Asia

• At the Bakong, conservators work to restore recent Buddhist paintings 3 hours ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  The Phnom Penh Post features an unusual form of conservation going on at the Bakong in Angkor – that of 19th and 20th century Buddhhist paintings on the walls of working monasteries. Restoring history through art Phnom Penh, 16 July 2010 While almost all of the restoration at the Angkor temples revolves around the ancient [...]
• Preah Vihear tourism up 1 day ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  Cambodia reports a rise in tourism numbers to Preah Vihear, located at the border of Thailand and Cambodia, and is at the centre of a sovereignty dispute between the two nations. Tourists flock to temple Phnom Penh Post, 15 July 2010 Tourists visiting Cambodia?s Preah Vihear Temple increased nearly sevenfold in the first half of [...]
• Explore Ancient Bagan 2 days ago Bellhop Chronicles
  Volatile political situation and oppressive military junta aside, Myanmar has a remarkable cultural legacy to discover. For tourists who do venture to Burma, the ancient city of Bagan in lush Mandalay Division is usually a de facto first stop. The Ayeyarwaddy River point of interest sits on a massive plateau, full of ancient monuments and temples. [...]
• Academics band to discuss ?Ramayana Trail? 2 days ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  Academics in Sri Lanka are holding a symposium to discuss the country’s efforts to promote Sri Lanka as part of the ‘Ramayana Trail‘. ?Ramayana Trail? in focus again Asian Tribune, 13 July 2010 The Royal Asiatic Society is inviting the public to participate in a symposium at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo 07 on July 17 [...]
• WSJ reviews the Gods of Angkor at the Smithsonian 3 days ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  The Wall Street Journal reviews the Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia exhibition now on display at the Arthur Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian. Cambodia’s Bronze Mettle Wall Street Journal, 15 July 2010 The very name “Angkor” conjures images of towering stone spires, rocks morphing into giant undulating snakes, carved faces [...]
• Cache of Buddha statues found in cave 4 days ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  Cambodian villagers make a startling find while sourcing for rocks to quarry: a cache of over 80 Buddha statues hidden in a cave. The article does not mention the age of the caves. Villagers discover lost statues Phnom Penh Post, 12 July 2010 Villagers in Prey Veng province discovered 86 statues of the Buddha inside [...]
• Four Spectacular Castles in Japan 4 days ago Bellhop Chronicles
  Throughout Japan’s Warring States Period (1467?1603), many of the country’s magnificent feudal fortresses were destroyed. Numerous others that survived into the 20th century were strategically bombed by World War II air raids. Thankfully however, four castles remain remarkably intact and have been declared National Treasures of Japan. Matsumoto Castle – The “Crow Castle”, replete with a brilliant [...]
• Can Tho Museum hosts Bronze Age Exhibition 1 week ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  Can Tho Museum in the southern Vietnam province is hosting an exhibition showcasing bronze age artifacts from around the region until August 22. Museum gives insight into Bronze Age culture Viet Nam News, 10 July 2010 More than 600 ancient artefacts from Viet Nam and some other Asian countries are on display at an exhibition [...]
• Station Hopping On Board Manila?s MRT Part I 1 week ago Bellhop Chronicles
  There are various modes of transport to consider while abroad, from planes to trains, taxis to buses. While certain parts of the world debate the merits of light rail and rapid transit, many urban areas throughout Asia already boast highly efficient networks of both. Tourists in Metro Manila for example, can take the city’s Light Rail Transit System. Photo [...]
• Cambodia celebrates anniversary of Preah Vihear listing 1 week ago The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog
  Cambodia celebrates the 2nd anniversary of the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site. The listing of the temple, which borders Thailand was, and still is, a point of contention between Thailand and Cambodia because the borders between the two countries in the vicinity of the temple have not been fixed. Festivities [...]