Visit around Angkor

Getting around in Angkor<br /> TUK TUK, TAXI, MOTORBIKE, BICYCLE, BALLOON OR HELICOPTER<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc1dyRX3hPZPVAwxBoJ-ekhMpZx6r9TPWOY1tsxJEYZA83BMARax1pv3MHDjfdxkmerweXwhZRsdXchfBPEXSXwwzyr1s9kA4Qgr6DiaSQ94qGmgpDFuhoh7SDU1AfPeA6HrbUQNeIOgR/s1600/elephent+tuk+tuk.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/AVvXsEjuc1dyRX3hPZPVAwxBoJ-ekhMpZx6r9TPWOY1tsxJEYZA83BMARax1pv3MHDjfdxkmerweXwhZRsdXchfBPEXSXwwzyr1s9kA4Qgr6DiaSQ94qGmgpDFuhoh7SDU1AfPeA6HrbUQNeIOgR/s1600/elephent+tuk+tuk.jpg" /></a></div> While the town of Siem Reap is small enough to cover most of it on foot, the AngkorArcheological Park is not. With a total area of about 400 square kilometers, distances between temples are too large to walk.<br /> There are many ways of getting around in Angkor including taxi, tuk tuk, motorcycle, bicycle, balloon and helicopter.<br /> As foreigners are not allowed to rent a car of motorcycle and drive it into the AngkorArcheological Park, you can only rent one with a Cambodian driver.<br /> A taxi, tuk tuk or motorcycle with driver is usually rented for a full day. They can be booked through travel agent or hotel; some of the higher end hotels might charge a little more.<br /> Tell the driver which places you want to go, he will drop you off there and wait for you to come back. Alternatively, you can ask the driver for suggestions, as most of them known the Park very well and know the schedules of tour busses, so you can avoid some of the crowds. As many of them speak very limited English, most hotels will be able to assist with communicating your itinerary with the driver.<br /> If you plan to visit some of the more remote temples like the Banteay Srei or Kbal Spean in the Phnom Kulen Hills, expect to pay more because of the larger distances covered. Likewise, if you want to see the sunrise at one of the temples, expect to pay a few dollars more because of the early hour the trip starts.<br /> <br /> <br /> TUK TUK<br /> A tuk tuk, also called mototaxi or moto-ramauk is a motorized rickshaw usually seating two people. This is probably the most popular mode of transportation inAngkor. Although open on the sides, a tuk tuk is covered offering protection from sun and rain. As there are plenty of tuk tuk drivers around, it is easy to find one. Book one through the hotel or talk to a few on the street. Most drivers speak very limited English. A tuk tuk will cost around US$ 15 to US$ 20* for the day; agree on the price before setting off.<br /> <br /> TAXI / CAR WITH DRIVER<br /> Another way of getting around is to hire a private taxi with driver. A taxi offers protection from sun and rain and will usually be air conditioned. A taxi can be booked through travel agent or hotel. The fare would be around US$ 30* a day, about US$ 10 more to visit the more remote temples.<br /> <br /> MOTORBIKE WITH DRIVER<br /> One of the cheapest ways of getting around in Angkor is by motorbike. As foreigners are not allowed to drive a motorbike in the Angkor Archeological Park, the only option is to rent one with a Cambodian driver. A motorbike can be booked through most hotels and will cost around US$ 10* for the day.<br /> <br /> BICYCLE<br /> The option that offers the most freedom is a rented bicycle. It is also the cheapest way of getting around, a bike will cost some US$ 2 to US$ 4* per day, depending on the quality of the bike. Most hotels and guest houses rent bicycles.<br /> Many of the main monuments like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Prasat Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and the Eastern Mebon are close enough to Siem Reap town to be reached on bicycle.<br /> When stopping at a temple, lock the bike outside; a lock is usually supplied with the rent. Riding a bike you are exposed to sun and possibly rain. The roads will often be dusty and it can get very hot and humid, especially during the hot months of April and May. Apply sun cream, wear a cap or hat and drink plenty of water.<br /> <br /> BALLOON<br /> Balloons offer great aerial views of Angkor. A tethered balloon (attached to a cable) will go a few hundred meters up at a location about 1 kilometer West of Angkor Wat. The balloon ride will last about 10 minutes and cost some US$ 15*.<br /> Another option is a balloon flight in the Angkor area. The ride costs about US$ 25* and takes some 40 minutes. Make sure you have been explained the route the balloon follows before you book, so you'll know what to expect to see.<br /> Both options are dependant on wind conditions. Enquire at hotel or travel agent for more details.<br /> <br /> HELICOPTER<br /> The most spectacular way to see Angkor is from the air making a helicopter ride. A scenic helicopter flight in the Angkor Wat area lasting some 8 to 10 minutes costs around US$ 90*. Helicopters can be chartered by the hour as well. Enquire at hotel or travel agent for more details.

Siem Reap What to see & do Visit around Angkor

Getting around in Angkor TUK TUK, TAXI, MOTORBIKE, BICYCLE, BALLOON OR HELICOPTER While the town of Siem Reap is small enough to cover ...

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CAMBODIA VISA

<b>CAMBODIA VISA APPLICATION</b><br /> To get into Cambodia is real easy. Visa’s are now available at almost every entry point, whether you enter the country overland or by air. Note that visa’s for neighbouring Vietnam and Laos are not available at the border crossings.<br /> <br /> For most nationalities there’s no need to apply for a visa at Cambodian embassies overseas. Generally that is much more expensive.<br /> <br /> The visa process at the borders is easy and straightforward. Do not believe touts who claim you need their ‘assistance’.<br /> <br /> Only for holders of the following passports visa on arrival is not available: Afghanista, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. Holders of these passports must obtain a Cambodian visa before arrival.<br /> <br /> Philippine, Malaysian and Singaporean nationals do not require tourist visas.<br /> <br /> VISA AT CAMBODIA BORDERS<br /> Cambodia border crossing<br /> Visas can be obtained at the following points of entry:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-qxbuRAhOgksLEuJY1F8m3wtENUtLyWc7jJuQQMuVgflyAzGYOvh-LX8EjA39iJzphzvxrl-vKxqOos30gx-MPdcqg4uldpeiARTRemJGFUKkERItMLNTcVN0HjOPHtud6826Hw0ttF7/s1600/visa+and+passport.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/AVvXsEhZ-qxbuRAhOgksLEuJY1F8m3wtENUtLyWc7jJuQQMuVgflyAzGYOvh-LX8EjA39iJzphzvxrl-vKxqOos30gx-MPdcqg4uldpeiARTRemJGFUKkERItMLNTcVN0HjOPHtud6826Hw0ttF7/s1600/visa+and+passport.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> AIRPORTS:<br /> Phnom Penh Airport<br /> Siem Reap Airport<br /> Cambodia-Vietnam border<br /> <br /> Bavet<br /> Kha Orm Sam Nor<br /> Cambodia-Thailand border<br /> <br /> Cham Yeam<br /> Poi Pet<br /> O’Smach<br /> <br /> VISA REQUIREMENTS:<br /> A completed visa application form<br /> Passport valid at least 4 months<br /> A recent photograph (4×6)<br /> Appropriate visa fee<br /> Supporting documents for business and official visas<br /> <br /> VISA FEES:<br /> USD20 for Tourist visa<br /> USD25 for Business visa<br /> Read on scams at overland border crossings in the column on the right.<br /> Diplomatic, Official, Courtesy and Special (Cambodian national) visas are issued gratis.<br /> <br /> WARNING SCAMS AT THE BORDER:<br /> Scams (border officials demanding extra money) occur at the overland border crossings. Keep smiling and refuse to pay extra! No problems at the airports.<br /> <br /> The most consistently reported scam at the border is being overcharged. At the Thai border crossings Cambodian immigration usually charges 1200-1500 baht for a tourist visa and refuse dollars. This is a significantly higher than the official rate. You might have success by being politely insistent and just pay the official price in dollars. If you don’t want any hassle: get an e-visa in advance.<br /> When immigration officials charge an extra fee for an exit stamp, or for a ‘Health Form’, just politely ask for a receipt. They will usually back off. Never plainly refuse or get angry, because that will get you nowhere.<br /> <br /> E-VISA<br /> You can now also apply online for a so-called e-Visa. You need to scan your passport and passport size photo. Payment is by credit card: US$25 for a 30 day tourist visa. The e-visa is issued by email and you can print it from from your computer.<br /> <br /> ONLY APPLY for an e-visa via the official government website. There are a few other websites offering Cambodian e-visa, but they are fraudulent!<br /> <br /> VISA EXTENSION:<br /> The tourist (T) and business (E) visas can be extended at the Immigration Department, National Police, but any travel agency will do it much quicker for a small fee. A tourist visa can be extended only once for up to one month (single entry). Overstayers will be fined USD 5 per day.

Essential Information CAMBODIA VISA

CAMBODIA VISA APPLICATION To get into Cambodia is real easy. Visa’s are now available at almost every entry point, whether you enter the co...

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CAMBODIA FOOD AND DRINKS

CAMBODIA FOOD AND DRINKS<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8-cPRL69Fspg1GhokFphhMbXoRrO3aeWbVDOpmgMOFJGQpEbQTOjz4hvl0vAvKrr6vW8t2MdWZnGlFl3VR0gEt82LwxM0_ocaD4xuab4lZWRUES3qLy29WTJgkBbMZ_FJA-fyW11wJl-/s1600/cambodia+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8-cPRL69Fspg1GhokFphhMbXoRrO3aeWbVDOpmgMOFJGQpEbQTOjz4hvl0vAvKrr6vW8t2MdWZnGlFl3VR0gEt82LwxM0_ocaD4xuab4lZWRUES3qLy29WTJgkBbMZ_FJA-fyW11wJl-/s320/cambodia+food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Cambodian cuisine, though uniquely Khmer, draws heavily on the traditions of both its Thai neighbors and Chinese residents. An oft-repeated generalization which is, nevertheless pretty accurate, likens Cambodian food to Thai food but without the spiciness. The main national staple is of course rice, but French colonial influence has dictated that the Cambodians eat more bread--generally French-style baguettes--than any other Southeast Asian country. Because of the country's incredible richness in waterways including the Mekong, Ton Le Sap and Ton Le Bassac Rivers, not to mention the Tonlé Sap Lake, freshwater fish and prawns are especially popular--in addition to which plenty of fresh seafood is available from the Gulf of Thailand. Beef, pork, chicken, duck and other poultry are widely available but generally more expensive than fish dishes, whilst other less well known Cambodian delicacies include locusts, field rats, snakes and land crabs.<br /> <br /> Soup is served as an accompaniment to almost all Cambodian meals, though it is always served with the main dishes, not before as in the West. Some of the better-known soup dishes include Somlar Machou Banle (Sour fish soup), Somlar Machou Bangkang (Sour and spicy prawn soup, akin to Thai tom yam gung), Somlar chapek (Pork soup with ginger) and Mon sngor (chicken and coriander soup). Num Banh Choc (Rice noodle and fish soup) is a common and popular Cambodian breakfast.<br /> <br /> Rice and fish are the basic foods enjoyed by Cambodians. Delicious noodle soups are available at cafes. Fresh seafood is plentiful at Sihanouk Ville. In major cities a wide range of culinary fare is on offer including; Chinese, Thai, French, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern. The Cambodian food combines Chinese and Indian influences with its own; native recipes. Most famous are the curries and the spicy hot seasoned stews, plus the smooth and tasty coconut curries. Most meals use rice as the filler, but there are many noodle dishes: and salads without rice. Ovens are not part of the ordinary Cambodian kitchen or small restaurant, for cooked food is either boiled or stir-fried. Cambodian food is never bland. Its range of spices includes chili, pepper, coriander leaf and root, lemon grass, basil, ginger, mint, cardamom, and screw pine. Sour soups are popular and meat and fish are always served with sauces like shrimp paste, tamarind, or honey with chili. Fish sauce is the basic substitute for salt across the country. Spicy salads are a local specialty. They are made from raw prawns, meat, green papaya, field crab, or chopped raw meat, with chili and other spices. Like the various noodle dishes, they are often sold at street side stalls for those who want a light meal. Cambodian have no food bias and are always willing to try any sort of meat, wild or domestic, and most seafood.<br /> <br /> <br /> A TRADITIONAL MEAL<br /> Before Western influence introduced tables and chairs, Cambodian dined by sitting on the floor around a small, short table. Various curries and other dishes were set upon the table, like cabbage and green bean, skewered or fried meat, crab or fish. The hot, sour soup that is part of any full-course Cambodian meal was cooked in clay pot that was placed in the center of the table. Rice was served in small bowls to each person, who then used spoons or chopsticks to select pieces of food from the other bowls. Each dinner also had a separate soup bowl that he or she filed from the common pot. That ancient style of eating has not changed much; the only exception is that the food has been transferred to a taller table. Soup is still cooled in the center, if not in a clay pot then in a wheel-shaped pan. But throughout the countryside, the old my still exist.<br /> <br /> RICE<br /> Several months of hard labor go into providing Cambodian supper tables with their most important food-rice. Farmers have to break up the hard ground during the dry season of the year and plough it with the first drops of rain. Rice seedlings are first planted in one part of the field, where they grow while the farmer cultivates and prepares another part of the field in which the rice will be transplanted at the start of the heavy rain season. Weeds and pests attack the rice fields all summer. Hoppers, rice bugs, field crabs, mice, and herons keep the farmers busy. After the rains comes the harvest, followed by the exhausting job of threshing, winnowing, and milling the rice grains. Most Cambodian prefers the highly polished variety called Angkor laar, or “beautiful rice.”<br /> <br /> NONALCOHOLIC DRINKS<br /> All the famous international brands of soft drinks are available in Cambodia. Locally produced mineral water is available at 500r to 700r per bottle. Coffee is sold in most restaurants. It is either served black or with generous dollops of condensed milk, which makes it very sweet. Chinese-style tea is popular and in many Khmer and Chinese restaurants a pot of it will automatically appear as soon as you sit down. You can find excellent fruit smoothies all over the country, known locally as a tikalok. Just look out for a stall with fruit and a blender and point to the flavors you want. Keep an eye on the preparatory stages or you may end up with heaps of sugar and a frothy egg. On a hot day you may be tempted by the stuff in Fanta bottles on the side of the road. Think again, as it is actually petrol (gas).<br /> <br /> FRUIT<br /> There is an abundance of fruit in Cambodia. In the appropriate seasons--especially towards the end of the hot season in May--the markets overflow with a wide variety of exotic fruits. There's fruit to be had the year round, though, and it's generally both reasonably priced and (if carefully washed) healthy and safe. Amongst the most popular and widespread fruits are mango, coconut, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, starfruit, pineapple, watermelon and a wide variety of bananas<br /> <br /> ALCOHOLIC DRINKS<br /> The local bee is Angkor, which is produced by an Australian joint venture in Sihanoukwille. Other brands include Heineken, Tiger, San Miguel, Carlsberg, VB, Foster's and Grolsch. Beer sells for around US$1 to US$1.50 a can in restaurants. In Phnom Penh, foreign wines and spirits are sold at reasonable prices. The local spirits are best avoided, though some experts say that Sra Special, a local whisky-like concoction, is not bad. At around 1000r a bottle it's a cheap route to oblivion.<br /> <br /> Other common dishes include Khao Poun (Rice noodles in a coconut-based sauce), Amok (fish with coconut milk steamed in a banana leaf), Sach Mon Chha Khnhei (stir-fried chicken with ginger), Somlar Machou Sachko (Sour beef stew) and Choeeng Chomni Chrouc Chean (Fried pork spareribs). An Sam Chruk (Pork & soybeans marinated in ginger and chili) can be delicious, but packs a fairly hefty punch. Similarly watch out for Pong Tea Kon (Fertilized duck egg containing an embryo, like the Filipino balut) which is not to everybody's taste. Many dishes are served Trey, or grilled. Thus Trey Aing (Grilled fish) is available just about everywhere, as is trey Chean Neung Spey (fried fish with vegetables). By extension, Trey Mon is grilled chicken, Trey Sachko is grilled beef, and so on. Fish and meat dishes not served with noodles are generally accompanied by rice. Indispensable condiments--certainly as far as the Cambodians are concerned--are Prahoc (fish sauce just like Thai Nam Pla and Vietnamese Nuoc Mam) and Tuk Trey (fish sauce with ground, roasted peanuts added).<br /> <br /> Travelers up country will generally find themselves limited to Cambodian cuisine or to the fairly ubiquitous baguette and paté. In towns of any size--all provincial capitals, for example--Chinese food is widely available, generally reflecting the southern coastal origin of most of Cambodia's Overseas Chinese migrants. Expect, therefore, Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochou and Hailam fare, but don't waste your time looking for Szechuan or Yunnanese cuisine. In the west of the country, notably at Poipet, Sisophon, Battambang and Siem Reap, Thai cuisine is widespread. Similarly in the east, at Kampot, Takeo, Kompong Cham and Svay Rieng, Vietnamese culinary influence is common. Sihanoukville excels at seafood cooked in every conceivable way, and also has a fast growing smattering of Western food outlets--French, Italian, British, German and Australian.<br /> <br /> Phnom Penh has, naturally enough, the widest range of restaurants in the city. Here the visitor can find everything listed above as well as Greek, Turkish, North Indian, South Indian, Malay and-increasingly--'Fast Food' restaurants. The capital also serves some of the best French food available in Indochina, as well as some unexpected colonial hangovers from the Middle East and North Africa, notably couscous and merguez spicy Moroccan sausage. Pizza is increasingly popular, but the 'Pizza Hut' restaurant near the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument is, at time of writing, a copycat operation.

General Information CAMBODIA FOOD AND DRINKS

CAMBODIA FOOD AND DRINKS Cambodian cuisine, though uniquely Khmer, draws heavily on the traditions of both its Thai neighbors and Chines...

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Battambang Cambodia

<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...

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Kratie

<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 ...

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Mondulkiri - Minority in Cambodia

<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 ...

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Cambodia Beach

<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...

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Phnom Penh Capital of Cambodia

<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; line-height: 18px;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Phnom Penh City</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The capital of the <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:placename>, <st1:city w:st="on">Phnom Penh</st1:city>, is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the Bassac and <st1:place w:st="on">Tonle Sap</st1:place>.  The city is divided into three sections - the north, an attractive residential area; the south or the French part of the city with its ministries, banks and colonial houses; and the centre or the heart with its narrow lanes, markets, foods stalls and shops.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Over the past four years, the city has undergone tremendous changes - businesses are springing up constantly and tourism is once again booming.  <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> has one of the most liberal investment laws to further boost managed to retain its charm and character - cyclos that weave through traffic with ease, broad boulevards, old colonial buildings, parks and green spaces that reminds one of the country's French heritage, and above all its people who always have a smile for you.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> A stone's throw away from the <st1:place w:st="on">Tonle Sap</st1:place> is the royal Palace built on the site of the Banteay Kev, a citadel built in 1813. The Palace grounds contain several buildings: the Throne Room of Prasat Tevea Vinichhay which is used for the coronation of kings, official receptions and traditional ceremonies; the Chan Chhaya Pavilion which is a venue for dance performances; the king's official residence called the Khemarin; the Napoleon Pavilion and the spectacular Silver Pagoda. This pagoda is worth exploring.  It owes its name to the 5,000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each which cover the entire floor.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj2s13uYIjZxnTs0Uy4t_s_o3vW7YBFhW2h4OdHmHQdM259a8NJpVjNqFSdMtq5aZmSIl0xpXamBKrr3rYiEIRFXL1Ix6xHhaKsxN3jVn0B0H7q36mfxRudHoZA-gHr7I0uqSlmqRSEop/s1600/royal+palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2c8132; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj2s13uYIjZxnTs0Uy4t_s_o3vW7YBFhW2h4OdHmHQdM259a8NJpVjNqFSdMtq5aZmSIl0xpXamBKrr3rYiEIRFXL1Ix6xHhaKsxN3jVn0B0H7q36mfxRudHoZA-gHr7I0uqSlmqRSEop/s1600/royal+palace.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj2s13uYIjZxnTs0Uy4t_s_o3vW7YBFhW2h4OdHmHQdM259a8NJpVjNqFSdMtq5aZmSIl0xpXamBKrr3rYiEIRFXL1Ix6xHhaKsxN3jVn0B0H7q36mfxRudHoZA-gHr7I0uqSlmqRSEop/s1600/royal+palace.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); height: auto; max-width: 100%; padding-top: 4px; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" title="Royal Palace" /></a></div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The emerald Buddha sits on a pedestal high atop the dias.  In front of the dias stands a life-size Buddha made of solid gold and weighs 75kg. It is decked with precious gems including diamonds, the largest of which is 25 carats.  Also on display at the sides are the coronation apparel and numerous miniature Buddha in gold and silver.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The walls surrounding the compound which is the oldest part of the palace, are covered with frescos depicting scenes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII7eX9n9fuQCVju2ZFXS5BegxR2q3aKDPMza0qPJFn3h6k2f08J583MxdGAwoU9RW94AmV_vg-jtQve8NfBXhb234LcnKMDjg144WgT_OoCTX2eEXyIWqHgGa0-hCGX81axGEpcBOdiMG/s1600/independence+monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2c8132; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII7eX9n9fuQCVju2ZFXS5BegxR2q3aKDPMza0qPJFn3h6k2f08J583MxdGAwoU9RW94AmV_vg-jtQve8NfBXhb234LcnKMDjg144WgT_OoCTX2eEXyIWqHgGa0-hCGX81axGEpcBOdiMG/s1600/independence+monument.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII7eX9n9fuQCVju2ZFXS5BegxR2q3aKDPMza0qPJFn3h6k2f08J583MxdGAwoU9RW94AmV_vg-jtQve8NfBXhb234LcnKMDjg144WgT_OoCTX2eEXyIWqHgGa0-hCGX81axGEpcBOdiMG/s1600/independence+monument.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); height: auto; max-width: 100%; padding-top: 4px; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" title="Independence monument" /></a></div> <b>INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT</b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The monument was built in 1958 to symbolise the independence that <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> gained from <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> in 1953. The French fully abandonned their interests in Indochina following defeat by the Vietnamese at the battle of <st1:place w:st="on">Dien Bien Phu</st1:place> in May 1954. <st1:city w:st="on">Independence</st1:city> is marked in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> o­n the 9th November. The monument has a unique and peculiar style and doubles as a memorial to Cambodian patriots who died for their country.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <st1:place w:st="on"><b><st1:placename w:st="on">NATIONAL</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">MUSEUM</st1:placetype></b></st1:place></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The NATIONAL MUSEUM of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built 1917-20) just north of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Royal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 to 11 am and from 2 to 5 pm; entry is $3. Photography is prohibited inside. The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Fine Arts</st1:placename></st1:place> (École des Beaux-arts) has its headquarters in a structure behind the main building.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b><a href="http://cambodiasmarttravel.blogspot.com/2014/05/wat-phnom-phnom-penh_6.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">WAT PHNOM</a></b><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> You may also want to check out WAT PHNOM which sits on a tree covered hill about 30m high in the northeast of the city.  It is said that the first pagoda was built in 1373 to house four statues of the Buddha deposited here by the <st1:place w:st="on">Mekong</st1:place> river. It was discovered by a woman named Penh.  Thus, the name <st1:city w:st="on">Phnom Penh</st1:city>, the hill of Penh. The people believe that this temple is powerful in that anyone who makes a wish will have it granted. It is not surprising to see many people coming here to pray for protection or healing.  Many bring lotus flowers as offerings for prayers answered.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> At the bottom of the hill is a small zoo, but its most endearing residents, the monkeys, live free in the trees.  See more...<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiuLN5X1U3RUsziuiX1cu4AsjJX6me_Oypk96xqlM3VQAKK0GnQsYkrXsk8uOdnqYiZ1GkzY49Hiknn2vNR0EmP3aHB-jRzmhI4YvS5dYkR0_WAJ_MXG1vhQXVyJ4foksOP6YQhpG-m0v/s1600/TUOL+SLENG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2c8132; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiuLN5X1U3RUsziuiX1cu4AsjJX6me_Oypk96xqlM3VQAKK0GnQsYkrXsk8uOdnqYiZ1GkzY49Hiknn2vNR0EmP3aHB-jRzmhI4YvS5dYkR0_WAJ_MXG1vhQXVyJ4foksOP6YQhpG-m0v/s1600/TUOL+SLENG.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiuLN5X1U3RUsziuiX1cu4AsjJX6me_Oypk96xqlM3VQAKK0GnQsYkrXsk8uOdnqYiZ1GkzY49Hiknn2vNR0EmP3aHB-jRzmhI4YvS5dYkR0_WAJ_MXG1vhQXVyJ4foksOP6YQhpG-m0v/s1600/TUOL+SLENG.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); height: auto; max-width: 100%; padding-top: 4px; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" title="Tuol Sleng " /></a></div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <st1:place w:st="on"><b><st1:placename w:st="on">TUOL</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">SLENG</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">MUSEUM</st1:placetype></b></st1:place></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> In 1975,<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Tuol</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Svay</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Prey</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place> was taken over by Pol Pot's security force and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21) It soon became the largest such centre of detention and torture in the country. Over 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed; detainees who die during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison grounds. See more...<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b>CHEUNG EK KILLING FIELD</b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Between 1975 and 1978,aabout 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners), detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Tuol</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Sleng</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place>), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. See more...<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4lScH1p-rNjCP-uhoMdPy2Ovb50vmKZpuUEqkGBZdVr0Kz_P_tHWC0P9KvNIqNwIHup_GQY-HIQNeROsHslUn0vEY7X26mC3iKZnUbgUwzM2dBrGikfUdkV5qTysOoeKQgpJLNjClaw3/s1600/NEW+CENTRAL+MARKET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2c8132; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4lScH1p-rNjCP-uhoMdPy2Ovb50vmKZpuUEqkGBZdVr0Kz_P_tHWC0P9KvNIqNwIHup_GQY-HIQNeROsHslUn0vEY7X26mC3iKZnUbgUwzM2dBrGikfUdkV5qTysOoeKQgpJLNjClaw3/s1600/NEW+CENTRAL+MARKET.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4lScH1p-rNjCP-uhoMdPy2Ovb50vmKZpuUEqkGBZdVr0Kz_P_tHWC0P9KvNIqNwIHup_GQY-HIQNeROsHslUn0vEY7X26mC3iKZnUbgUwzM2dBrGikfUdkV5qTysOoeKQgpJLNjClaw3/s1600/NEW+CENTRAL+MARKET.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 100%; padding-top: 4px; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" title="New Center market" /></a></div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b>NEW CENTRAL MARKET</b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <st1:place w:st="on">Central MarketA</st1:place> visit to the markets and market halls is a must as they give an opportunity to be acquainted with the country's local produce and also to buy textiles, antiques, gold and silver jewellery.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The four wings of the yellow coloured Central Market are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and luggage.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b>TUOL TOM PONG MARKET</b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> For some good paintings or if you prefer antiques, head fro the Tuol Tom Poong Market also known as the Russian Market.  A word of caution though: you need to sharpen your bargaining skills as the prices here can be outrageously high.</div>

About Cambodia Phnom Penh Capital of Cambodia

Phnom Penh City The capital of the  Kingdom  of  Cambodia ,  Phnom Penh , is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the ...

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Cambodian People

<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The population of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> today is about 10 million. About 90-95 percent of the people are Khmer ethnic. The remaining 5-10 percent include Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or Chams, ethnic hill-tribe people, known as the Khmer Loeu, and Vietnamese. About 10 percent of the population lives in <st1:city w:st="on">Phnom Penh</st1:city>, the capital, making <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> largely a country of rural dwellers, farmers and artisans.<br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The ethnic groups that constitute Cambodian society possess a number of economic and demographic commonalties- for example. Chinese merchants lived mainly in urban centers and play middlemen in many economic cycles, but they also preserve differences in their social and cultural institutions. They were concentrated mostly in central and in southeastern <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region>, the major differences among these groups lie in social organization, language, and religion.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The majority of the inhabitants of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> are settled in fairly permanent villages near the major bodies of water in the Tonle Sap Basin-Mekong Lowlands region. The Khmer Loeu live in widely scattered villages that are abandoned when the cultivated land in the vicinity is exhausted. The permanently settled Khmer and Cham villages usually located on or near the banks of a river or other bodies of water. Cham villages usually are made up almost entirely of Cham, but Khmer villages, especially in central and in southeastern of Cambodia, typically include sizable Chinese communities.<o:p></o:p><br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC5ThGVDsqRg3juiqDV-D0bjYhYN1Kq_3g2Xmg5k6DiRWnrOz10lS_Fc3vXogXjvK1T7R1Rl2SvE2oUlCZUsA56Iq9Z6Q3AkxcdipE8yG6XcTgjDs5CSEBY9LR-AHrP7TFwZadOLEnVPV/s1600/boy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #2c8132; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" original="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC5ThGVDsqRg3juiqDV-D0bjYhYN1Kq_3g2Xmg5k6DiRWnrOz10lS_Fc3vXogXjvK1T7R1Rl2SvE2oUlCZUsA56Iq9Z6Q3AkxcdipE8yG6XcTgjDs5CSEBY9LR-AHrP7TFwZadOLEnVPV/s1600/boy1.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC5ThGVDsqRg3juiqDV-D0bjYhYN1Kq_3g2Xmg5k6DiRWnrOz10lS_Fc3vXogXjvK1T7R1Rl2SvE2oUlCZUsA56Iq9Z6Q3AkxcdipE8yG6XcTgjDs5CSEBY9LR-AHrP7TFwZadOLEnVPV/s1600/boy1.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); height: auto; max-width: 100%; padding-top: 4px; transition: opacity 0.2s ease-out;" /></a></div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Khmer Loeu</span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Khmer Loeu are the non-Khmer highland tribes in Cambodia. The Khmer Loeu are found namely in the northeastern provinces of Rattanakiri, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri and Crate. Most Khmer Loeu live in scattered temporary villages that have only a few hundred inhabitants. These villages usually are governed by a council of local elders or by a village headman.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Khmer Loeu cultivate a wide variety of plants, but the man crop is dry or upland rice growth by the slash-and-burn method. Hunting, fishing, and gathering supplement the cultivated vegetable foods in the Khmer Loeu diet.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> Houses vary from huge multi-family long houses to small single family structures. They may be built close to the ground or on stilts. The major Khmer Loeu groups in Cambodia are the Kuy, Phnong, Brao, Jarai, and Rade. All but about 160,000 Kuy lived in the northern Cambodia provinces of Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, and Stoeng as well as in adjacent Thailand.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Cham</span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Cham people in Cambodia descend from refugees of the Kingdom of Champa, which one ruled much of Vietnam between Gao Ha in the north and Bien Hao in the south.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Cambodian Chams are divided into two groups, the orthodox and the traditional- base on their religious practices. The orthodox group, which make up about one-third of the total number of Chams in the country, were located mainly in Phnom Penh - Oudong area and in the provinces of Takeo and Kapot.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The traditional Chams were scattered throughout the midsection of the country in the provinces of Battambang, Kompong Thom, Kompong Cham, and Pursat. The Chams of both groups typically live in villages inhabited only by other Chams; the villages may be along the shores of watercourses, or they may be inland. The inhabitants of the river villages engage in fishing and growing vegetables. They trade fish to local Khmer for rice.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The women in these villages earn money by weaving. The Chams who live inland support themselves by various means, depending on the villages. Some villages specialize in metalworking; others raise fruit trees or vegetables. The Chams also often serve as butchers of cattle for their Khmer Buddhist neighbors and are, in some areas, regarded as skillful water buffalo and ram breeders.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Chinese</span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Chinese in Cambodia formed the country es largest ethnic minority. Sixty percent of the Chinese were urban dwellers engaged mainly in commerce; the other 40 percent were rural residents working as shopkeepers, as buyers and processors of rice, palm sugar, fruit, and fish, and as money lenders.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> It is estimated that 90 percent of the Chinese in Cambodia were in commerce and that 92 percent of those involved in commerce in Cambodia were Chinese. In rural Cambodia, the Chinese were moneylenders, and they wielded considerable economic power over the ethnic Khmer peasants through usury.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Chinese in Cambodia represented five major linguistic groups, the largest of which was the Teochiu (accounting about 60 percent), followed by the Cantonese (accounting about 20 percent), the Hokkien (accounting about 7 percent), and the Hakka and the Hainanese (each accounting for 4 percent). Those belonging to the certain Chinese linguistic groups in Cambodia tended to gravitate to certain occupations.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Teochiu, who make up about 90 percent of the rural Chinese population, ran village stores, control rural credit and rice marketing facilities, and grew vegetables. In urban areas they were often engaged in such enterprises as the import-export business, the sale of pharmaceuticals, and street peddling. The Cantonese, who were the majority of Chinese groups before Teochiu migrations began in the late 1930s, live mainly in the city. Typically, the Cantonese engages in transportation and in constriction, for the most part as mechanics or carpenters.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Hokkien community was involved import-export and in banking, and it included some of the countryfs richest Chinese. The Hainanese started out as pepper growers in Kompot Province, where they continued to dominate that business. Many moved to Phnom Penh , where, in the late 1960s, they reportedly had virtual monopoly on the hotel and restaurant business. They also often operated tailor shops. In Phnom Penh, the newly arrived Hakka were typically folk dentists, sellers of traditional Chinese medicines, and shoemakers.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Vietnamese</span></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Vietnamese community is scattered throughout southeastern and central Cambodia. They were concentrated in Phnom Penh, and in Kandal, Prey Veng, and Kampong Cham provinces. No close cultural or religious ties exist between Cambodia and Vietnam.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> The Vietnamese fall within the Chinese culture sphere, rather within the Indian, where the Thai and Khmer belong. The Vietnamese differ from the Khmer in mode of dress, in kinship organization, and in many other ways- for example the Vietnamese are Mahayama Buddhists while most of the Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists. Although Vietnamese lived in urban centers such as Phnom Penh, a substantial number lived along the lower Mekong and Bassac rivers as well as on the shores of the Tonle Sap, where they engaged in fishing.</div>

About Cambodia Cambodian People

The population of  Cambodia  today is about 10 million. About 90-95 percent of the people are Khmer ethnic. The remaining 5-10 percent incl...

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Crater Time in the Wild East

<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...

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