you are sure to feel more green.

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Hola! Welcome to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. This location tops the list thanks to its impressive history, friendly people, tasty restaurants and easy exploration of the city by foot. San Miguel de Allende also has a large ex-pat community that can make you feel more at home. The city itself is best known for it’s Colonial-era and Spanish architecture and intertwining history with Mexico’s Independence. Cobblestone streets, majestic churches and plentiful parks and gardens help add to the perfection of this story-book city. Here, you will feel safe, enjoy a friendly and exciting place and have a stress-free time exploring the sights. While in this city, be sure to visit Parroquia de San Migual Arcangel, Juarez Park and the Artisan Market to get a feel for this area. Do not be afraid to walk in this city, it is very safe and effortless to explore on foot.

Bonus: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
We couldn’t end a friendliest cities list without mentioned the warm and charming city of Charleston, South Carolina in the United States! Cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and multi-colored homes are all the norm for this city in the South. This city has so much to offer with its historic charm, excellent food scene and shopping. If you are a big shopper or want a bite to eat, head down to King Street or the Historic Charleston City Market. Both of these areas have great shopping and have restaurants and stands for wonderful food. If history is more your style, visit Fort Sumter, a Civil War fort, or the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a historic house with tours and a lush garden to explore. Feel the Southern hospitality of South Carolina while in this gem of the South.

Travel Tips

Our Top 12 Most Popular Tours of 2018

on May 14, 2018

Gate 1 Travel is letting you in on a little secret. Today we are sharing the top 12 best performing tours thus far in 2018 because you deserve to know! These tours vary greatly in destination but they all excel in showing you must-see sites, beautiful cities, unique cultures and natural beauty all in one escorted tour! We are giving you a countdown of our top 12 tours in hopes of giving you some inspiration when it comes to planning your next unforgettable adventure. Journey with us from Ireland to Vietnam to the United States with a whole world in between and enjoy our list.

12. 9 Day Enchanting Ireland
Enchanting Ireland is right. Ireland is a beautiful country known for a warm culture, lush greenery and excellent sites to see. While on this tour of Ireland you will see some Blarney_Castleof the can’t miss spots including the city of Dublin, where you will enjoy a city tour, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and have free time to explore. Also enjoy the Killarney area where you will drive through the world-famous Ring of Kerry and see sites on your way. On this tour you will also see Blarney Castle, Waterford, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. If you have been wanting to visit Ireland, there is no better time than the present to go green.

11. 8 Day Essential Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that is so incredibly different from anywhere else that it’s popularity is no surprise. Your tour of Vietnam will most likely begin with a visit to Ho Ch Minh City, formerly Saigon, where you will have the chance to take an optional excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy a optional half day tour of the city or explore the city on your own at your leisure. You will also visit the incredible Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see caves, grottos, islands, stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls, to name a few! You will also have a full day in Hanoi to either explore the city leisurely or take some optional tours that include the Museum of Ethnology and a Cyclo Ride/Water Puppet Show. This genuine country will win you over and you will enjoy every minute of it.

10. 8 Day Classic National Parks, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Grand Teton
What better way to see what the world has to offer than by visiting parts of your own country? Although our country doesn’t have a history as old as some others, we do have amazing sites, national parks, natural phenomenon and plenty of great cities with their own special elegance. On this tour you will see 3 national parks, stay in 6 different locations and have the experience of a lifetime, all in 8 days! Visit Rapid City, the gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills and iconic Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and home to “Old Faithful”, hot springs, thermal features, rock cliffs and more! You will also get to visit Grand Teton National Park, with its dense forests and rich wildlife and then continue to Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s time to see what the United States has to offer and explore some of our greatest treasures.

9. 15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam
This excellent tour gets you seeing two of the greatest countries of Southeast Asia and experiencing some of the greatest sites they have to offer. In just over two weeks you will Vietnam HalongBay_1109_dt_16304888experience 7 different cities and add two different countries to your list! While on tour, visit Siem Reap, home to some of the most famous sites in the world; Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy leisure time or take some optional tours to get to know this fascinating city. While on your Cambodia & Vietnam tour you will also see the city of Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, the ancient town of Hoi An, Hue; home to a wealth of palaces, temples, museums and libraries, Halong Bay and Hanoi. This tour covers so much of these two amazing countries that it is a truly unmissable experience.

8. 13 Day Turkish Treasures
Welcome to the true crossroads of Europe and Asia; Turkey. This country has history that dates back to B.C. and has ancient sites to see that are some of the oldest on earth! On your journey to Turkey you will tour the city of Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. Traverse the ancient city of Cappadocia with its surreal rock formations, rock-cut temples and plenty of hot air balloons in the sky, with an optional have your own hot air balloon ride! This extensive tour also includes visits to the classical city of Troy, the port city of Izmir, the resort town of Antalya and Ankara the modern capital of Turkey. Learn about the country and sites you have read about in books like The Illiad and venture to this country today.

7. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Central Europe
Central Europe has so much to offer in such a small area of the world. On this tour you will visit 5 major cities with a few stops along the way, and potentially add 5 new countries to your list. You will travel to the medieval city of Krakow, Poland, a city that was greatly affected by WWII and see the Jewish Quarter and Ghetto of the city as well as taking a solemn visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Experience the former center of the Hapsburg Empire; Vienna, Austria, where you will view Schonbrunn Palace, Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and more. This tour will also bring you to more unforgettable places such as Warsaw, Czestochowa, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. If you enjoy history, culture, music and experiencing unforgettable places, this tour is perfect for you.

6. 11 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia is a travel location that is increasingly popular for good reason! This seaside country has excellent cities by the water and a neighboring country of Slovenia that you will not want to miss. This tour includes stops in 7 towns and cities with optional tours to see even more. This extraordinary tour takes you to Dubrovnik, the walled and cobbled-street city that you have probably seen on Game of Thrones, as King’s Landing, and in many pictures. Also explore the lake-side city of Bled, set among the Julian Alps and one of Slovenia’s most popular resort towns. Opatija, Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, Vodice, Zagreb and Ljubjana, Slovania are all included on this fully-packed tour. Come see why so many people are visiting this country and discover many of your own reasons!

5. 11 Day Enchanting Italy
Italy is always a great idea and this tour covers places you have always wanted to visit. If Venetian canals, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo’s David, and Pompeii are things you have dreamed about, this tour covers it all and so much more. Visit and stay in the city of Florence, where David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Signoria Square await you. Take a tour of ancient Rome, home of the Colosseum, excellent food and a tiny country called Vatican City. This tour will also take you to Venice, Tuscany, Pisa, Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, Bay of Naples and more! If a friendly culture, excellent food and beautiful sites are on your travel list, you will surely cross them off with this tour of Italy.

4. 8 Day Essential Greece
This country, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world; the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi. This tour has an unbeatable DelphiAthenaprice and gets you all around Greece in just over a week! You will likely arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis. Take a tour of the archaeological site of Olympia and see where the games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit the excavated site of Delphi, enjoy the coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal and take an optional day tour to Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands. Discover this ancient country that is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization on this unforgettable tour.

3. 12 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague
A river cruise through Europe is an excellent way to see many destinations while returning to the comfort of a ship between each. Being on a cruise means that while you are busy sleeping or enjoying the ship, you are being whisked away to a new and exciting destination. On your river cruise you will sail along the Danube river and visit Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, you will also see the Czech Republic on this specific tour. Visit the essential Danube village town of Melk, Austria where you will walk along medieval cobblestone streets leading to 16th century houses and wine taverns. You will also visit the city of Prague on this tour, where you will see the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The Town Hall, Jewish Quarter and many more sites. Other stops on this tour include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen and Regensberg. It’s time to experience Europe in one of the most unique and special ways; on a European river cruise with Gate 1 Travel!

2. 10 Day Affordable Peru
Seeing Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. If you are one of these enthusiasts this tour was made for you. Visit the city of Lima, the capital of Peru and its excellent landmarks including the Palace of the Archbishop, the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. You will, of course, experience the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, Cuzco, which contains some ruins of its own and will be your gateway to touring the incredible Machu Picchu. This tour also visits Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Uros Islands, Puno and more! This exceptional tour brings you to some of the most photographed and visited places in the world and is affordable as well. Get out your hiking gear because Peru awaits.

1. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Morocco
If you have not been to Morocco yet, it is a must-visit! This up and coming country has been hugely popular this year thanks to its unique culture, vast array of things to do and excellent pricing! This tour offers many essential locations in Morocco including Fez, an OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAancient city with breathtaking views that you can decide to discover on your own or join the optional city tour. You will also visit Marrakesh where you will visit the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Minaret, the Medina and the Bahia Palace. On this Moroccan tour you will also visit Rabat, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate and Casablanca. There’s no better time than now to start seeing the world and all its beauty and culture. What better way to explore, than to enjoy our most popular tour of the year to beautiful Morocco?

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

8 Things You Didn’t Know about Southeast Asia

on April 26, 2016

Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam hold many exotic and fascinating secrets, and you’ll learn a lot of them during our Gems of Southeast Asia itinerary. But we think some of them are so fascinating and fun that we couldn’t wait to share them.

With this kingdom, I thee wed. Angkor Thom, Cambodia’s massive city adjacent to Angkor Wat, was created from an aggressive building program headed by King Jayavarman VII. To give you an idea of how passionate he was about his beloved city, one surviving inscription in stone here refers to Jayavarman as groom and Angkor Thom as bride.

Shape shifters. Apsaras, the supernatural female beings of Cambodian mythology, are said to be able to change their shape at will. Sometimes compared to muses of ancient Greece, they can also rule over fortunes, especially those acquired (or lost!) in gambling. Two types of apsaras live on in Cambodian lore: Laukika and Daivika, or the worldly and the divine, respectively.

What’s in a name? Bangkok’s current name in the Thai language is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. But this is merely an abbreviated version of its full ceremonial name, which takes a native speaker 14 seconds to say: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.

This hearty mouthful translates as “City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s behest.”

Epic journey of a Buddha. The Emerald Buddha, the revered statue of Nephrite in the Grand Palace’s Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, has an adventurous history worthy of any summer blockbuster. It was carved in India in 43 BC. After 300 years here, civil war began to brew and so it was taken to Sri Lanka for safety. In 457 AD, the king of Burma asked that it be brought to him to support his country’s embrace of Buddhism, but the ship upon which it sailed lost its way in a storm and landed in Cambodia. When the Siamese army took Angkor Wat, they also took the Emerald Buddha and moved it around several cities until it arrived here.

Good tidings. It may seem a trivial custom to tie strings around each other’s wrists as a gesture of welcome. But to the Laotian people, this important ceremony, known as baci, which means “calling of the soul,” is central to greeting new friends. To accompany the simple act, a silver tray is festooned with flowers, banana leaves, and bamboo poles.

Morning stroll. Every morning in the streets of Luang Prabang, Laos, a parade of orange-robed monks appears in the streets with satchels and baskets. As they walk, they fall into reception lines to collect modest offerings of rice and other foods from locals. It is one of the most moving rituals we witness, this simple offering of kindness received with humility.

Halong by the numbers. Within its 600 square miles, Vietnam’s Halong Bay has between 1,960 and 2,000 islands and islets. The karst that makes up many of the islands has evolved over 20 million years in a tropical wet climate. Of its flora, 14 species are endemic. Of its fauna, 60 species are unique to this area. But no matter how you measure it, Halong Bay is a magnificent natural wonder.

One way to keep your taxes down. Real estate tax in Hanoi, Vietnam, is calculated by the street frontage that your house occupies. One way around high taxes was to build narrow houses, which you’ll see plenty of in both the city’s Old Quarter and modern areas. Known as “Tube Houses,” what these dwellings lack in width they make up for in depth. In the front section of the house, business is conducted, whether retail or other transactions. Heading to the back, you would walk through courtyards, gardens, and private family quarters.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

A Tale of Two Southeast Asian Cities

on April 19, 2016

Over centuries, grand and sprawling kingdoms rose and fell throughout Southeast Asia. Borders shifted. Alliances crumbled and formed. So it is remarkable that some of the region’s most spectacular ancient cities still survive; the voices of their residents whisper in architectural elements that are as sweeping as massive temples and as tiny as intricate bas reliefs. As you might expect, the grandest of Southeast Asia’s ancient cities have histories that are inextricably linked: Angkor, Cambodia and Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Angkor was the seat of power for the Khmer Empire as early as the year 802, when the imperial Hindu monarch Jayavarman II crowned himself the “god king.” Under his reign and the reigns of his successors, the Khmer city grew into the largest preindustrial city in the world, totaling 390 square miles and one million people.

More than 1,000 temples were built throughout the city, but none as grand as the resplendent Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century as a state temple by King Suryavarman II. Many historians call it the largest single religious monument in the world. Its five lotus-style spires are said to represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, home of deities from Hindu mythology. Its walls and moat symbolize Meru’s surrounding mountains and ocean. Remarkable in scale and design, it is considered a perfect example of the high classical style of Khmer architecture.

Angkor grew into the envy of all surrounding tribes and in 1177 the Cham people moved in and sacked the city. But the Khmers took it back under the leadership of Jayavarman VII, a Buddhist. With his rise, Angkor Wat converted from Hinduism to Theravada Buddhism. (Buddhist monks still practice here today and can do so because the moat that encircles the complex prevented the jungle from swallowing its buildings, even during periods of abandonment.)

The causes of Angkor’s rapid decline have been debated for generations. Some believe a plague or earthquake sent its citizens fleeing. Others say that a Buddhist ruler could not sustain such a huge population. By definition, Buddhism did not celebrate individual achievement and so the people of Angkor lacked an inspiring leader around whom to rally and maintain the infrastructure of their huge city. The economy crashed and the population scattered.

Meanwhile north of Angkor, the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya grew into power as the previous capital, Sukhothai, fell into decline. Their approach to governing took the best of both previous Khmer eras: an absolute “god-king” monarchy coupled with Theravada Buddhism. This rigid yet spiritual approach seemed to work for the new capital as it, ironically, sacked city after city in the region.

Angkor could not withstand the onslaught and in 1431 its Khmer leaders fled Siamese forces and set up their new capital at Phnom Penh. By the year 1700, Ayutthaya had blossomed into a city of one million, making it one of the world’s largest cities. Roaming the ancient city’s grounds today, you can imagine its past splendor from its reliquary towers and huge monasteries. As grand as its buildings were its ideas. Here, King Boroma Trailokanath centralized the military and administrative functions of his country and put in place a system of land ownership and social status that would shape the country for centuries to come.

In the 17th century Europeans took interest in Southeast Asia – Dutch, English, Danes, and French were all spellbound by the grandeur of Ayutthaya. As French interests became suspect (were they mere admirers or expectant colonizers?), King Narai made a decision that would shape Thailand’s history up to the present day: He expelled the 600 legionnaires from his city. To this day, the country has never been colonized by an outside power – a claim that other Southeast Asian nations cannot make.

To be sure, the magnificent architecture of the ancient cities of Angkor and Ayutthaya inspire wonder and fascination. And the stories behind the facades help us glimpse life here when these two urban centers thrived.