Phnom Penh-Cambodia
July 22, 2007 at 9:53 am | Posted in Phnom Penh | Leave a comment
Phnom Penh is the Capital of Cambodia. Stretching North of South on West side of the confluence of the Tonle Sap & Mekong River. The area is 12square kilometers.
Phnom Penh is a vibrant bustling city nestling majestically on the banks of confluence of the two mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap.
Welcome to Preah Vihear-Cambodia
July 22, 2007 at 9:46 am | Posted in Preah Vihear | Leave a commentOne temple that I’m really keen to visit is Preah Vihear, technically located in the northernmost tip of Cambodia but only easily accessible from northeast Thailand. Since it re-opened to visitors in 1998, this mainly 11th century site has been a magnet for Thai nationals, keen to see a jewel of Khmer history that they feel was mistakenly awarded to Cambodia by an International Court ruling in 1962. Without doubt, the temple has the most remarkable setting of all the Khmer sites either within Cambodia or the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan. Perched high on a cliff edge of the Dongrek Escarpment overlooking Cambodia some 600 metres below, Preah Vihear or Khao Phra Viharn (as its known in Thai) was closed for decades because of its strategic location and the civil war raging in Cambodia, although it opened briefly between 1991 and 1993. Following the death of Pol Pot 
and the expulsion of the Khmer Rouge renegades in the area, it re-opened again in August 1998 and has remained accessible since.Located some 36 kilometres south of the Thai town of Kantharalak, access to the site is across the Thai border before entering a series of causeways and steps stretching some 800 metres from the entrance up through five gopuras to the main sanctuary. Work began at the site in 813 under Jasovarman I and continued under a number of successive rulers. They each left their own mark amongst the collection of halls, libraries, naga balustrades, finely carved lintels and 
pediments and small barays. The photograph (above) shows Gopura III in the top right-hand corner leading to the main sanctuary in the bottom left-hand corner, next to the cliff-edge. Pictured left is the south-facing entrance to Gopura I.
Due to its lay-out, the temple frustrates as no one view takes in both the temple itself and the marvellous panorama stretching out acoss the Cambodian plains below. Clearly in need of restoration having endured many years of damage and neglect, warning signs are everywhere advising visitors not to stray off the designated paths, as the danger of landmines is very real (above right; picture courtesy of Michael Chubak). A Cambodian military unit now guards the temple site and collects the 200 baht entrance fee whilst Thai military officials earn their revenue from the parking area, shops and restaurant at the foot of the temple, which is on Thai soil. For more photos from Preah Vihear, click here.
Welcome to Mondolkiri-Cambodia
July 22, 2007 at 9:38 am | Posted in Mondolkiri | Leave a comment
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. 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.
Welcome to Siem Reap-Cambodia
July 22, 2007 at 9:26 am | Posted in Siem Reap | Leave a comment
At the turn of the millenium Siem Reap was a Cambodian provincial town with few facilities, fewer surfaced roads and little in the way of nighlife.
tourism industry catered largely to hardy backpackers willing to brave the tortuous road from the Thai border on the tailgate of a local pick-up truck. There were a couple of large hotels and a handful of budget guesthouses. Tuk-tuks and taxis were non-existent and the trusty motodup was the chosen means of touring the temples of Angkor.
The proximity of the Angkorian ruins turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade. Huge, expensive hotels have sprung up everywhere and budget hotels have mushroomed. Property values have soared to European levels and tourism has become a vast, lucrative industry. The Siem Reap of today is barely recognizable from the Siem Reap of the year 2000.
Though some of the town’s previous ramshackle charm may have been lost the developments of the last few years have brought livelihoods, if not significant wealth, to a good number of its citizens. This has been at a cost to the underprivileged people living within and beyond the town’s limits that now pay inflated prices at the more central markets and continue to survive on poorly paid subsistence farming. If Cambodia is a country of contrasts Siem Reap is the embodiment of those contrasts. Despite the massive shift in its economic fortunes, Siem Reap remains a safe, friendly and pleasant town. There is an endless choice of places to stay or dine and a host of possible activities awaiting the visitor.
Welcome to Sihanoukville-Cambodia
July 22, 2007 at 9:16 am | Posted in Sihanoukville | Leave a comment
Sihanouk Ville (Also known as Kompong Som) is Cambodia’s only port. It is gradually being redeveloped as a tourist attraction, but despite the promise of massive Malaysian investment-a casino is planned for Naga Island-tourist numbers are still fairly low.
In the southwest corner of Cambodia, 232km from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville can be reached by National Highway N° 4. White-sand beaches that include O’chheuteal, Sokha, Pram Pi Chan, and Deum Chrey beautify this coastal city. These beaches are known for their quiet, cozy atmosphere and the large stretches of white sand and clear waters and these make them popular spots for families on vacation. These seaside paradises with the refreshing coolness of the fresh water streams can be enjoyed all year round.
Business opportunities in Sihanoukville are varied from financial activities to tourist and travel-related industries in conjunction with the government’s objective of making Sihanoukville a major tourist destination besides its status as an International Offshore Financial Center. The government welcomes both foreign as well as local investors to participate in a joint-venture basis.
Sihanoukville is not a small p ace, and the best way to get around is to hire a motorbike. Sihanoukville itself is east of the main backpackers’ beach and close to the more mid-range O matial Beach. Due south of town is tiny Ko Pos Beach, which has a solitary mid-range hotel, and the larger Independence Beach, which has the crumbling Independence Hotel-slated r redevelopment.
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