Cambodia Circuit: Top Attraction Cambodia

Traditional Performance

<span style="font-size: large;">Traditional Performance</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLtLUFOD8V-4BxmfiC4iIq5g-MSOPgRfvP22YkWHqAKFIr89-yUHFeB0PAETcKdfykhQs7t9nxLTNMQmVyLEh_zUdYlNfsMHtg7R_t_3cAuBmCJ14mjCwETVDEJ12SiRYZHbyXSHY8FEf/s1600/apsara+dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLtLUFOD8V-4BxmfiC4iIq5g-MSOPgRfvP22YkWHqAKFIr89-yUHFeB0PAETcKdfykhQs7t9nxLTNMQmVyLEh_zUdYlNfsMHtg7R_t_3cAuBmCJ14mjCwETVDEJ12SiRYZHbyXSHY8FEf/s1600/apsara+dancing.jpg" /></a></div>
It has been a tradition since the earliest days of tourism in the 19th century to treat visitors to Siem Reap with an ‘Apsara dance performance’ - a taste of classical Khmer culture. No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one performance. Dinner performances are now the most popular venue - most places offering buffet or set menus combined with a one-hour dance performance. Dinner ordinarily begins at 6:00 or 7:00PM and dance performances at 7:30PM or 8:00PM, consisting of 4 or 5 dances (classical and folk). Most dinner performances run $10-$35 including dinner and admission. Some place do not charge admission for the performance, but you are expected to order dinner. For the best seats, call for reservations.<br />
<br />
Traditional Khmer dance is not merely dance but is also meant to convey a story or message. There are<br />
four main modern genres of traditional dance: 1) Classical Dance; 2) Shadow theater; 3) Lakhon Khol<br />
(all-male masked dance-drama.); 4) Folk Dance. As evidenced in part by the innumerable apsaras<br />
(celestial dancers) adorning the walls of Angkorian temples, traditional dance has been part of Khmer culture<br />
for well more than a millennium. Yet there have been ruptures in the tradition over the centuries, making it<br />
almost impossible to precisely trace the source of the tradition. Though much modern traditional dance was<br />
inspired by Angkorian-era art and themes, the tradition has not been passed unbroken from the age of Angkor.<br />
Most traditional dances performed today were developed in the 18th through 20th centuries, beginning in<br />
earnest with a mid-19th century revival championed by King Ang Duong. Subsequent kings and other royals<br />
also supported the arts and dance, most particularly Queen Sisowath Kossamak Nearireach in the mid-20th<br />
century, who not only fostered a resurgence in the development of Khmer traditional dance, but also helped<br />
move it out of the Palace and popularize it.<br />
<br />
Many traditional dances including most Theatrical Folk Dances were developed and refined from the 1940s-<br />
60s under the patronage of Queen Kossamak at the Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Royal<br />
University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. Queen Kossamak trained her granddaughter Princess Bopha Devi in traditional dance from early childhood, and she went on to become the face of Khmer traditional dance in the 1950s and 60s both in Cambodia and abroad. Like so much of Cambodian art and culture, traditional dance was almost lost under the brutal repression of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s, only to be revived and reconstructed in the 1980s and 90s due, in large part, to the extraordinary efforts of Princess Bopha Devi.<br />
Classical dance, including the famous 'Apsara dance,' has a grounded, subtle, restrained, yet feather-light,<br />
ethereal appearance. Distinct in its ornate costuming, taut posture, arched back and feet, flexed fingers<br />
flexed, codified facial expressions, slow, close, deliberate but flowing movements, Classical dance is uniquely<br />
Khmer. It presents themes and stories inspired primarily by the Reamker (the Cambodian version of the<br />
Indian classic Ramayana) and by the Age of Angkor.<br />
Folk Dance come in two forms: ceremonial and theatrical. As a general rule, only Theatrical Folk Dance is presented in public performances, with Ceremonial Folk Dances reserved for particular rituals, celebrations and holidays. Theatrical Folk Dances such as the popular Good Harvest Dance and the romantic Fishing Dance are usually adaptations of dances found in the countryside or inspired by rural life and practices. Most of the Theatrical Folk Dances were developed at RUFA in Phnom Penh in the 1960s as part of an effort to preserve and perpetuate Khmer culture and arts.

Traditional Performance It has been a tradition since the earliest days of tourism in the 19th century to treat visitors to Siem Reap wit...

siem reap town

12:33 AM 0

Nestled between rice paddy countryside and set along the Siem Reap River, the provincial capital of Siem Reap City serves as the gateway to the millennium-old ruins of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire.<br />
The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Ta Prohm and the legendary Angkor Wat whose artistic and archaeological significance and visual impact put it in a class<br />
with the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal. And though the major temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park are very well touristed these days, it is still possible to capture a bit of the old spirit and discover Angkor.<br />
Siem Reap Town is where you will probably stay during your visit. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, including several 4 and 5-star hotels, dozens of mid-range places and plenty of budget digs, as well as an amazing variety of restaurants, lots of shopping opportunities and a vibrant nightlife.<br />
Often missed are the opportunities to experience traditional Cambodia: boat trips on the great Tonle Sap Lake, lake villages and the bird sanctuary, craft shops and silk farms, road tours through rice-paddy countryside and beyond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW15-YJ0wfds5QfdI_V9U4fy_rn-XpFNmfFNHU3ssuUl-clFPfeTQD9g3boERADNW5LuXBipw9tJXYgYNJ-bSjVIcsQM4B1i49n5Oj7BFoUVUUk-2qnOvn7nJoBKofmFgKtLtS9yJn9_Mh/s1600/siem+reap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW15-YJ0wfds5QfdI_V9U4fy_rn-XpFNmfFNHU3ssuUl-clFPfeTQD9g3boERADNW5LuXBipw9tJXYgYNJ-bSjVIcsQM4B1i49n5Oj7BFoUVUUk-2qnOvn7nJoBKofmFgKtLtS9yJn9_Mh/s320/siem+reap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Old Market (Phsar Chas) area, including the nearby Pub Street, Pub Street alleys and the Night Markets, are favorites when visiting Siem Reap. Stretching from the river across to the night markets on Sivutha Blvd, the entire area is now the dining, shopping and nightlife center of town. Sok San Road across Sivutha, opposite the Old Market area has become quite popular as well, sporting dozens of budget-friendly business, especially guesthouses, bars and restaurants.<br />
Of all the traditional Cambodian markets in Siem<br />
Reap, the Old Market offers the deepest selection of souvenirs and curios. There are souvenir vendors throughout much the market, especially on the river side. The north side along Street 9 sports a number<br />
of inexpensive food stalls serving Cambodian fare in an interesting, local atmosphere. A good place for a<br />
budget meal and a taste of Cambodian street food.<br />
After the sun goes down, the focus shifts to 'Pub Street' and Pub Street alleys including The Passage, Alley West and The Lane. Named for the numerous pubs that line Street 8, it all began in 1998 when Angkor What? opened its doors - the lone pub on a lonely street. These days Pub Street is lined end to end with restaurants, pubs and shops, making it the tourist center of town, especially after dark. The narrow connecting alleys and passages just off Pub Street have also filled with small businesses, offering a somewhat quieter and more relaxed ambiance the ever-bustling Pub Street.<br />
<br />
Things really gets going on Pub Street around 5:00 PM as people return to town from the temples. The curbside seating fills, the bars crank up the music and the street is blocked to motor traffic, making it a pedestrian only area. Most of the drinking venues stay open until at least midnight and couple running until near dawn.<br />
<br />
Pub Street’s narrow connecting alleys and passages offer a relaxed, pedestrians- only alternative to the main street. Alley West is a particularly quaint little alley with an artsy, Old World atmosphere.<br />
The emphasis is firmly on boutiques, each with its own unique style - clothing, fashions, handicrafts, art and souvenirs - and a few little restaurants in the mix as well. Alley West Shopping Bambou Indochine Originally designed, high quality t-shirts, inspired by images of Indochina and hand printed on 100% cotton.<br />
Khmer Ceramics Fine Art Center Experience every step of the artistic ceramic process from the potter's wheel to carving, firing, glazing. Classes. Smateria Offering unique hand-made bags, accessories created from recycled products. Unik is a high quality Asian art gallery selling unique antiques, traditional art and contemporary Asian artworks. Wild Poppy Cute little boutique offering women's clothing, fashions and accessories. Also offering a range of quality local product, coffees, teas, potpourris, Bodia Nature products. Alley West Dining & Drinking<br />
Khmer Kitchen Very affordable, authentic Cambodian and other South east Asian dishes.<br />
Singing Tree Café Vegetarian friendly (fish, meat and seafood available) café serving signature home-style cooking. Alley West Travel & Tours (see pg 98) Beyond Unique Escapes Unique day trips, cycle, alms, treks, walks, villages, small groups, private packages, cooking classes, tickets.<br />
More Alley West Angkor Tattoo Western artist of 25 years experience. Promising adherence to strict U.S. standards. All inks and needles are imported from the U.S.

Siem Reap Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do siem reap town

Siem reap town Nestled between rice paddy countryside and set along the Siem Reap River, the provincial capital of Siem Reap City serv...

Battambang

7:35 AM 1

<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Getting to battambang</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk0-Er3ZQ8P2k06xx8ir8G6b2_TkBHMT1S-W6M7s0k3lVL9n_9wH-QM7g0CMDLL_nR5Cgk2bQ5uSr1_zNLo3KfrR_Ez0eY3vsktHJUcvOqz7hYPGXjikh1UmpO3p63t_frSA9sLMOld2P/s1600/battambang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk0-Er3ZQ8P2k06xx8ir8G6b2_TkBHMT1S-W6M7s0k3lVL9n_9wH-QM7g0CMDLL_nR5Cgk2bQ5uSr1_zNLo3KfrR_Ez0eY3vsktHJUcvOqz7hYPGXjikh1UmpO3p63t_frSA9sLMOld2P/s1600/battambang.jpg" /></a></div>
Ask your guide or driver to tell you the legend. For sake of ease, take the winding path up the mountain nrather than the stairs, which make for a formidable climb. In the evening around 6:00PM two of the caves disgorge millions of bats which pour into the dusk sky for more than 30 minutes, making quite an impressive site. Not to be missed if you happen to be at Phnom Sampeou in the evening.<br />
<br />
Provincial Museum The Battambang Provincial Museum on the riverfront in the center of town houses a large collection of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts - statues, carvings, bits of ancient temples, pottery, etc. These little provincial museums can be a real treat for the Angkor enthusiast, containing some rare and unique pieces, and this is one of the best of the provincial museums. Hours: 8AM-11AM / 2PM-5PM. Friendly people always happy to see visitors.<br />
Guides available. Admission: $1.<br />
Tel: 092-914688, 016-896727<br />
Snack Tours Battambang Resort offers a unique snack tour between town and Wat Kor Village. A short cycling tour (also possible by tuk tuk) brings you to different kind of food stalls where you can try all kinds of traditional and modern Cambodian snacks. Every afternoon at 4:00PM.<br />
Tel: 012-510100<br />
<a href="http://www.battambangresort.com/">www.battambangresort.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>From Siem Reap:</b><br />
Boat The daily ferry between Battambang and Siem Reap plies a picturesque, 6-8 hour journey across the<br />
Tonle Sap and along the Sangker River, passing through some beautiful natural areas. The trip is best in<br />
the late wet season when the river is high. During the dry season it can take considerably longer. The ferry<br />
departs in both directions at 7:00am. $20/person. The boats do not meet international safety standards. In<br />
Battambang the ferry dock is at the north end of town just off National Route #5. In Siem Reap the ferry dock is at Chong Khneas, 15km south of town.<br />
Road (National Routes #6 and #5, via Sisophon): The road from Battambang to Siem Reap around the west<br />
side of the lake is in very good condition. Bus: At least four bus companies (including Capitol,<br />
Phnom Penh Sorya and Rith Mony) run two or three daily A/C buses, most leaving in the morning. Buy<br />
tickets at the bus company office. $4-$5, 3 hours.<br />
Taxi: A private taxi costs $40 (+/-$5).<br />
<br />
<b>From Phnom Penh:</b><br />
Road (291km, National Route #5): The road is paved and in good condition.<br />
Bus Several bus companies (including Phnom Penh Sorya, Ponleu Angkor, Rith Mony and Capitol Tours) run multiple daily buses between Phnom Penh to Battambang. First bus departs at 6:30AM and the last at<br />
3:00PM. Fare: about US$7. The trip takes 5 hours. In Battambang, buses depart from the various transportation company offices. See the map. Taxi A private taxi is $45-$55. 4 hours. Rent a taxi andshare with friends to split the cost.

Battambang Top Attraction Cambodia Tourism site What to see & do Battambang

Getting to battambang Ask your guide or driver to tell you the legend. For sake of ease, take the winding path up the mountain nrather th...

Temples Outside the Main Park Area

7:12 AM 0

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>
<div align='center'>

<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Temples Outside the Main Park Area</b></span><br />
The Roluos Group (13km east of Siem Reap Town) Though the densest concentration of ruins is to be found within the Angkor Park, there are Khmer temple ruins scattered across Cambodia as well as parts of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Some temples outside the Park area such as Roluos Group, Banteay Srey and Phnom Krom are comparatively close to Siem Reap and easily incorporated into most itineraries. More remote sites such as Beng Melea, Koh Ker, Banteay Chhmar and Preah Vihear take a full day or more to visit due to distance.<br />
The journey to these remote temples can be as interesting as the temple ruins themselves - traveling though picturesque countryside, rural villages and tropical jungle. An expedition to a remote temple is also a great way to see a bit of 'real Cambodia' away from more touristed areas. Tour operators specializing in trips to remote temples can organize transportation and guides as well as cultural tours, multi-day expeditions, village and jungle overnights. For specialty tour operators see page 100.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Roluos Group (13km east of Siem Reap Town)</span><br />
The Roluos Group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. It has become known as the ‘Roluos Group’ due to its proximity to the modern town of Roluos. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an existing settlement in the area before the rise of Angkor, Hariharalaya was established as a capital city by Jayavarman II and served as the Khmer capital for over 70 years under four successive kings. Setting the pattern for the next four centuries, the first great Khmer temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei and a baray) were constructed at Hariharalaya. The last king at Hariharalaya, Yasovarman I, built the first major temple at Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, and moved the capital to the Bakheng area in 905 C.E. With the exception of a 20 year interruption in the 10th century, the capital would remain at Angkor until 1422 C.E. The Roluos Group is located about 13km (20 minutes) southeast of Siem Reap and is easily included in any three day temple itinerary. Admission to the Roluos Group is included in you regular Angkor Park admission pass.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bakong</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSROgSResn-wtX9O_xDNdqt4NiZQTqBocxeYANYYlFu57Ka06WosvV4V9SgEuveg-z74f0pXmfLxB_5bGQGZYUYPnAfw8CMplCCmtic8HwshUMGJ4Go9Ksyli5wg2G5MdkoSescCLbgI7/s1600/bakong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSROgSResn-wtX9O_xDNdqt4NiZQTqBocxeYANYYlFu57Ka06WosvV4V9SgEuveg-z74f0pXmfLxB_5bGQGZYUYPnAfw8CMplCCmtic8HwshUMGJ4Go9Ksyli5wg2G5MdkoSescCLbgI7/s1600/bakong.jpg" /></a></div>
Constructed: Late 9th century C.E. Religion: Hindu King/Patron: Indravarman I Style: Preah Ko Roluos Group: The most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Angkorian capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850m at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick.<br />
Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. Picturesque moat and vegetation surround Bakong.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Preah Ko </span><br />
Constructed: Late 9th century C.E. Religion: Hindu (Shiva) King/Patron: Indravarman I Style: Preah Ko<br />
Roluos Group. Six towers displaying set on a platform, all beautifully preserved carvings. Originally surrounded by walls and gopuras of which only vestiges remain. Preah Ko was one of the first major temples of the empire at the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lolei </span><br />
Constructed: Late 9th century C.E. Religion: Hindu<br />
King/Patron: Yasovarman I Style: Preah Ko/Bakheng Roluos Group: Ruins of an island-temple built in the middle of a now dry baray, Indratataka, the first large-scale baray constructed by a Khmer king. Lolei consists of four brick towers on a double laterite platform. It was the last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition, there are some lintel carvings in very good condition displaying the distinctively detailed Preah Ko style. An active pagoda has been built amongst the ruins. Of the Roluos Group ruins, allocate the least time Lolei. See ‘Roluos Group’ and ‘Barays’.

Angkor Wat Siem Reap Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do Temples Outside the Main Park Area

Temples Outside the Main Park Area The Roluos Group (13km east of Siem Reap Town) Though the densest concentration of ruins is ...

Battambang Cambodia

7:25 PM 0

<span style="font-size: large;">Battambang Cambodia</span><br />
Cambodia’s second largest city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country. Battambang did not give way to the Khmer Rouge movement until after the fall of Phnom Penh, but it’s been in the center of the ongoing government Khmer Rouge conflict ever since the Vietnamese invasion in 1979 pushed the genocidal regime out of Phnom Penh and to the Northwest.<br />
<br />
Until the surrender deal of Ieng Sary (Khmer Rouge number three man based in Pailin),Battambang was the Khmer Rouge in the region. Earlier history saw Battambang flip-flopping back and forth between Thailand (called Siam before their 20th-century renaming) and Cambodia.<br />
BattambangBattambang is the main hub of the Northwest connecting the entire region withPhnom Penh and Thailand, and as such it’s a vital link for Cambodia. Battambang city is a peaceful and pleasant place these days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2pRcYCm5cqs4cUkKYGBeSYYmBAG0ilub2vX_KaUcKcAJv-lRU6mVA9lO6va0Jf5LTx_bDSEx8E-iP9VKHG7-iPyo6ROX0shaUovhW3x_JRuQAaC9w_ZrePZa_KchZbhtlavKxTGki-GM/s1600/battambang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2pRcYCm5cqs4cUkKYGBeSYYmBAG0ilub2vX_KaUcKcAJv-lRU6mVA9lO6va0Jf5LTx_bDSEx8E-iP9VKHG7-iPyo6ROX0shaUovhW3x_JRuQAaC9w_ZrePZa_KchZbhtlavKxTGki-GM/s320/battambang.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The main parts of the city are situated closed to the Sangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way throughBattambang Province. It is a nice, picturesque setting. As with much ofCambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus of the city.<br />
<br />
Barseat Temple<br />
Was built during the reign of King, Soriyak Varman I (1002-1050) and located on a hill at Ba Set village, Ta Pun commune in 15 kilometer distance from the provincial town. Ba Set temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond having 20 meter length 12 meter width and 10 meter depth. The pond is never dried, though in the dry season. In rainy season, the water level is higher than usual.<br />
<br />
Wat Ek Temple<br />
Adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1027 during the reign of King, Sorayak Varman I (1002-1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune in 14 kilometer from the provincial town.<br />
<br />
Ba Nan Temple<br />
Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by King, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and was built finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400 meter heighten mountain at Koh Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District in 15 kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural well, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.<br />
<br />
Prasat Snung<br />
Characterizes as three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill having 30 meter length and 20 meter width, in Snung pagoda’s area, Snung commune, Ba Nan District in 22 kilometer distance from the provincial town. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12thcentury. Behind the temple, there is another new constructing temple.<br />
<br />
Phnom Sam Pov Resort<br />
Is the natural resort located along the National Road No 57 (the former National Road No10) at Sam Puoy commune (the high land having more than 100 meter height) in 12 kilometer distance from the provincial town of Battambang. On the top of Sam Puoy mountain, there are temple and three natural wells, namely Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon and Ak So Pheak. Next to Sam Puoy mountain, there are some main mountains, the natural site like Phnom Trung Moan, Phnom Trung Tea and Phnom Neang Rum Say Sork. These mountains related to theCambodia folk legend of Reach Kol Neang Rum Say Sork.<br />
<br />
Boeng Kam Pinh Puoy Resort<br />
Locates between two mountains, named Phnom Kul or Phnom Ta Nget and Phnom Kam Pinh Puoy, at Ta Nget village, Ta Kriem Commune in 35 kilometer distance from the provincial town. Boeng kam Pinh Puoy has 1,900 meter width, 19 kilometer length and can load 110,000,000-cubic meter water.<br />
<br />
Sek Sak Resort<br />
Is the natural resort, which has been popular since before the civil war time. Sek Sak stretches along the river bank full of plant, trees and bamboo-green nature in 500 meter length. As long as visiting Sek Sak, tourists can also visit other attractive sites like Po Pus Pich Chen Da Dong Tong and Sa Ang speak, the pre-history site in five kilometer to six kilometer distance from each other. Sek Sak located Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul District in 50 kilometer distance from the provincial town of Battambang along the National Road No 57, the former National Road No 10.

Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do Battambang Cambodia

Battambang Cambodia Cambodia’s second largest city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producin...

Kratie

7:19 PM 0

<span style="font-size: large;">Kratie</span><br />
Is a sleepy Mekong River town situated on the east bank of the mighty river.It’s very picturesque with sandbars and big islands out front and bends in the river. Unlike in many towns around Cambodia, the war years were fairly kind to the French architecture and the roads, at least in the town itself. There are some nice-looking homes of French and Khmer style scattered about, adding to the pleasant feel of the place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnkctpmnZprDqSuVpqihd0Hy8qx2BCdN2QQ2G11niOnT-IK0KeMGEXV9qmcblZKaTMF5pwAZcC0iDvEmB7gEqnHkJZAmWU5KwwkioKs2_Fgdp6fct4HBQIHqXMzFWV050GBaasw8rNIfl/s1600/kratie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnkctpmnZprDqSuVpqihd0Hy8qx2BCdN2QQ2G11niOnT-IK0KeMGEXV9qmcblZKaTMF5pwAZcC0iDvEmB7gEqnHkJZAmWU5KwwkioKs2_Fgdp6fct4HBQIHqXMzFWV050GBaasw8rNIfl/s320/kratie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins make their home in the Mekong River, just north of Kratie. With only around fifteen to twenty remaining, they are worth a visit.<br />
Whether you are just on a trip seeing the river towns along the Mekong or taking a full circuit trip around the east and northeast, Kratie is a nice place to spend a night or two.<br />
<br />
Phnom Sambok Resort<br />
Is the natural and historical resort, locates at Thmor Kre Commune, Kratie District in 11 – Km distance from the provincial town by the National Road No 7, then turning more 500 Meters to the mountain. Phnom Sam Bok is the cultural and main tourist resort of Kratie province. The resort has good location and assured safety for tourists to visit. Phnom Sam Bok has been arranged as the tourist resort since the Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum time. The special features of Phnom Sam Bok are:<br />
<br />
Closed to the western mountain foot, there is a big pond full of Clearwater and natural plants. The mountain has two peak, adull peak and a pointed peak. On the mountain top, we can view the beautiful scene especially the Mekong River.<br />
There is a concrete stair stretching from the mountain foot of Sam Bok very rich in gold. The local people there called the place at the mountain.<br />
<br />
The legend said that one upon the time, there was a king named Cha Krey Sara Varman a son of Preah Bat Hathak Athi Reach Varman. After he was on throne instead of his father, he informed officials and high officials to find where having gold mine. The local people there called the place ‘Kan Leng Sam Bo Meas’ means ‘a place very rich in gold’. Long time after that, the word changed to ‘Phnom Sambok Meas’. Then only ‘Phnom Sam Bor’ until now.<br />
<br />
The background of Phnom Sam Bok:  At the beginning of the 15th century, there was a monk named Neak Voan, the student who has the same teacher to the monk, Neak Sen. Neak Sen is the teacher of crocodile, Nen Thun and he does neditation on the mountaintop of Sam Bok. The monk, Neak Voan has very strong ritual formulas and he is well known to the near and far local people. The local people accompany each other to learn ritual formulas from Neak Voan. Since that, Phnom Sam Bok becomes the worshipping place until now.<br />
<br />
The 100-Column Pagoda<br />
Located at Sam Bor District in 36-Km distance, North of the province town by the National Road No 7. The special features of Sar Sar –100 pagoda are:<br />
<br />
The 100-column pagoda was built on the place where the Royal Palace temple of Sam Phu Borak Capital of the Chen La time located.<br />
At the area, there are four- Buddist temple facing to directions:<br />
<br />
1- Vihear Lao faces to the West<br />
2- Vihear Sar Sar-100 faces to the North<br />
3- Vihear Kork Keut faces to the East<br />
4- Vihear Kork faces to the south (this Buddhist temple has only base and mark remain).<br />
<br />
During the khmer new year, the local people who live near the former Sam Phu Bo Rak Capital usually celebrate the four-day festival by starting at Vihear Sar Sar 100 first, then Vihear Kork and Vihear Lao lastly.<br />
Background of Vihear Sar Sar-100 was built in 1860 and the size is 30 meter x 30 meters. In the former time, at the 100th century, was thatched by Preah Ang Chan Reachea II for dedicating to the power of Vihear Sar Sarr-100 to maintain the soul of Preah Neang Varakak, his daughter who swallowed by the crocodile, Nen Thun. Vihear Sar Sar-100 is different to other temples because it face to the north. About 100 years later, the temple was damaged by the strong lightening, which caused 22 columns burnt down and the statues dirtied by smoke. Because of this incident, the temple was pulled down and rebuilt by the local people, but it had only 78 columns. Until 1978, the 100-columns pagoda has once again been renovated with 35-meter length, 18-meter width, 23-meter height and 116 columns; also, the temple has completely been renovated, inaugurated and Sey Ma buried on January 14, 1998<br />
<br />
Kampi Resort<br />
Is the great natural resort where is home to Dolphins. When we travel along the National Road No. 7 to the North about 15Km from the provincial town, we will arrive at abridge of Prek Kam Py where we have seen a very novel view of the Mekong River consisting of thousands of islands full of green water plants. Usually from January to May, there are local and international visitors, who call on the Kam Py resort for swimming, especially during the Khmer New Year. Kam Py resort has special features such as:<br />
<br />
The resort is closed to the National Road, assured safety and has large parking site for motorcycles and cars.<br />
The riverbank is full of sand, and there are many islands assuring the visit of thousands of visitors.<br />
The water is clear as mirror, has 0.5-1.30 meter depth and flows with undangerous speed.<br />
<br />
Kam Py resort has not only the good natural manner, but also been provided the good services for visitors such as the crossing bridge, floating cottages, soft-drink shops, restaurants, emergency agency, guards and security as well. Nowadays, the provincial tourist office has endeavored to upgrade arranging the resort to be better and more attractive.

Top Attraction Cambodia Kratie

Kratie Is a sleepy Mekong River town situated on the east bank of the mighty river.It’s very picturesque with sandbars and big islands out ...

Mondulkiri - Minority in Cambodia

7:45 AM 0

<h1 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name headline" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Oswald, 'Bebas Neue', Bebas, 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif; font-size: 21.6000003814697px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.cambosmattravel.com/2014/05/mondulkiri-minority-in-cambodia.html" itemprop="url" style="color: #252525; text-decoration: none;">Mondulkiri - Minority in Cambodia</a></h1>
This province is chock full of natural beauty, with thickly forested mountains, powerful waterfalls and the lush green rolling hills of the western side. Add to that the communities of hill tribe people who are not affected by mass-tourism, as they are in neighboring Thailand, and you have an area that is very attractive to the adventure traveler. The town of Sen Monorom is the best base camp for travelers who want to explore the surrounding areas.<br />
A quiet but beautiful town nestled into the hills; it has a lot of potential to develop into a center for non-intrusive eco-tourism. At present, it’s very undeveloped, which gives you a feeling of going somewhere off the beaten tourist trail. Also interesting is the variety of languages being used: Khmer, hill tribe languages, Vietnamese and Laos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZHWRSYzdABSJ2Q_h8Ryy-mKy8gb-NYtxuOx6QNyNaIzsyp-nNdwMUfm6feeJqgXYTk-zNdLrv7i7tEJSxHLvEeNgsN0a0-tlcmUKOSt-pm6sTsmy9G6L4OIqqrCaJfGGhCbtVFfSdsVG/s1600/Mondolkiri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZHWRSYzdABSJ2Q_h8Ryy-mKy8gb-NYtxuOx6QNyNaIzsyp-nNdwMUfm6feeJqgXYTk-zNdLrv7i7tEJSxHLvEeNgsN0a0-tlcmUKOSt-pm6sTsmy9G6L4OIqqrCaJfGGhCbtVFfSdsVG/s320/Mondolkiri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
BOO SRA WATERFALL<br />
Locates at Pich Chinda District in 43 kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil road. Boo Sra is the most beautiful waterfall in Modulkiri and shared into three stages:<br />
First stage: The waterfall has 15-meter diameter and 15-meter to 20-meter height in rainy season, and 20-meter diameter and 18-meter to 25-meter height in dry season. The second stage of waterfall has 150-meter distance from the first stage.<br />
<br />
MINORITY<br />
Second stage: The waterfall has 23-meter diameter and 15-meter to 20-meter height in rainy season, and 20-meter diameter and 18-meter to 25-meter height in dry season. The second stage of waterfall has 150-meter distance from the first stage.<br />
Third stage: The waterfall has stronger speed than the second stage. This stage can not be reached because it locates in the thick forest, lacks of transporting mean and is dangerous due to having fierce-wild animals.<br />
<br />
Sen Monorum Waterfall<br />
SEN MONORUM WATERFALL<br />
Locates at Sen Monorum District in five-kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil trail, Along either sides of the trail, there are industrial plantations like rubber, coffee and cashew as well. The local people usually meet each other at Sen Monorum waterfall during the holidays and national festivals because it closed to the provincial town.<br />
<br />
Sen Monorum waterfall has three stages:<br />
First stage: The waterfall has slow speed, one-meter height and 2-4 meter diameter.<br />
<br />
 MONDULKIRY<br />
Second stage:  During the rainy season, the waterfall has strong speed, 6-7 meter height and 8-meter diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall has 7-9 meter height and 4-5 meter diameter. At the waterfall, there is a large space of resting and enjoying.<br />
Third stage: Locates at one- kilometer distance from the second stage. The waterfall has 1.5-meter height only.<br />
<br />
RUM NEAR WATERFALL<br />
Locates at Sen Monorum District in 10.5 kilometer distance from the provincial town. The waterfall has good location, which is closed to the industrial plantations like rubber, coffee, cashew, mango, Avocado and Pres as well. During the rainy season, the waterfall has five-meter height and 10-meter diameter, and during the dry season. The waterfall has six-meter and eight-meter diameter only. At the waterfall, there are many big trees projecting the cool shadow to the area.<br />
<br />
CHREY THOM WATERFALL<br />
Locates at Sen Monorum District in 43-kilometer distance from the provincial town. During the dry season, the waterfall has 15-meter height and 2-meter diameter, and during the rainy season, the waterfall has 11-meter height and 8-meter diameter. The waterfall surrounded by the plantation of Sro Lou and there is a big and brandy tree of Chrey. The Provicail Tourist office in cooperation with the territorial authority has arranged this waterfall spot as the tourist site instead of Boo Sra waterfall that unable to be accessible during the rainy season.<br />
<br />
ROMNEA WATERFALL<br />
Riverside<br />
Locates at Koh Nhek District in 150-kilometer distance from the provincial town. The riverside has red and golden colored sand, and stretches along the Sre Pork River mixing with many small islands. The riverside is the leisure place for the local people of Koh Nhek District.<br />
<br />
Plantation of Pinetrees<br />
PLANTATION OF PRINETREES<br />
Located at Sen Monorum District in six-kilometer distance from the provincial town by the National Road No 14. The plantation of pine trees located on the highland, which there are many pine trees remain since 1970 and growing on line, these pine trees have the same height. The ground covered by a lot of lollen leaves. It look like the golden colored carpet. Tourists can enjoy and rest on it without matting. The history said that, these pine trees were planted before the Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum time.

Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do Mondulkiri - Minority in Cambodia

Mondulkiri - Minority in Cambodia This province is chock full of natural beauty, with thickly forested mountains, powerful waterfalls and ...

Cambodia Beach

7:42 AM 0

<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<b>BEACHEES OF SIHANOUKVILLE</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Cambodians call it by its old name – Kompong Som – but to Westerners it’s better known as the beach town of <st1:city w:st="on">Sihanoukville</st1:city>. The centre of town was built in the 50’s and 60’s and is basically quite an ugly collection of concrete.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Beaches are about 1 km to the south and roughly 2 km to the west of the town centre with the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">port</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Sihanoukville</st1:placename></st1:place> at the northern end of the western beaches. Do not expect wide stretches of sand here, Sihanoukville’s beaches are quite narrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
In recent years some new resorts have been build, and a raft of new luxury hotels and condominiums are rumoured to be in the works. Once completed, this will forever change Sihanoukville into yet another overdeveloped beach resort.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHCVSKCHnr-7rw1an-eSX5qoCXV6KCiZRqWcrBOi9acNIftUt6oKXzO_ZxPdAer7Krdm28Mu4iO5ntPij_BbGTvb-utkcjO6U_GXeDV_l_oGfeUBBZ21VH7e3XxAxLfLmU4vNHPPXY9Q/s1600/beach-occheuteal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHCVSKCHnr-7rw1an-eSX5qoCXV6KCiZRqWcrBOi9acNIftUt6oKXzO_ZxPdAer7Krdm28Mu4iO5ntPij_BbGTvb-utkcjO6U_GXeDV_l_oGfeUBBZ21VH7e3XxAxLfLmU4vNHPPXY9Q/s1600/beach-occheuteal.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHCVSKCHnr-7rw1an-eSX5qoCXV6KCiZRqWcrBOi9acNIftUt6oKXzO_ZxPdAer7Krdm28Mu4iO5ntPij_BbGTvb-utkcjO6U_GXeDV_l_oGfeUBBZ21VH7e3XxAxLfLmU4vNHPPXY9Q/s1600/beach-occheuteal.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>OCHHEUTEAL BEACH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
This is the largest and most popular <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">beach</st1:placetype> of<st1:placename w:st="on">Sihanoukville</st1:placename></st1:place>. It’s a two km stretch of fine sand, but – as said in the introduction – quite narrow compared to some of the beaches in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Thailand</st1:country-region>, especially at high tide. Ochheuteal is filled with beach stands and chairs. Across the street from the beach, there's a plethora of restaurants, hotels and guesthouses. The southern end of the beach is slated for probably yet another resort style ‘development project’. The northern end of Ochheuteal is called <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Serendipity</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBa0aag2-NmwQ4lUNq8CTDFws6RctcBYj7MQ8-boyRhhO5TtoSis3V4vxNJbGgOau9nDVJ5L-Aa4R8feXC6HEX1Oz7qPV-jzYzK4Mox_cjzZms-U-d5LvyEvHLsJr5_9DOJKOpaRRq0I/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-serendipity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBa0aag2-NmwQ4lUNq8CTDFws6RctcBYj7MQ8-boyRhhO5TtoSis3V4vxNJbGgOau9nDVJ5L-Aa4R8feXC6HEX1Oz7qPV-jzYzK4Mox_cjzZms-U-d5LvyEvHLsJr5_9DOJKOpaRRq0I/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-serendipity.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBa0aag2-NmwQ4lUNq8CTDFws6RctcBYj7MQ8-boyRhhO5TtoSis3V4vxNJbGgOau9nDVJ5L-Aa4R8feXC6HEX1Oz7qPV-jzYzK4Mox_cjzZms-U-d5LvyEvHLsJr5_9DOJKOpaRRq0I/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-serendipity.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>SERENDIPITY BEACH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
The north-western end of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ochheuteal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> is the place for backpackers, with cheap accommodation nearby or even right on the beach, and affordable eateries. Some of the simple huts and other accommodation can be had for free in the low season, provided you take your lunch and dinner at the establishment. Sometimes people refer to Ochheuteal as ‘Serendipity’, probably because it’s – for Westerners – much easier to pronounce.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT93STimo3tNOMivSBqKAZktwURzpVa5u7Wy6NPyKx5GZWV9sz_eCUkyDhm-pzD9cZAngEr4zcJ5mrRXTFLnqV2Jd9Hmg3cMnU4-5uooeOSwJQCY4J8VJUQOJR_X_zRYkpXyiqUMuBuFI/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-otres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT93STimo3tNOMivSBqKAZktwURzpVa5u7Wy6NPyKx5GZWV9sz_eCUkyDhm-pzD9cZAngEr4zcJ5mrRXTFLnqV2Jd9Hmg3cMnU4-5uooeOSwJQCY4J8VJUQOJR_X_zRYkpXyiqUMuBuFI/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-otres.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT93STimo3tNOMivSBqKAZktwURzpVa5u7Wy6NPyKx5GZWV9sz_eCUkyDhm-pzD9cZAngEr4zcJ5mrRXTFLnqV2Jd9Hmg3cMnU4-5uooeOSwJQCY4J8VJUQOJR_X_zRYkpXyiqUMuBuFI/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-otres.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>OTRES BEACH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
A little further out, but well worth the trip: we would call<st1:placename w:st="on">Otres</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype> the best – publicly accessible – <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">beach</st1:placetype> of<st1:placename w:st="on">Sihanoukville</st1:placename></st1:place>. A few years ago, entrepreneurial souls saw the potential of this stretch of sand along the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Gulf</st1:placetype> of<st1:placename w:st="on">Thailand</st1:placename></st1:place> and set up businesses: simple shacks, bars and restaurants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Soon, it gained a reputation, especially among expats, for its serenity and lack of sellers and beggars. Then, as so often in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region>, some of the high and mighty also saw the development potential and bulldozed everything down in 2010. For some – no doubt ugly – development which has not appeared yet. Surprise, surprise…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
The central portion of the beach is closed, but elsewhere, slowly but surely, the area is rebuilding!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP15ekAr0hPVm7wJib1KPoE-0rL1aCcFP8l3wH-AQgivKf9nEfLBtjISCnmqSBZf5hfaRuj9tAJP8lY3pa3zc8d_F6VmugC7kTNf_X1S1dtZJJpMX2uh1sIQjSuNUYh1kSa7z2tAXwbc/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-sokha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP15ekAr0hPVm7wJib1KPoE-0rL1aCcFP8l3wH-AQgivKf9nEfLBtjISCnmqSBZf5hfaRuj9tAJP8lY3pa3zc8d_F6VmugC7kTNf_X1S1dtZJJpMX2uh1sIQjSuNUYh1kSa7z2tAXwbc/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-sokha.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP15ekAr0hPVm7wJib1KPoE-0rL1aCcFP8l3wH-AQgivKf9nEfLBtjISCnmqSBZf5hfaRuj9tAJP8lY3pa3zc8d_F6VmugC7kTNf_X1S1dtZJJpMX2uh1sIQjSuNUYh1kSa7z2tAXwbc/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-sokha.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>SOKHA BEACH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Although this is the most beautiful <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">beach</st1:placetype> of<st1:placename w:st="on">Sihanoukville</st1:placename></st1:place>, it is not publicly accessible. The beach is cordoned off by the Sokha Beach Resort, or whatever it is called, part of the powerful Sokimex conglomerate (which also happens to exploit the Temples of Angkor – no kidding, the entrance fees at the World Heritage site of Anglor go into private hands!).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
If you are willing to make the Sokha owners even richer, pay $10 (!!!) for the privilege of using the hotel part of the beach…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLkl-nV4ND8FvmDB7tg-Hx53hCKImRNBdtJsvEvto6mFuUH-CKuSUCRnK1f_2NX72lyDRabqtNR8JvVYux_6KVET0RMpQP-yy66LRmvAPlODGkgOHFvMPN9KYoa45AFovudcGvBlS988/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-independence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLkl-nV4ND8FvmDB7tg-Hx53hCKImRNBdtJsvEvto6mFuUH-CKuSUCRnK1f_2NX72lyDRabqtNR8JvVYux_6KVET0RMpQP-yy66LRmvAPlODGkgOHFvMPN9KYoa45AFovudcGvBlS988/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-independence.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLkl-nV4ND8FvmDB7tg-Hx53hCKImRNBdtJsvEvto6mFuUH-CKuSUCRnK1f_2NX72lyDRabqtNR8JvVYux_6KVET0RMpQP-yy66LRmvAPlODGkgOHFvMPN9KYoa45AFovudcGvBlS988/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-independence.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<st1:place w:st="on"><b>INDEPENDENCE BEACH</b></st1:place></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Continuing to the north from Sokha, next is<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Independence</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>. This beach is a bit narrower and rockier, and is inhabited by just a few thatched roof shacks that sell snacks and drinks. A nice place for people who want a quiet, but easily accessible beach. Almost no sellers are active here. At the far end of the beach, the hotel from which the beach gets its name, the Independence Hotel, sits atop a point. Since the hotel has seven stories, the local name for this beach is ‘Seven Stories Beach’ or ‘7-Chhan-Beach’ and so it is mentioned on street signs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHwV6k1UiWRu8KJKJ8GMn6LP9TFbU7olh7pJEtQeemGJiAvQqQ47MGOYQLDr0SoA6SmWXPZALhy62KhfTA34kHDmvfux6xnxjF7ICun6BMA7cCsVdWf1o0AXkRVQHNAjom3y3da2JBrg/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHwV6k1UiWRu8KJKJ8GMn6LP9TFbU7olh7pJEtQeemGJiAvQqQ47MGOYQLDr0SoA6SmWXPZALhy62KhfTA34kHDmvfux6xnxjF7ICun6BMA7cCsVdWf1o0AXkRVQHNAjom3y3da2JBrg/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-hawaii.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHwV6k1UiWRu8KJKJ8GMn6LP9TFbU7olh7pJEtQeemGJiAvQqQ47MGOYQLDr0SoA6SmWXPZALhy62KhfTA34kHDmvfux6xnxjF7ICun6BMA7cCsVdWf1o0AXkRVQHNAjom3y3da2JBrg/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-hawaii.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>HAWAII BEACH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
The western beaches of Sihanoukville are together called ‘Victory Beaches’, divided by the Friendship monument in the middle. The southern part is commonly referred to as<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>, which tends to be much more popular with locals than tourists. It’s a bit rocky and muddy in places, and dominated by the huge <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Techo</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Morakat</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place> from the mainland to – you guessed it – another development on the island off the south-western coast, called Koh Puos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBtqSrThpX_Ms1P2wOJ7jZd-KWr6zZO8DrcLzZuE3MZb24r5E2dS6A1zdgzU77yy4how2pUrmcnfW2IM76otDDmovHKsTNeuk2n2Cc-R5S0aBwxOzxjbff7_WGxkQwzX6czfYwsZT5zo/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-victory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBtqSrThpX_Ms1P2wOJ7jZd-KWr6zZO8DrcLzZuE3MZb24r5E2dS6A1zdgzU77yy4how2pUrmcnfW2IM76otDDmovHKsTNeuk2n2Cc-R5S0aBwxOzxjbff7_WGxkQwzX6czfYwsZT5zo/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-victory.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBtqSrThpX_Ms1P2wOJ7jZd-KWr6zZO8DrcLzZuE3MZb24r5E2dS6A1zdgzU77yy4how2pUrmcnfW2IM76otDDmovHKsTNeuk2n2Cc-R5S0aBwxOzxjbff7_WGxkQwzX6czfYwsZT5zo/s1600/sihanoukville-beach-victory.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>VICTORY BEACH</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Once this was the most popular area to stay in Sihanoukville, but the beach and nearby Weather Station Hill have lost out to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ochheuteal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It is a fairly short beach, but it offers a view of the ships passing by from Sihanoukville port at the northern end. The distinctive Airport Nightclub sits near the entrance to the beach. Next to the Airport Club, boats for hire operate off of the pier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhAI7lNrEgBdan6vQclNB8K1yUNDPn7J0ZJfv9nBrLtMKBqR-wyVseu_yxSjuWEnREeKc3IKd32Wx3vtRbhd13O1WBwyYOP3fkvdJuTDOZPsx5wBgLAUVaBXyYEG1ui8E1DAVJYgVIZI/s1600/sihanoukville-bamboo-island-beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhAI7lNrEgBdan6vQclNB8K1yUNDPn7J0ZJfv9nBrLtMKBqR-wyVseu_yxSjuWEnREeKc3IKd32Wx3vtRbhd13O1WBwyYOP3fkvdJuTDOZPsx5wBgLAUVaBXyYEG1ui8E1DAVJYgVIZI/s1600/sihanoukville-bamboo-island-beach.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhAI7lNrEgBdan6vQclNB8K1yUNDPn7J0ZJfv9nBrLtMKBqR-wyVseu_yxSjuWEnREeKc3IKd32Wx3vtRbhd13O1WBwyYOP3fkvdJuTDOZPsx5wBgLAUVaBXyYEG1ui8E1DAVJYgVIZI/s1600/sihanoukville-bamboo-island-beach.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 100%; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div>
<b>ISLAND BEACHES</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Sihanoukville's most beautiful beaches aren't on the mainland, they are on the islands near the coast. A real jewel is <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bamboo</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> (Koh Russei), one of the closest islands. It is a small island with breathtakingly beautiful beaches on two sides, connected by a kilometer and a half long path cutting through the jungle covered interior. There is a small bar/bungalow establishment on the windward side of the island for those wanting to stay the night. Getting to the island is an easy 45 minute boat trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
There are quite a few islands dotting the gulf within day-trip distance of Sihanoukville. For snorkelling, Koh Ta Kiev is one of the best. Three lovely beaches shaded by pine trees are accessible on the island and its coral reefs that make for excellent snorkelling. But again, sigh, Koh Ta Kiev has been leased to a foreign company — the same French outfit that has taken 99-year leases on half of Koh Russei and parts of Ream National Park.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Hey, how do you think all these Lexus’s in <st1:city w:st="on">Sihanoukville</st1:city> are paid for? …</div>

Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do Cambodia Beach

BEACHEES OF SIHANOUKVILLE Cambodians call it by its old name – Kompong Som – but to Westerners it’s better known as the beach town of Si...

Crater Time in the Wild East

5:38 AM 0

<span style="font-size: large;">Crater Time in the Wild East</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUT_zoWuGLEnnjMAVlcGnK_88h9xgxxpFFIPCgMiI2pSRgiuDoVCETXK6OPVpA-Z0yUjMYJHik52IqyxDrvntlVeAVVp7oFNXsxCjmB5xvU4YRnaacbwpannGjrvkUCK9kuEz-68kNuo4/s1600/backpacker-travel-info-mondulkiri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUT_zoWuGLEnnjMAVlcGnK_88h9xgxxpFFIPCgMiI2pSRgiuDoVCETXK6OPVpA-Z0yUjMYJHik52IqyxDrvntlVeAVVp7oFNXsxCjmB5xvU4YRnaacbwpannGjrvkUCK9kuEz-68kNuo4/s320/backpacker-travel-info-mondulkiri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Experience an award-winning ecoretreat in the mountainous province of Ratanakiri, Cambodia's ‘Wild East’.<br />
The experience: Yaklom Hill Lodge is the leading ecolodge in Cambodia and has been recognised by several tourism organisations such as Green Globe Awards and Responsible Tourism. This peaceful lodge is set in a lush tract of jungle near the beautiful volcanic crater lake of Yeak Loam. This rich habitat includes more than 60 species of birds and several types of small mammal. Accommodation is in attractive wooden cottages<br />
and includes singles, doubles, triples and a family cottage. There is also a traditional hilltribe house which can sleep up to eight people. All have a private bathroom and electricity by night to power a fan and some lights. The lodge is currently looking at ways to improve solar power and eliminate the need for a generator. The lodge also includes an evocative restaurant and bar.<br />
<br />
There are several viewing platforms dotted about the site, offering lush jungle views for sunrise or sunset. There are also nature trails, affording the possibility of bird and wildlife sightings. The lodge also has an extensive trekking programme around Ratanakiri and can organise day walks, overnight treks to tribal villages and longer treks into Virachey National Park. Yaklom Hill Lodge is the ideal place to get away from it all and experience another side of Cambodia, among minority peoples in their mountain home.<br />
<br />
How it helps: Yaklom Hill Lodge promotes ecotourism, culturally sensitive tourism and community tourism. The lodge tries to conserve local environment and ecology by protecting vegetation in the lodge area and the habitats of wild animals. It promotes sustainable cultural tourism with the participation of local villagers and<br />
it contributes to local communities in support of community development. The lodge pays serious attention to conserving the natural environment and resources, and minimizing its impact on nature. This includes saving water, minimizing the use of conventional energy and promoting the use of renewable energy such as solar power. The lodge also promotes inter-cultural exchange between visitors and indigenous villagers through<br />
its trekking and village home stay programmes. The lodge supports communities with overnight fees for the host families or direct contribution to the host villages through their community development activities. All staff at Yaklom Hill Lodge are locally recruited. The multi-ethnic staff includes the Tompuon, Kreung, Khmer and Lao ethnic groups.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Woven with Respect</span><br />
From the red earth of Preah Vihear, a community of determined landmine survivors is creating a sustainable income through traditional weaving.<br />
The experience: Weaves of Cambodia is a village-based silk weaving studio located in the remote province of Preah Vihear in the far north of Cambodia. It was established in 1997 to offer employment opportunities for landmine survivors. The studio is directed by American textile designer Carol Cassidy, who also runs a renowned silk weaving outlet in Vientiane.<br />
<br />
Visitors are welcome to explore the studio in Tbeng Meanchey in Preah Vihear province. Tours are available and staff are happy to explain every step of the production process. This part of Cambodia sees fewer tourists than most, so the team are always happy to meet new visitors and demonstrate their skills. There is a small showroom at the studio where visitors can purchase unique handmade silk accessories such<br />
as scarves and shawls. Continuous training in colour theory, textile design, marketing and management has contributed to a reputation of excellence throughout Cambodia.<br />
<br />
Weaves of Cambodia offers handwoven silk with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and creativity. The world-class textiles are sold in design shops throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.<br />
How it helps: Working closely with Village Focus International, Weaves of Cambodia is a community-<br />
based enterprise employing landmine survivors and disabled people. Preah Vihear has one of the<br />
highest levels of landmine victims in the country and this project tries to focus on vulnerable women and their families.<br />
Weaves of Cambodia strives to uphold Fair Trade values. It provides a rare employment opportunity for physically challenged artisans to earn a significant income that supports the entire family. The remote Studio enables the weavers of Tbeng Meanchey to stay in their rural homes, be gainfully employed, have professional integrity and contribute to the economy.<br />
Weaves of Cambodia is Khmer managed and employs more than 40 rural artisans. Weaves is making strides toward self-sufficiency and hopes to remain a viable model for weaving success in Cambodia. Village Focus assists with management, marketing, development and accounting. Weaves' silk is helping Cambodia weave a brighter future.

Top Attraction Cambodia What to see & do Crater Time in the Wild East

Crater Time in the Wild East Experience an award-winning ecoretreat in the mountainous province of Ratanakiri, Cambodia's ‘Wild East...