Tags: What to See

Koh Kong province

- Friday, December 5, 2014 No Comments

Koh Kong Province
Cambodia's far southwestern province, vast and sparsely populated, boasts deserted beaches, offshore islands and lush rain-forests with ecotourism potential as vast as their mountains, streams and hamlets are remote.
Once Cambodia's Wild West, its frontier economy dominated by smuggling, prostitution and gambling, Koh Kong is striding towards respectability as ecotourists scare the sleaze away. The town serves as the gateway to the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor.

Sights & Activities
Koh Kong's main draw is seeking adventure in and around the Cardamom Mountains and the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor.

Wat Neang Kok
A rocky promontory on the right (western) back of the estuary is decorated with life-size statues demonstrating the violent punishments that await sinners in the Buddhist hell. This graphic tableau belongs to Wat Neang Kok, a Buddhist temple. To get there, cross the bridge and turn right about 600m past the toll booth. The statues are 150m beyond the temple.

Peam Krasaop Wildlife
Anchored to alluvial islands - some no larger than a house - the millions of magnificent mangroves of this 250-sq-km sanctuary's protect the coast from erosion, serve as a vital breeding and feeding ground for fish, shrimp and shellfish, and provide a home to myriad birds (www.ramsar.org). The area, which is part of the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, is all the more valuable from an ecological standpoint because similar forests in Thailand have been trashed by short-sighted development.
To get a feel for the delicate mangrove ecosystem - and to understand how mangrove roots can stop a tsunami dead in its tracks - head to the 600m-long concreted mangrove walk (6:30am to 6 pm), which wend its way above the briny waters to a 15m observation tower. The walk begins at the sanctuary entrance, about 5.5km southeast of the city centre. A moto/remork costs US$5/10 return.

Koh Kong Conservation Corridor
Stretching along both sides of NH48 from Koh Kong to the Goulf of Kompong Som (the bay north of Sihanoukville), the Koh Kong Conservation Conrridor encompasses many of Cambodia's most outstanding natural sites, including the most extensive mangrove forests on mainland Southeast Asia and the southern reaches of the fabled Cardamom Mountains, an area of breathtaking beauty and astonishing biodiversity.
While forests and coastlines elsewhere i Southeast Asia were dramatically altered by developers and well-connected logging companies, the Cardamom forests were protected from much of this due to their sheer remoteness and, at least in part, by Cambodia's long civil war. As a result, much of the area is still in pretty good shape, ecologically speaking.

Koh Kong Island
Cambodia's largest island towers over seas so crystal clear you can make out individual grains of sand in a couple of meters of water. Its west coast shelters seven pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms and lush vegetation, just as you'd expect in a tropical paradise. At the sixth beach from the north, a narrow channel leads to a Gilligan's Island-style lagoon.
The island, about 25km south of Koh Kong City, is not part of any national park and thus has few protections against rampant development, which may soon arrive.

Tatai River & Waterfall
Tatai is located about 18 km east of Koh Kong on NH48, the Phun Daung (Tatai) Bridge spans the Tatai River. Nestled in a lushly forested gorge up stream from the bridge is the Tatai Waterfall, a thundering set of rapids in the wet season, plunging over a 4m rock shelf. Water levels drop in the dry season but you can swim year-round in refreshing pools around the waterfall.
A short kayak away from the waterfall is the supremely tranquil Rainbow Low (www.rainbowlodgecambodia.com)
About 6 km downriver from the bridge is a more upscale rain-forest retreat, the Four Rivers Floating Ecolodge (www.ecolodges.asia)

You can access Tatai Waterfall by car or motorbike. The clearly marked turn-off is about 15 km southeast of Koh Kong, or 2.8 km northwest of the Tatai Bridge. From Koh Kong, a half-day moto/remork excursion to Tatai to go one-way to the bridge. If traveling from Phnom Penh to one of the resorts, tell the driver to let you off at the bridge.

BOTUM SAKOR NATIONAL PARK
Occupying almost the entirety of a 35 km wide peninsula, this 1834-sq-km national park, encircled by mangroves and beaches, is home to a profusion of wildlife, including elephants, deer, leopards and sun bears.
It's not yet geared up for tourism, but at the sleepy park headquarters, on NH48 about 3;5 km west of Angdoung Tuek, it should be possible to arrange a hike with a ranger (US$5 a day). Long-tail boat excursions from Angdoung Teuk or Sihanoukville are also possible.
Grandiose tourist development is on the cards for the park's beach-lined west coast and a 12-island archipelago offshore: in 2009 a Chinese company broke ground on a US$5 billion project, but it may take decades to complete. A few islands - namely Koh Sdach - have resorts, accessible by boat from Sihanoukville.

Tags: What to See

Kampong Cham Province

- Sunday, November 23, 2014 No Comments

KOMPONG CHAM
Gateway to the northeast , Kompong Cham is a land of picturesque village and quiet Mekong meanders. Some of Cambodia's finest silk is woven here.

Kompong Cham
This quiet Mekong city, an important trading post during the French period, serves as the gateway to Cambodia's northeast thanks to a vast bridge spanning the Mekong here.

Ph Preah Bat Sihanouk, home to serveral hotels and eateries, runs along the river-front. Psar Thmei (New Market) is a few blocks inland (west) ; Preah Monivong Blvd is one block further west.

Sights & Activities
Koh Paen
For a supremely relaxing bike ride, it's hard to beat Koh Paen, a rural, traffic-free island that's connected to the mainland about 600 m south of the Mekong bridge by a motorised ferry in the wet season and an elaborate bamboo toll bridge - totally rebuilt from scratch each December - in the dry season.

Wat Nokor
The ultimate fusion temple, Wat Nokor is a modern Buddhist pagoda squeezed into the walls of an 11th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine of sandstone and laterite. Located about 1 km west of town.

Around Kompong Cham
Phnom Pros & Phnom Srei
'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill', the subject of a rich variety of local legends, offer fine views of the countryside, especially during the wet season, and a very stroke-able statue of the sacred bull Nandin (Shiva's mount).
Phnom Pros is a good place for a cold drink among the inquisitive monkeys that populate the trees.
The hills are about 7 km northwest of town (towards Phnom Penh) and can be visited by moto/remork for about US$5/10 return (depending on wait time), including a stop at Wat Nokor

Wat Maha Leap
More than a century old, Wat Maha Leap is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Cambodia because it's one of the few wooden wats to have survived the destruction wrought by the Khmer Rouge, as they converted it into a hospital. Look for the 20m-long  racing boat, which competes in Phnom Penh's annual Water festival.
The Wat is about 20 km south of Kompong Cham (aross the Mekong) bu is hard to find without a guide or some knowledge of Khmer. A moto should cost about US$10 return. It may also be possible to take a minibus from near the western en of Kompong Cham's Mekong bridge.

Weaving Village
Kompong Cham Province is famous for its high-guality silk. In tiny villages such as Dom Na Prin, 4.5km west of Wat Maha leap, and Prey Chung Kran, a few kilometres further south, the women and men of nearly every household turn raw silk into exquisite bolts of hand-woven silk. under the cool shade provided by their stilted homes, they work deftly to produce sampots (sarong-like garments worn on important occasions) and traditional kramas (chequered scarves). It's fascinating to watch the painstaking dyeing process - the traditional diamond and dot tessellation are formed by tying off precise lengths of silk and dyeing them various colors.
Getting to these villages by moto from Kompong Cham should cost about US$12 return, including a stop at Wat Maha Leap.

Rubber Plantation
The rubber industry has bounced back in recent year, and Kompong Cham is the heart-land of Cambodian rubber country. About 20 km east of Kompong Cham (around Chup, aka Chob), you can turn off NH7 or NH11 and find yourself in deep, refreshing shade, surrounded by neat rows of rubber trees, a backbone of the regional economy since the 1920s.

Where to sleep in Kampong Cham
The best hotels are strung out along the riverfront.

Monorom 2 VIP Hotel
Ph Preah Bat Sihanouk;
Currently the smartest hotel in town, rooms include heavy wood furnishings and inviting bathtubs.
Most include a balcony with a Mekong river view
Price: US$15 - US$25
Tel: (855) 092 777102

Mekong Hotel
Preah Bat Sihanouk;
This old-timer has been around for years and is still popular thanks to renovated room on the riverfront.
The corridors wide enough for an ultimate Frisbee tournament
Price: US$7 - US$15
Tel: (855) 042 941 536
Fax:(855) 042 941 465

Mittapheap Hotel
Tel: (855) 042 941 545
Fax: (855) 042 941 465

Tags: What to See

Kampongthom - cambodia tourism site

- Friday, June 20, 2014 No Comments

Kampong Thom Province
An easy stopover if you have travelling over land between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom is starting to draw more visitors thanks to several unique sites, including the pre-Angkorian temple of Sambor Prei Kuk and the extraordinary hilltop shrines of Santuk Mountain (Phnom Santuk).

Kampong Thom located about 146 km east of Siem Reap on the road to Capital City of Phnom Penh. Kampong Thom is one of five Provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap lake. It is another sleepy provincial capital, but the ruins of nearby Sambor Prei Kuk Temple do make it a more rewarding stop than many others.If you are travelling on the road between Siem Reap and Phnom Penhit is a pleasant place to stop, and is a good base from with to explore the pre-Angkorian Tchen-la capital of Sambor Prei Kuk.

Getting To The Ruin Temple
The road between Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk Temple is greatly improved.The 35km ride takes about 1 hour. There are two routes, beither of which is straightforward. It is best to take a guide from Kampong Thom even if you have our own transport. Arrange a moto driver for the day and expect to pay $6 to $8. The cheapest way to get here is by remorque-moto, but it will take closer to 3 hours to get there. Locals often refer to the temple themselves as Prasat Prei Kuk.

Sambor Prei Kuk Temple
Sambor Prei Kuk Temple located in Sam Bor Village, 37km from Kampong Thom Province on National Highway No.6. Sambor Prei Kuk is a former capital, and was previously named Ey San Borak. A religious center dedicated to Shiva, Sambor Prey Kuk temple is made of solid brick and some laterite stone, and is decorated with sculptures.
The artistic front of Sar Sar Pich and the door frames are made of sandstone. Sambor Prei Kuk temple was built during the reign of King Isanavarman I in the 7th century. The temple was abandoned in 1971 and restored in 1980. A further 140 sites have been found in the forest near by and two others, known to exist, have yet to be discovered.

Getting There & Around
Kampong Thom is on NH6 165km orth of Phnom Penh and 150km southeast of Siem Reap.
Dozens of buses on the  Phnom Penh to Siem reap (both US$5) route pass through kampong Thom and can easily be flagged down near the Arunas Hotel. Share Taxis, which leave from the taxi park (one block east of the Arunras Hotel)

Where To Stay in Kampong Thom
There is a range of accommodation available in Kampong Thom, tailored to every budget. At the inexpensive end, there are several guesthouses  which double as brothels and make more money from this oldest of trades than from tourism. These are down a side road off Highway No. 6, opposite the market.

Sambor Village Hotel
This atmospheric place brings boutique to Kampong Thom. Room are set in spacious bungalows and the verdant gardens include an inviting pool.
Democrat Street (Brochea Thebatey)
Kampong thom-Cambodia
Tel: (855) 062 961 391
H/P:(855) 017 924 612
E-mail: info@samborvillage.com

STUNG SEN HOTEL
Stung Sen Hotel is the most expensive hotel in town has fully furnished air-con rooms for US$20  or US$25 if you want something slightly bigger.
Tel/Fax: (855) 062 961 228
Tel: (855) 012 309 495

NEAK MEAS HOTEL:
On national Road 6.  has Aircon double rooms with TV, fridge and bathroom for US$15 (US$10 if you are prepared to walk to the top floor.)

ARUNRAS HOTEL
Fax: (855) 062 961
Tel: (855) 062 961 294 238

KOMPONG THOM VILLAGE
Tel: (855) 062 962 911

Where to Eat & Drink in Kampong Thom
In Kampong thom there are many restaurants , and most restaurants  are more like nightclubs. There is little food available , but beer flows like a river, next door to the 7 Makara Nightclub. The location and the atmosphear is very similar to the Khmer restaurant beyond the Japanese bridge in Phnom Penh. It is raised up on stilts, and is home to a good number of Khmer regular at night. The Arunras Restaurant is another reputable place with good food, and is located in the center of kampong Thom Town.

Tags: What to See

Kirirom Resort - cambodia visit

- No Comments

KIRIROM National Park
Kirirom National Park, one of the most popular monument of Cambodia located in Phnom Sruoch district of Kampong Speu Province. Kirirom National Park covering an area of over 35 thousand hectares in the Elephant Mountains was established on a seven hundred meters hill . 'Kirirom' mean Mountain of Joy and this name was given by the King of Cambodia. Kirirom National Park is known for its unique high elevation pine forest has  a high altitude plateau, which forms the headwaters for numerous streams feeding in Kampong Speu Town.

Attracted a lot of local and international tourists every day Kirirom National Park  is part of the 'Southwest Cluster Protected Areas' that include Kep National Parks, Phnom Bokor and Preah Sihanouk .
Kirirom has beautiful natural waterfall, it can attract a lot of tourists to visit there.
Attractions at this hill station of Kirirom are its spectacular scenery and its astonishing waterfalls.

Due to Kirirom Resort has a lot of forest so many endangered species of animals such as Pleated gibbon, sun bear and tiger live there . You can take a ride in the traditional ox-cart ride or trek along the walking trails among the pine trees. Since this natural resort is located one hundred and twenty kilometers to the west of Phnom Penh, visitors can hire taxis to get here. Traveling along National Road No. 4 will also get you here.
The Kirirom National Park, whose official name is Preah Suramarith Kossmak, is about 80,000 acres of forested land on a rare plateau in southwestern Cambodia.

The elevation is about 2,200 feet, high enough to support a large pine forest quite distinct from most of the country's tropical jungle. Our last stop in the park was a newly renovated visitor’s center which was small but quite impressive.
The visitor’s center has some really attractive displays although there are too many for such a small space. Still it was refreshing to see such high standards applied to the center.

KIRIROM RESORT
Especially rewarding was meeting the woman in the picture, the manager of the center, who obviously was proud of her country, her park, and her job representing it to the public.
Next to the visitor’s center are the ruins of a large old mansion. Pictured here is a tall, multi-part chimney on a foundation surrounded by a wooden deck that is falling dangerously apart. The house was a hot-season estate of Cambodia's King Sihanouk but it was destroyed by the Khmer Rouge who was not finally driven out of this area until 1992.

Kirirom National Park is established on a hill covering an area of over thirty five thousand hectares in the Elephant Mountains. The name ‘Kirirom’ meaning Mountain of Joy was given to the King of Cambodia. Kirirom National Park, a high altitude plateau, is known for its unique high elevation pine forest, which forms the headwaters for numerous streams feeding Kampong Speu Town. This park is part of the ‘Southwest Cluster Protected Areas’ which include Phnom Bokor, Preah Sihanouk and Kep National Parks.

Kirirom Hillside Resort offers visitors a wide variety of leisure activities and facilities such as restaurants, a zoo, waterfalls, family shopping mart, children's playground, beautiful Dino park, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, biking and rope sliding. Visitors can also play sports such as tennis and basketball at the resort. In addition, stream, sauna, spa, swimming pool and fitness center are available beside conference and banquet facilities.

Tags: What to See

Preah Vihear Temple - cambodia visit

- No Comments

Date:   Built from late 9th century to early 12th century
Religion:   Hinduism

Preah Vihear Temple Khmer is a Hindu temple built during the reign of Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a 525-metre (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. In 1962, following a lengthy dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over ownership, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague awarded the temple to Cambodia.

Affording a view for many kilometers across a plain, Prasat Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries-long Khmer Empire. As a key edifice of the empire's spiritual life, it was supported and modified by successive kings and so bears elements of several architectural styles. Preah Vihear is unusual among Khmer temples in being constructed along a long north-south axis, rather than having the conventional rectangular plan with orientation toward the east. The temple gives its name to Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, in which it is now located, as well as the Khao Phra Wihan National Park which borders it in Thailand's Sisaket province and through which the temple is most easily accessible. On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is 140 km from Angkor Wat and 320 km from Phnom Penh.

Construction of the first temple on the site began in the early 9th century; both then and in the following centuries it was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as the mountain gods Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. The earliest surviving parts of the temple, however, date from the Koh Ker period in the early 10th century, when the empire's capital was at the city of that name. Today, elements of the Banteay Srei style of the late 10th century can be seen, but most of the temple was constructed during the reigns of the Khmer kings Suryavarman I (1002 -1050) and Suryavarman II (1113 -1150). An inscription found at the temple provides a detailed account of Suryavarman II studying sacred rituals, celebrating religious festivals and making gifts, including white parasols, golden bowls and elephants, to his spiritual advisor, the aged Brahmin Divakarapandita. The Brahmin himself took an interest in the temple, according to the inscription, donating to it a golden statue of a dancing Shiva known as "Nataraja". In the wake of the decline of Hinduism in the region the site was converted to use by Buddhists.

In the 6th century, King Yasovarmamn I ( 889-900) began work on the original dedicated to Shisa as result of spiritual development, increased political prestige and economic growth was naturally reflected in the Temple undergoing more than 300 years of consultation with deal of remodeling under subsequent King Suryavarman II ( 1113 – 1150) this increased prestige naturally changed the original small sanctuary into one of the greatest Khmer temples of all times. This ranking was the result of the finest in situ carving that depicted the highest standards of unique Khmer architecture.

Under the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and 1907, the line of frontier between Cambodia and Thai along the Dongrak Mountains followed justice at the Hague officially found that the Preah Vihear Temple situated inside the Cambodiaterritory.
Preah Vihear Temple is located in a pleasant environment with an attractive countryside slightly east of the mid section of the Dongrek Mountains.
It is perched on the edge of a giant cliff, about 625 meters above sea level in Preah VihearProvince, Northern part of Cambodia, 625km from the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is also situated close to the Cambodia-Thai border.

What can seen in Preah Vihear Temple
The temple has four levels and four courtyards which comprise of five Gopuras ( entrance pavilions some times surmounted by tower )
Palace Building or Gopuras on the third level.
This group of building was the King’s residence when he came to pay homage to the mighty God, and the two wings were the shelters for the pilgrims. The main temple are used for the high-ranking supreme divinities, this mighty group of building is considered as the center of the whole temple complex.
The front stone stairway: this main passage is on the North side. The stairway is 8 meters wide and 78 meters long,. The fist flight has 162 steps. At the first landing is a large stone singa statue on stone block. Another 54 flight of steps 4 meters wide and 27 meters long leads up to the second landing also decorated with stone signa statue.

The Nagaraj Courtyard: this stone-paved is 7 meters wide by 31.8 meters long. From here the stairway leads up to the first-level Gropura. The Stairheads are in the form of seven-headed snakes called "Ngu Suang " facing North towards the Prasat. The heads and tails of nagas on both sides look like ordinary snakes, characterizing and early example of this type of animal figures. The head portion of the naga on the west side looks very impressive because it is made from a single solid stone.
The first level Gopura: this is a pavilion in Greek architecture style with cross plan on an elevated, rebates angle base on each of the roof doorway . Stone lions are placed on each of the roofs doorway.

Accessibility to the Temple
The temple can be reached by crossing the Cambodia-Thai gateway border from the Ubon Ratchantani Province of Thailand. Currently the visits are from 8.00 till 16.00 hours.

Disputes over ownership since 2008
Main article: Cambodian–Thai border dispute.
The ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand over the site has led to periodic outbreaks of violence.

A military clash occurred in October of 2008.In April of 2009, 66 stones at the temple allegedly were damaged by Thai soldiers firing across the border.In February 2010, the Cambodian government filed a formal letter of complaint with Google Maps for depicting the natural watershed as the international border instead of the line depicted on the 1907 map used by the International Court of Justice in 1962.

In February 2011, whilst Thai officials were in Cambodia negotiating the dispute, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed, resulting in injuries and deaths on both sides.
Since February 4, both sides have used artillery against each other, and both blame the other for starting the violence. On February 5, Cambodia had formally complained in a letter to the U.N. "The recent Thai military actions violate the 1991 Paris Peace Accord, U.N. Charter and a 1962 judgment from the International Court of Justice", the letter claims. On February 6, the Cambodian government claimed that the temple had been damaged. Cambodia's military commander said: "A wing of our Preah Vihear temple has collapsed as a direct result of the Thai artillery bombardment". However, Thai sources spoke only of minor damage, claiming that Cambodian sources had fired from within the temple.

ASEAN, to which both states belong, has offered to mediate over the issue. However, Thailand has insisted that bilateral discussions could better solve the issue. On February 5, the rightwing People's Alliance for Democracy called for the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for "failing to defend the nation's sovereignty".

Tags: What to See

Battambang cambodia visit

- No Comments

BATTAMBANG
Battambang Province is a vital agricultural area, and is famous for the fertile soil which allow almost any produce to be grown in spectacular yields. In 2003 over 500 000 tones of rice were produced in Battambang province. Battambang is capable of feeding the entire country and rice from here is of the highest quality. The province is bordered by the Tonle Sap lake, Pursat, and Bantey Meanchey. Said by proud locals to produce Cambodia's finest rice, tastiest oranges and sweetest coconuts, Battambang (Bat Dambang) has a long border with Thailand and a short stretch of the Tonlé Sap shoreline. Thailand controlled the area from 1795 to 1907 and 1941 to 1946.


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.

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.
Battambang is the main hub of the Northwest connecting the entire region with Phnom Penh and Thailand, and as such it’s a vital link for Cambodia. Battambang city is a peaceful and pleasant place these days.

The main parts of the city are situated closed to the Sangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province. It is a nice, picturesque setting. As with much of Cambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus of the city.

Around Battambang
Before setting out, try to link up with an English-speaking moto driver, as it really adds to the experience. Possible itineraries include a loop along the river to Phnom Banan and back to town vial Phnom Sampeau.
Admission to Phnom Banan , Phnom Sampeau and Wat Ek Phnom is US$2. If you buy a ticket - sold by the tourist police, which have a booth at each site - at one of the three Phnom (hills), it's valid all day at the other two.
Getting Around
A moto ride in town costs 1000r to 3000r, plus a bit more at night. Hire a moto driver who speak English or French costs US$6 to US$8 for a half-day in and around town and US$12 foran all-day trip out of the city.

Barseat Temple
Barsaet Temple locates 15km to the east of Battambang Provincial town. The temple was built in early 11th century between AD 1036 and 1042, during the reign of king Suryavarman I (AD 1002-1050). This temple was seriously damaged. There is an ancient pond that is 20 meters long, 12 meters wide and 10 meters deep. It holds water all year round.

Wat Ek Temple
This atmospheric, partly collapsed, 11th century temple (admission US$3) is 11 Km north of Battambang. This temple was built in AD 1027, during the reign of king Suryavarman I. There are 18 Banyan trees around the temple. Outside the temple to the south, there was a moat that is now a pond.

Ba Nan Temple
Banan Temple locates atop a 400-meter-high mountaintop which is 25km to the south of the provincial town. This sandstone and laterite temple was built between mid 11th century and late 12th century.
Its construction project was started by king Udayadityavarman II (AD1050-1066) and ultimately finished by king Jayavarman VII (AD 1181-1221). The temple has five towers similar to Angkor Wat, but here they were constructed separately. At the foot of the mountain, there is a moat and two natural wells, Bet Meas and Chhoung.

Prasat Snung
The Sneung Temples are divided into two parts-East Sneung and West Sneung Temple. The East Sneung Temple locates in Sneung Pagoda, about 22km southwest of the provincial town. This temple was constructed with brick on the hill which is 30m by 20m. Its features three separate shrines and is similar in style to other temples built during the 12th century. Behind the temple, there is a new temple.
The West Sneung temple is constructed of sandstone and locates near National Road 57 (former National Road 10).

Phnom Sam Pov Resort
Phnom Sampov is a natural and historical site located along National Road 57 about 12km from the provincial town. Atop 100-meter-high mountain stands a pagoda and three natural carves: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is full of uprooted stones and is considered important because it is where Phnom Sampov residents come to celebrate after a marriage.

Next to the mountain are several important mountain clusters, including Kdaong mountain, Krapeu mountain, Trung Moan mountain, Trung Tear mountain and Neang Romsay Sok. These mountains are related to Khmer folktale titled Reachkol Neang Romsay Sok.

Boeng Kam Pinh Puoy Resort
Komping Pouy Basin locates between two mountains-Ta Ngen and Kamping Pouy, about 35kmwest of the provincial town. Kamping Pouy Basin is 6km by 1.9km. During the rainy season, the basin holds 110 million cubic meters of water, which is used primarily for agriculture. Kamping Pouy Basin is vital to this area. Local people come here to relax and fish in the basin for Domrei Fish.

Sek Sak Resort
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.

Getting To Battambang
Boat
Boat from Battambang to Siem Reap  through Tonle sap lake (pass floating village on Tonle sap) (boat ticket US$20, five to nine or more hours, departure at 7 am) squeezes through narrow waterways and passes by protected wetlands. It's a bird watcher's paradise.

BUS
Battambang does not have a central bus station. Rather, bus companies have offices and stops on or near NH 5. All companies serve Phnom Penh (US$5 to US$8, five hours, 293km), Pursat (US$2.50, two hours), Sisophon (US$2 to US$3, one hour) and Poipet (US$3 to US$4, three hours). Capitol Tour and Neak Kror Horm have buses to Bangkok (US$13 to US$15) and Siem Reap (US$5); Paramount Angkor Express also goes to Siem Reap (US$5). Phnom Penh Sorya has a service to Kompong Cham (US$9)

Where to stay in Battambang
There are many Hotels and Guesthouse in Battambang.
Chhaya Hotel & Apartments
Chhaya Hotel is one of the longest-running budget hotels in Battambang, it has the cheapest beds in town , if you do not mind a dorm. The new serviced apartments are incredible value, offering tasteful decoration, acres of space and a kitchen for self-catering.
Tel + 855 -0- 53 952 170
H/P: 012 882 500 / 012 733 204
Mail: chhaya.best@yahoo.com
Address: 118, Street 3, Svaypor, Battambang
Website: www.chhayahotel.com/

Royal Hotel
Deservedly popular with independent travelers, the 45-room Royal is clean, friendly and very central
For reservation and inquiries
(855) 16 912 034 / (855) 12 894 862
E-mail: asrhotel@yahoo.com
Address: West of Central Market,
Website: www.royalhotelbattambang.com/
Battambang, Cambodia.

Bambu Hotel
Bambu Hotel is one of the newest boutique hotels in Battambang, Bambu is designed in Franco-Khmer style with spacious and stylish rooms. As well as the pool, there is a well-regarded restaurant here and bar that simply invites lingering.
Phum Romchek 5 , Sangkat Rottanak ,KO Street
Battambang, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: +855 (0) 53 953 900
Fax: +855 (0) 53 953951
Email: bookings@bambuhotel.com
website: www.bambuhotel.com/

Where to eat & drink
In Battambang there are many small cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Cold Night Restaurant, Riverside Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and Da Nine Market Pkay Proek.

Tags: What to See

Kratie (Kra Cheh) - Cambodia visit

- No Comments

KRATIE PROVINCE
Kratie is one of the most popular place attracted a lot of foreign tourists, kratie (pronounced Kra Cheh).
In this pretty province spanning the Mekong, much of Kratie's population makes its living from the mother river's waters. Away from the river, though, it's a remote and wild land that sees few outsiders.
Kratie is a lively riverside town with a rich legacy of French-era architecture and some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. A thriving travel hub, it's the natural place to break the overland journey between Kampong Cham and Laos, or to pick up the Mekong discovery Trail.

Sights & Activities of Kratie Province
Dolphin viewing
Approximately 75 critically endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins (Mekong River dolphin; Latin Orcaella brevirostris; Khmer trey pisaut), recognisable by their bulbous foreheads and puny dorsal fins, live in the Mekong between Kratie and the Lao border. In the last few years, an alarming number of calves have been dying for reasons that are not clear to scientists. Groups working to ensure the survival of this rare creature and to promote sustainable dolphin-watching include the WWF (www.panda.org). These gentle mammals can be seen at Kampi, about 15km north of Kratie (on the road to Sambor). A return moto/remork ride costs about US$5/10, depending on how long the driver has to wait and whether you stop off at Phnom Sombok, a 70m-high hill with an active wat and fine Mekong views. Cycling is also an option.

Motorboats shuttle visitors out to the middle of the river to view the dolphins at close quarters. It costs US$9 per person for one to two persons and US$7 per person for groups of three or more. Encourage boat driver to use the engine as little as possible. once near the dolphins, as the noise is sure to disturb them. The best viewing times are in the morning and late afternoon.

Wat Roka Kandal
Serene little Wat Roka Kandal, 2km south of Kratie on the road to Chhlong, was built about two centuries ago and is the only extant Khmer Pagoda of its type. To see the beautifully restored interior, which serves as a showroom for local wicker handicrafts, ask around for someone with the key.
The riverside road heading south from here towards Chhlong makes for a nice bicycle ride.

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.

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.
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.

Phnom Sambok Resort
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:

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.
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.

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.

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.

The 100-Column Pagoda
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:

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.
At the area, there are four- Buddist temple facing to directions:

1- Vihear Lao faces to the West
2- Vihear Sar Sar-100 faces to the North
3- Vihear Kork Keut faces to the East
4- Vihear Kork faces to the south (this Buddhist temple has only base and mark remain).

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.
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

Kampi Resort
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:

The resort is closed to the National Road, assured safety and has large parking site for motorcycles and cars.
The riverbank is full of sand, and there are many islands assuring the visit of thousands of visitors.
The water is clear as mirror, has 0.5-1.30 meter depth and flows with undangerous speed.

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.

Where to sleep in Kratie
As well as the guesthouses and hotels covered here, there are also home-stays and an up-markets lodge on the island of Koh Trong opposite Kratie town

You Hong II Guesthouse
You Hong II , a great little shoes-off guesthouse between the market and river-front, As well as a good mix of rooms, there's a lively little bar-restaurant plastered wall-to-wall with travel info, and internet access.
Tell: (855) 085 88 51 68
Email: youhong_kratie@yahoo.com
Price: US$5 to US$13

Balcony Guesthouse
The sign proclaims it a guest House, but do not be put off by the windbags, as this place attracts some bright you thinks to good-value rooms, a gay friendly vibe and impressive food. Wifi connetion.
Rue Preh Suramarit
Price: US$7 to US$15
Tell: (855) 016 60 40 36
Email:balcony@y7mail.com

Where to Eat & Drink in Kratie
Along the riverfront, food stalls (Rue Preah Suramarit) sell two famous Kratie' specialities : Krolan (sticky rice, beans and coconut milk steamed inside a bamboo tube), displayed on tables that look like miniature church organs; and nehm (tangy, raw, spiced river fish wrapped in edibles fresh leaves that are in turn wrapped in a cube of banana leaves).

Red Sun Falling
One of the liveliest spots in town, with a relaxed cafe ambiance, used books for sale and Asian and Western meals, including home-made brownies. By night it's a bar.
Rue Preah Suramarit, mains 6000r - 14000r

Tags: Cambodia Sights / What to See

Kampot is one of attracting site in Cambodia

- Tuesday, June 17, 2014 No Comments

Kampot attracted site in Cambodia
Kampot , bordered by Vietnam to the east and the Gulf Thailand to the south is endowed with an alluring combination of old colonial towns, abundant natural attractions and easy intro regional transport. It produces cement due to an abundances of limestone. Beyond Kom pot the small resort of Krong Kep is popular with Cambodians. Kampot produces some of the world's finest pepper , www.kampotpepper.biz/

Kampot 
More and more independent travelers are discovering this charming riverside town, with its relawed atmosphere and a run-down French architectural legacy. It makes an excellent base for exploring the area between Bokor National Park and Kep, or for just lazing by the river for a few days. The most enjoyable activity is strolling along the riverside promenade and along streets lined with decrepit French -era shop-house. Some of the best colonial architecture can be found in the triangle delineated by 7 Ph Makara, the entral Durian Roundabout and the post office.

To the south near the river is the GPO and telecommunications building. At the north end of town, about 1.5 km away, is the Central Market, with foodstalls. All Kampot transportation is concentrated within range of the market-cycle, motors, taxis, trucks, and buses. The railway station lies farther north.
KampotThere’s zero of interest in Kampot except to walk around town and look at crumbling French-built blue-shuttered shop fronts. Previously Kampot was a stepping-stone to Bokor and Kep. You can reach Kampot by irregular plane service from Phnom Penh. It’s not advisable to get there by car. It takes about 5 hours to cover the 150 km from Phnom Penh to Kampot.

From Sihanoukville it’s 105 km to Kampot by a jumping and dirt road. The train from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes seven hours. It used to be a frequent target of the Khmer Rouge - in a 1994 ambush, three foreigners were captured by them.

Travel To & From Kompot
Car
From Sihanoukville, the road to Kampot is in reasonable condition. Taxis from Sihanoukville to Kampot around US$18 to US$20 for a private taxi. Taxis from Phnom Penh near Phsar Thmei cost US$15 to US$20 per person , and it take 3 hours.

TEUK CHHU RESORT
Is the natural resort locating at Snom PrompiVillage, Mak Prang Commune, Kampot District in eight- Kilometer distance, north of the provincial town. The resort has water flowing from Phnom Dam Rey – Phnom Kam Chay. The water is cool and clear flowing down over the big rocks for year round. At Teuk Chhu resort, there are valuable and delicious fruit like Durian, Mangostreen,
Rambutan, Mak Prang, Pineapple, Grape fruit, Custard apple, coconut etc.

PREK AMPIL RESORT
Is the beach rich in white sand, mangrove and coconut trees, and locates at Koh Touch Commune, Kampot by the National Road No 3. At the resort, we can enjoy the fresh seafood like crabs, cuttlefish, lobster, snail, and varied sea fish.

BOKOR RESPORT
Locates at 42Km distance from the provincial town of Kampot, and was found by a French people 1922 during the reign of the King, Sisovath Before, Bokor was a leisure place for French colonists who need to exchange atmosphere from the plain area to the mountain area at seaside.
The Mountain of Bokor has 1,075-meter height, good weather and beautiful natural view with big trees and rocks shaping up as animal figure. In Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum, there were public buildings, which look like a city there.

At seven-kilometer distance from the mountain, there is a swimming spot locating the water ‘Po Pok Vil’. On the top of the mountain, we can view the beautiful scenery of Kampot town, Kep, Sihanouk Ville and blue water of the sea.

KAMPONG TRACH RESORT
Is the rocky mountain having caves and natural wells where arranged and worshipped by the tradition of Cambodia, China and Vietnam. The resort locates in 38Km distance, East of Kampot town by the National Road No 16. There is a natural well having 30m diameter and other small natural wells having four-meter stair and artistic stone look like animal or object shape. From these natural wells, there is along cave that we can go through to the La Ang Viel Sre 100 and La Ang Thmar Dos.

At these natural wells, there are some evidences remain which prove that the wells were the main filming place before the 70th decade. At the front valley, there is a pagoda of Chinese and Vietnamese. In front of the cave, there is a Cambodian pagoda, which has been now maintained and arranged by the pagoda committee permanently. Among the above four resorts excepted Teuk Chhu have not been renovated and well organized yet. However there are tourists and researchers visit the resorts.

Phnom Slap Taaun Caves
Phnom Slap Taaun Caves are very accessible,lying only 8km from Kampot town. Take the Kep road out of town for only 7 km to the village of Kbal Meas (Golden Head). At the garuda statue at the crossroads, turn left, and go out to the small hill. It is the only hill in the area so it is hard to miss. The cave exteriors are not very photogenic because the locals have turned the place into a small limestone quarry. However, the interiors are spectacular with a vast complex of passageways, amphitheaters, stalactites and strange formations. Take a flashlight with you. In many places the caves are lit by sunlight filtering through fissures in the rock. Between these, it's a bit dark, but it is this low, mysterious lighting that gives the caves their charm.

Banking:
Canadia Bank: Exchange services and Money Gram with no commission

Tags: What to See

Rattanakiri - Cambodia

- No Comments

Ratanakiri Province
Up-and-coming Ratanakiri is making a  name for itself as a diverse reegion of outstanding natural beauty that's also a remote home for a mosaic of minority people Jarai, Tampuen, Brau and Kreung - with their own languages, traditions and customs. Adrenalin activities abound. Swim in clear volcanic lakes, shower under water-falls, or trek in the vast Virachey National MPark, it's all here. Tourism looks all set to take off, but that's if the lowland politicians and generals do not plunder the place first.
Ratanakiri is the front line in the battle for land, and the slash-and-burn minorities are losing out thanks to their tradition of collective ownership. Hopefully someone wakes up and smells the coffe - there's plenty of that as well - before it's too late.

Ratanakiri Sights
Boeng Yeak Loam (admission US$1) is one of the most serene and sublimely beautiful sites in all of Cambodia. This clear blue crater lake, surrounded by dark green jungle, is sacred to the indigenous minority peoples. It's a great place to take a dip, although Cambodians jump in fully clothed. The NGO-run Cultural & Environmental Centre (8:00am to 5:30pm), 500m around the lake, displays traditional Tampuen crafts. The adjacent kiosk sells authentic Tampueng crafts and rents inner tubes.
Boeng Yeak Laom is 4 km east of Bang Lung, turn right at the statue of the minority family. Moto cost about US$4 return, a bit more if the driver has to wait around.

Ban Lung
Affectionately known as 'dey krahorm' (red earth) after its rust-colored affliction , Ban Lung provides a popular base for a range of Ratanakiri romps. It is one of the easiest places in Cambodia to arrange a jungle trek and has several beautiful lakes and waterfalls nearby. Members of highland minorities, woven baskets on their backs, come from nearby village to buy and sell at the market.

Around Pan Lung
Waterfalls
Within 10km of Ban lung, you can visit spectacular Chaa Ong, set in a jungle gorge, Ka Tieng , with a rock shelf that offers the opportunity to clamber behind and vines to swing over the splash pool, and Kin chaan (Kachanh). Directions are signposted 3km west of town on the road to Stung Treng and admission to eac is 2000 r.

Where To Sleep in Ratanakiri
Hotel Terres Rouges Lodge
Terres Rouge Lodge is a boutique hotel
In a gorgeous lakeshore garden, this atmospheric complex have 23 rooms, including superb Balinese-style
bungalows with open-plan bathrooms and antique decor. Amenities include a spa, Khmer sauna and an inviting swimming pool.
Price: US$40-$85
website: www.ratanakiri-lodge.com/

Lakeside Hotel
Lakesite is a new hotel next door to Chheng Lok, and the architecture is an improvement on the mod-Khmer that predominates in town. Room include nice touches like silk hangkings and a kettle. Opt for a balcony lakeview.
Price: $10 to $25
Tel: (855) 012 233 312

Tree Top Ecolodge Guesthouse
Setting the standard for budget digs in the northeast, rough-hewn walkways lead to all-wood bungalows with mosquito-nets, thatch roofs and verandas with verdant valley views. The restaurant dangles over a lush rawine, affording great views of the hillside beyond.
Price: $7 to $15, Wifi
Tel: (855) 012 490 333
website: www.treetop-ecolodge.com/ 

Ratanakiri became a province of Kingdom of Cambodia in 1960 under King Norodom Sihanouk's reign. Banlung is the capital city of Ratanakiri, situated in the highland, along the National Road No19 from Ou porng Moan to the Vietnam border about 200 km. ( Ou´ porng Moan-Banlung is about 120km, Banlung-Vietnam 80k.m)
Ratanakiri is situated on the north - east plateau , 636 Km from Phnom Penh. It is bordering Vietnam on the east, Laos PDR on the North, Steung Treng on the West and Mondul Kiri on the South. There are two rivers crossing the province ( Sre Pork and Sresan River )

A sparsely populated province, it is renowned for its unique natural beauty and wealth of natural resources. The physical and environmental characteristic of the province forms an impressive range including undulating hills and mountains, a level plateau, watershed lowlands, crater lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Forest cover varies from area to area, from the dense impenetrable forest in the northern reaches, which are still rich in wildlife, to the drier and sparser forest, found in the southwest. Similarly, the soil types present range from rich volcanic soil to the sandy soil found near rivers.Thus Ratanakiri province offers wonderful opportunities for Eco-tourism in Cambodia.

Economic Potentiality
Ratanakiri is scarcely populated, and it is also true that the capital city does not have an adequate market, but if we can conclude that Ratanakiri abundantly possesses a variety of natural resources, they could then satisfactorily served as important elements to develop the national economy. Underground and on land resources are gold, mine, gem stone, granite, onyx, fertile red soil, water sources ( home of wild animals ), luxury and quality wood and above all, the beautiful weather with fresh and pure air, and yearly rain.

Transportation
By land : (636 km)from Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham - Kracheh (Overnight ), continue to Rattanakkiri by car. From Phnom Penh to Steung Treng by boat in raining season (Overnight) , continue to Ratanakiri by plane or car.
The popular kinds of transportation in banlung ( Ratanakiri ) are car, motorbike, elephants riding, boat or trekking.
VI. Population and ethnic Minorities Ratanakiri Province number 94,243.
The minorities represent 75.77 % of it.

Minority House
They like to live in the jungles, hills, mountains in small separated villages where they make their living through traditional ways of cultivation ( shifting agriculture), hunting and collecting fruits, must from the forest. They believe in spirits, derived from their animism beliefs.

Climate
Ratanakiri Province has a climate like the other areas in the country, there are 3 seasons :
- Rainy season:June - October
- Cool season:November- February
- Hot season:    March- May: Temperature: from 20o-32oc

Tourist Attractions
1.Yeak Loam Lake
Yeak Loam Lake is situated 5 km. south - east of Banlung. The Yeak Loam lake (volcanic crater) is the most beautiful lake of Ratanakiri formed by a volcanic eruption almost 4,000 years ago with 50 m. deep, 800 m. diameter and a walking path around the lake of 2,500 m. Two hundred meters of the track is a quaint wooden building housing tribal handicraft, the Crafts Museum.

2. Eisey Patamak Mountain
At the top of Phnom Svay is the statue of a reclining Buddha, situated 2.5 km. Awesome and peaceful, it has lain undisturbed throughout the years. Cast your eye outwards to glimpse Laos in the north and Vietnam in the east, and enjoy the spellbinding serenity of the surrounding countryside.

3. Kachang Waterfall
Kachang Waterfall is situated 6km. north - west of Banlung. This Waterfall is located in the Kontung stream and flows into the Sre Pok River. The height of it is 12 m. and the water flows and falls throughout the year. A beautiful or magnificent landscape and huge amounts of fresh mist surround the waterfall. The visitors can take a bath and sit to look at the waterfall and other natural scenic beauties. or the visitors can also go around to view other natural sights on foot or take an elephants ride.

4. Katieng Waterfall
Katieng Waterfall is situated 7 km. north - west of Banlung. It is also located in the Koutung Stream, below the Kachang Waterfall, 3 km. The height of it is 10m. and the water flows and falls throughout the year. The visitors can see a beautiful natural landscape and take a break to take pictures of the birds and then continue to the waterfall.

5. Ou'Sean Lair Waterfall
Ou'Sean Lair Waterfall is situated 26 km, South of Banlung. This Waterfall has 4 floors and the height of each floor is 4 m. The water flows throughout the year. Around the Waterfall are beautiful natural landscapes and the visitors can go take a bath if they wish.

6. Ou'Sensranoh Waterfall
Ou'Sensranoh Waterfall is situated 9 km. south of Banlung. The height of it is 18m. and the water flows and falls all the time. The visitors can go there rest and enjoy the fresh air, or to se the forest and listen to the birds ' cries.

7. Cha Ung Waterfall
Cha Ung Waterfall is situated 8 km. west of Banlung and it flows throughout the year. The source of water creating this Waterfall flowed from Eisey Patamak Mountain ( Svay Mountain ) . Below this Waterfall is a big hole, visitors can stand or sit to watch the waterfall from behind, and inhale he cool fresh air stemming from it .

8. Veal Rum Plan (stone field )
Veal rum Plan (stone field ) is situated 14 km. North of Banlung. Stones cover the surface of this place and a dense around it. The visitors can go there and discover its beautiful attraction

9. Virachay National Park
Virachay National Park is situated 45 km. north of Banlung. With a total land area of 332,500 ha. It has varieties of plants and trees in the forest and many different kinds of animals and birds.

10. Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 37km. south of Banlung. With a total land area of 250,000 ha. there are special kinds of animals and birds like tigers, elephants, red-headed vultures.

11. Ou'Chaloy
Ou'Chaloy is located in the Sre Pok river It is situated 34km. south - west of Banlung. The tourist recreation in Ou'Chaloy is only during the dry season.

12. Norng Kabat Forest
Norng Kabat Forest is situated 23 km. north of Banlung. This place has a pond. the visitors can go there to see the animals and birds which comes to at the pond .Beside this the tourists can go visit the ethnic villages, ethnic culture (tradition belief, festival, dancing, music),

Shopping
A shopping spree starts at the Banlung market. Shopping bargains can be found on intricate stone, wood carvings, gem stones and other varieties of goods, many brought in by tribes like baskets, crossbows, gourds (water containers), bracelets, necklaces, cloth pipe from the outskirts of town make for an interesting and very colorful morning stroll.

Tags: What to See

Mondulkiri - Cambodia Minority

- No Comments

Mondulkirir Cambodia minority
Mondulkiri (meeting of the Hills), the original Wild East of the country, is a world apart form the lowlands with not a rice paddy or palm tree in sight.Home to the hardy Bulong people and their noble elephants, this upland are is a seductive mix of grassy hills. Mondulkiri is an isolated forest area located on the east of Vietnam's border. The trip from Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri is so long and the roads are poor. Mondulkiri is a popular area for local and foreign tourists. There are a lot of Tourists visit Mondulkiri everyday.
Climate in Mondulkiri are quite unlike the rest of the country.Here there are endless grassy hills and clumps  of pines huddled together againt the wind. At an elevation of  800m, it is chilly at night, so bring warm clothes. Many of the inhabitants are from the Pnong and minority group.

Mondulkiri is full of natural beauty, with thickly forested mountains, powerful waterfalls and the lush green rolling hills of the western side. Sen Monorom is the best place for travelers who want to explore around this areas.

SEN MONOROM (MONDULKIRI)
A charming community where the famous hills meet, the area around Sen Monorom is peppered with minority village and picturesque waterfalls, marking it the ideal place to spend some time. There are many Bunong people from nearby villages come to Sen Monorom to trade and the distinctive baskets they carry on their backs make them easy to spot.

Around Sen Monorom
Mornorom Falls, set in the forest walk-able 3km northwest of town, is the closest thing to a public swimming pool for Sen Mornorm. Moto take people out here for about $3 return.
Two-riered Bou Sra waterfall (admission 5000r), 35km east of Sen Monorom along an unfinished tool road, is famous throughout the country. Continuing to levy the toll, given the state of the second half of the road, seems a little impertinent. hire a moto for the day ($15) or charter a car ($60) for a group.

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.

BOO SRA WATERFALL
Located at Pich Chinda District. Boo Sra (admission 5000 riel) 35km east of Sen Mororom along an unfinished tool road, is famous throughout the country. Continuing to levy the toll, given the state of the second half of the road, seems a little impertinent. Boo Sra is the most beautiful waterfall in Modulkiri and shared into three stages:
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. Hire a moto for the day (US$15) or charter a car (US$60) for a group.

 MONDULKIRY
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.
Third stage: Locates at one- kilometer distance from the second stage. The waterfall has 1.5-meter height only.

RUM NEAR WATERFALL
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.

CHREY THOM WATERFALL
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.

ROMNEA WATERFALL
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.

PLANTATION OF PRINETREES
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.

GETTING THERE MONDULKIRI (Sen Monorom)
Go to Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) you have many ways possible,
NH76 to Sen Monorom is now in fantastic shape, and includes some impressive bridge acros deep river valleys.
Buses of Rith Mony and Phnom Penh Sorya run morning to/from Phnom Penh (US$7.50, 8 hours) via Snuol (US$3075, 3 hours) and via Kampong Cham (US$6.25, 5 hours). Faster morning share taxis (US$12.50) and minivans (US$10) to Phnom Penh are best reserved a day in advance.
Minivanse are a good option for Kratie (30000 riel, 4 hours and half) early morning departure and two or three departure around lunchtime.
Share taxis and minivans usually depart from the market, but will pick up from guesthouse and hotels on request.

Getting Around
Motobike can be hired (US$5 - US$10 a day) , and can be arranged through guesthouse and hotels in town. Greenhouse Restaurant has 250cc dirt bikes (US$15) for rent. 4WD or pick up rental starts fro US$50 per day. depending on the destination.

Sleeping
In Mondulkiri there are some Hotels and Guesthouse.
Nature Lodge
Located on a windswept hilltop near town, this quirky ecoresort has basic bungalow accommodation with hot showers and some incredible Swiss Family Robinson-style chalets. The inviting restaurant is decorated with abandoned tree trunks and has a good range of traveler fare, plus a pool table.
Tel: (855) 012 23 02 72
Price: $10-$30
Website: www.naturelodgecambodia.com/

Sum Dy Gesthouse
One occupied by mining conglongerate BHP Billiton, the rooms include sturdy wooden beds and slick if slightly uncoordinated bathroom decor. Fan frooms are a steal for $12.
Tel: (855) 092 823 912
Tel: (855) 097 367 9775

Emario Mondulkiri Resprt
Emario Mondulkiri looking rather like a bungalow retirement community beamed down to Cambodia, this resort offers the smartest rooms in Mondulkiri, with parquetflooring, comfortable beds and bathroom amenities.
Price: from US$35
Hotel have Wifi Internet
Tel: (855) 652 3344

Phanyro Guesthouse
This is a favourite with visiting volunteers and NGOs, offering a clutch of cottage perched on a ridge overlooking the river valley. Clean with a capital C.
Price: US$8 - US$12
Tel: (855) 017 770 867

Eating and Drinking
Every Guesthouse and hotels have restaurants . Nature Lodge is probably the best all-rounder for atmosphere and food.

Greenhouse Restaurant
Greenhouse is a popular place for inexpensive Khmer and Western dishes. By night, this place draws the drinkers to sup beers and cocktails against a backdrop of ambient reggae beats. As well as internet access and tour information. (Dishes US$1.50 - US$3.50).
Tel: (+855) 017 905 659  
Tel: (+855) 073 6363686
Room Price : ( 5$,8$,10$,$15,$20)
Greenhouse equiped : Cable TV , WiFi,
Email: sor.phouen@gmail.com
Wensite : www.greenhouse-tour.blogspot.com 

Tags: Cambodia Sights / What to See

Sihanoukville (Kampong Som)- Cambodia beautiful Beach

- No Comments

SIHANOUKVILLE 
Sihanoukville is a popular site for local and international tourists come to visit every day, Sihanoukville surrounded by beaches and idyllic tropical islands, Sihanoukville (Kampong Som) is Cambodia's premier seaside resort that attracted a lot of tourists from everywhere around the world. Numbers of visitors come to visit Sihanoukville have risen rapidly in recent years, but despite the boomtown rents, the city's bars and sands remain laid-back. Most of action happen not far from the scruffy city centre on busy Occheuteal Beach, for peace and quiet, venture south of town to Otres Beach or hit one of the islands.
Sihanoukville is the best place for your trip in Cambodia. 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

Sihanoukville Sights & Activities
Sihanoukville's sandy beaches are in a state of flux as developers move in and murky leases are signed to cash in on the tourism boom.Most central is Occheuteal Beach.
On the south of Occheuteal, gloriously quiet Otres Beach is a seemingly infinite strip of almost-empty white sand, populated by casuarinas and a small colony of mellow resort at the south end.
Northwest of Serendipity, all but a tiny stretch of pretty 1.5km-long Sokha Beach now belongs to the Sokha Beach Resort. Independence Beach is a good stretch of clean sand but is being developed.
A bit north of tiny, secluded Koh Pos Beach, a bridge links the mainland with Koh Pos (Snake Island), where a Russian firm has plans to build a resort city. The original backpacker beach, Victory Beach, under Russian management, is clean, orderly and devoid of buzz.

Diving  Sihanoukville
The diving near Sihanoukville is not terrific.It gets better the further you go out, although you still should not expect anything on par with the western Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea. Most serious trips will hit Koh Rong Samoem while overnight trips target the distant island of Koh Tang and Koh Prins.

Around Sihanoukville
In Sihanoukville there are dozen of tropical islands dot the water. Developer have been drooling over the islands for years, but so far wide-scale development have been kept at bay. The most appealing of the island are neighboring Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samoem, both about two hours offshore and ringed by white-sand beache that count among Cambodia's best. Plans to turn Kong Rong into a Cambodian version of Thailand's Koh Samui, complete with ring road and airport, have stalled. Koh Rong Saloem has a few lonely resorts of its own and some amazing wildlife, including macaques, black squirrels and sea eagles.
Closer to Sihanoukville, little Koh Ta Kiev has two resorts and a long white beach, while you ca,n snorkel off Koh Russi (Bamboo Island).

OCHHEUTEAL BEACH
Ochheuteal  is the largest and most popular beach of Sihanoukville. It’s a two km stretch of fine sand, but – as said in the introduction – quite narrow compared to some of the beaches in Thailand, 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 Serendipity Beach.

SERENDIPITY BEACH
The north-western end of Ochheuteal Beach 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.

OTRES BEACH
A little further out, but well worth the trip: we would call Otres Beach the best – publicly accessible – beach of Sihanoukville. A few years ago, entrepreneurial souls saw the potential of this stretch of sand along the Gulf of Thailand and set up businesses: simple shacks, bars and restaurants.

Soon, it gained a reputation, especially among expats, for its serenity and lack of sellers and beggars. Then, as so often in Cambodia, 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…

The central portion of the beach is closed, but elsewhere, slowly but surely, the area is rebuilding!

SOKHA BEACH
Although this is the most beautiful beach of Sihanoukville, 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!).

If you are willing to make the Sokha owners even richer, pay $10 (!!!) for the privilege of using the hotel part of the beach…

INDEPENDENCE BEACH
Continuing to the north from Sokha, next is Independence Beach. 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.

HAWAII BEACH
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 Hawaii Beach, 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 Techo Morakat Bridge from the mainland to – you guessed it – another development on the island off the south-western coast, called Koh Puos.

VICTORY BEACH
Once this was the most popular area to stay in Sihanoukville, but the beach and nearby Weather Station Hill have lost out to Ochheuteal Beach. 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.

ISLAND BEACHES
Sihanoukville's most beautiful beaches aren't on the mainland, they are on the islands near the coast. A real jewel is Bamboo Island (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.

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.

Ream National Park
Ream National Park also know as Preah Sihanouk National Park, this park - now seriously endangered by commercial development - comprises 150 sq km of primary forests and is an excellent place to see wildlife.
Fascinating 2 to 3 hours jungle walks ($8 per person) are led by rangers (most, but not all, speak English), and are easy to arrange.

Getting to Sihanouk Ville
Go to Sihanouville travel from Siem Reap , you will passes through Phnom Penh. If you leave from Siem reap early morning  can get there in a long day, about 9 to 10 hours if you choose bus or taxi. But you to there by plan it will be faster.
Temple-beach combo holidays will be an easy option when and if newly reconstructed Sihanoukville International Airport, 18km east of town, resumes flights to/from Siem Reap. At press time the de facto national carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air, continued to resist opening this route, and the airport remained sequentially mothballed.

All of the major bus companies have frequent connections with Phnom Penh ($3.75 to $6, four hours) from early morning until at least 2pm, after which trips are sporadic.

Eating and Drinking
Occheuteal Beach is lined with beach bars that are perfect for sun-downers; hit the north end of Serendipity beach for a more laid-back scene. A few long standing and genuinely cool regular bars remain standing amid the girlie bars of Victory Hill. Rambunctious late-night action takes place either side of the pier dividing Occheuteal and Serendipity Beach.
Sihanoukville's center of culinary gravity has shifted to the serendipity area, but the main drag of Victory Hill still has some good value restaurants. The gritty commercial center also holds a few pleasant surprises.

Tags: Cambodia Sights / What to See

Phnom Penh - Capital of Cambodia

- No Comments

PHNOM PENH CAPITAL OF CAMBODIA
The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap.  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.

Over the past four years, the city has undergone tremendous changes - businesses are springing up constantly and tourism is once again booming.  Cambodia 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.

A stone's throw away from the Tonle Sap 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.
Royal Palace
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.

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.

INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT
The monument was built in 1958 to symbolise the independence that Cambodia gained from France in 1953. The French fully abandonned their interests in Indochina following defeat by the Vietnamese at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954. Independence is marked in Cambodia 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.

NATIONAL MUSEUM
The NATIONAL MUSEUM of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built 1917-20) just north of the Royal Palace. 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 School of Fine Arts (École des Beaux-arts) has its headquarters in a structure behind the main building.

WAT PHNOM
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 Mekong river. It was discovered by a woman named Penh.  Thus, the name Phnom Penh, 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.

At the bottom of the hill is a small zoo, but its most endearing residents, the monkeys, live free in the trees.  See more...

TUOL SLENG MUSEUM
In 1975,Tuol Svay Prey High School 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...

CHEUNG EK KILLING FIELD
Between 1975 and 1978,aabout 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners), detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. See more...

NEW CENTRAL MARKET
Central MarketA 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.
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.

TUOL TOM PONG MARKET
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.

Getting to Phnom Penh
Getting to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap is easy. There are many daily flights, a daily river ferry and a variety of buses and taxis.

Arrival in Phnom Penh
Transportation into the city can be hired outside the arrival. $10 for car, $7 for Tuk-Tuk,

Hotels and Guesthouse
In Phnom penh city offers a wide range of accommodations, hotels and guesthouse are spread across the town, Hotel in Phnom penh can be found from two starts to five stars, and price of the room is depend on the category of hotel, the price start from $20 to $1000  per night, and guest house start from $5 to $20 , $30, $100 per night.

Restaurants and Pubs
In Phnom Penh there are many best dining and nightlife, and a surprising number and variety of very good eateries in the town spanning the spectrum fro budget noodles to the fine French and Cambodian restaurants.
Most western cuisines are represented as well as several Chinese , Thai, and Indian restaurants.

Shopping in Phnom Penh
For Cambodian souvenirs handicrafts, silk, arts, and curios, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a wide range of shopping opportunities, from traditional markets to chic boutiques. Traditional Cambodian souvenirs include silks, Angkorian and Buddhist themed , hand-pounded silverwork, traditional handicrafts.
Central Market and Russian Market offer excellent selections of traditional souvenirs as well as a unique local market experience. If you are looking for more contemporary shopping, there are also many boutique shops offering unique Cambodian-made fashions, accessories and gifts.

Tags: What to See

Siem reap - Angkor wat

- No Comments

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor temple complex, which includes the magnificent Angkor Wat. The province also contains a vibrant capital city boasting many luxury hotels, beautifully-aged colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street, silk farms, markets, and much more.

The city of Siem Reap, also the capital of the province, is a ‘must-visit’ destination for all visitors to Cambodia. This is where the glorious 12th Century Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious building in the world, is located. Situated on the northern bank of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, this mesmerizing eighth wonder of the world can be easily accessed by plane, land, and boat.

The ruins of Angkor, located in thick jungle, are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over one thousand temples ranging in scale from nondescript piles of rubble scattered through rice fields to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat--the best-preserved temple.

Apart from the legacy of the vast Angkor temple complex, Siem Reap has a lot more to offer to tourists, from the spectacular floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake to the heritage site of the Kulen Mountain, to the recently discovered Koh Ker ruins.

In town, there are a bevy of ethnic craft shops, galleries, cafes, eateries and top-notch restaurants serving every type of cuisine. The famous ‘Pub Street’ and the night markets of Siem Reap are now renowned tour destinations in their own rights. Additionally, siilk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a very rich bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake make Siem Reap one of the most captivating places in the world.

AROUND SIEM REAP
The reason most people come to Siem Reap is to visit the Angkor Archaeological Park. The town is worth strolling about for itself and there are a number of means to go about enjoying the city.

Going about on foot is perhaps the most leisurely and most rewarding.  Here, the pace may be quite laid-back to some, but all in all it’s a pleasant place to be at.   Along the streets, there are many shops offering services and goods ranging from the basic necessities to fine silk; chic galleries with beautiful display of local art pieces and lots of souvenirs.

For food, there are whole streets catering for the travellers tastes, with tasty Khmer fares such as Amok and ‘Khmer curry’, or pizzas, hamburgers and other international cuisines. Explore the backstreets for more shops and restaurants and have fun. In the evening, stroll down Pub Street and mingle with the crowd. There is never a lack of colours while in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor temple complex, which includes the magnificent Angkor Wat. The province also contains a vibrant capital city boasting many luxury hotels, beautifully-aged colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street, silk farms, markets, and much more.

The city of Siem Reap, also the capital of the province, is a ‘must-visit’ destination for all visitors to Cambodia. This is where the glorious 12th Century Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious building in the world, is located. Situated on the northern bank of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, this mesmerizing eighth wonder of the world can be easily accessed by plane, land, and boat.

The ruins of Angkor, located in thick jungle, are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over one thousand temples ranging in scale from nondescript piles of rubble scattered through rice fields to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat--the best-preserved temple.

Apart from the legacy of the vast Angkor temple complex, Siem Reap has a lot more to offer to tourists, from the spectacular floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake to the heritage site of the Kulen Mountain, to the recently discovered Koh Ker ruins.

In town, there are a bevy of ethnic craft shops, galleries, cafes, eateries and top-notch restaurants serving every type of cuisine. The famous ‘Pub Street’ and the night markets of Siem Reap are now renowned tour destinations in their own rights. Additionally, siilk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a very rich bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake make Siem Reap one of the most captivating places in the world.

LOCATION
The province of Siem Reap is conveniently situated 314 km northwest of Phnom Penh, along National Road No 6. It can be reached all year round by National Road No 6 from Phnom Penh, Poipèt Border Checkpoint from Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Cham Province and Kampong Thom Province, and by National Road No 5 and 6 from Kampong Chhnang province, Pursat province and Battambang province.

HOT TO REACH SIEM REAP
Siem Reap is accessible by direct flights from many major cities in the region including Bangkok, Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Paksé, Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kunming, Taipei, etc.  From the capital of Phnom Penh, Angkor Air operates several direct flights per day to and from Siem Reap.

There are also speedboats operating along the Tonlé Sap from Phnom Penh and Battambang Province.
Siem Reap is where you can visit the thousands ancient temples, notible one Angkor Wat, is one of the famous tourist spots in the world. Apart from its temples the natural beauty of Cambodia is also quite well known. Siem Reap is the capital of the Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. Siem Reap Travel Guide would recommend a few days stay here. This stay is important so you can get a feel of the place.

ENTRANCE FEE/ ADMISSION
You must posses an admission pass (Angkor Pass) before you want to visit the temples and it sourounding sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Passes may be purchased at the main entrance on the road to Angkor Wat. One-day tickets only can be purchased at the secondary tollgate on airport road entrance near Angkor Wat and at Banteay Srey.
Angkor Ticket Passes are sold in one-day ($20), three-day ($40) and seven-day ($60). The three day pass is valid for one week, i.e. 3 days to be used within the week, not necessarily consecutively. The seven day pass is valid for one month, i.e. 7 days to be used within the month, not necessarily consecutively.For ticket reservation please contact:

GET IN
 Siem Reap can be reached by either domestic air from Phnom Penh and Bangkok or other flights from major cities in Southeast Asia. For visitors travel overland travel from (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) please check out the international border crossing information. Cambodian visas are available on arrival at both international airports and most international border checkpoints. The crossing at Aranyaprathet (Thailand) /Poipet (Cambodia) is most convenient to Siem Reap. The road from Phnom Penh to SIem Reap (National Highway 6) is very good condition and so you can reach there by regular buses, taxis and vans running between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap as well as a daily river ferry service.
Siem Reap Arrival
Visas : Visa have to be applied for most nationalities to enter Siem Reap and Cambodia. Visas are available on arrival at the Siem Reap International Airport, the Phnom Penh International Airport and most border crossings.

Airport Departure Tax: Domestic: US$6. International: US$25
Siem Reap International Airport is 6km from Siem Reap town, close to the temples, offering special views of Angkor Wat temple during landings and take offs. Outside the terminal is a ticket booth for registered taxis into town. Independent taxis and motorcycles wait just outside the airport. The price is the same for both: motorcycles are $1 and cars are $5 into town. Most hotels offer free transportation from the airport but you must notify them in advance of your arrival.
Siem Reap Ferry Dock: The ferry to Siem Reap arrives at Chong Khneas near Phnom Krom, 12km south of Siem Reap. There is always transportation waiting at the dock. Mototaxis charge about $1.50-$2 and cars $4-$5 for the 20-30 minute ride into town.

BY AIR
Flying is, of course, the easiest way to get to Siem Reap. Bangkok Airways offer several daily flights to/from Phnom Penh. For more detail, please contact a travel agent.
By Boat
Ferry Traveling in Cambodia around (July - March) daily ferries carry out the Tonle Sap river and lake between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Then trip is marked by a hill, Phnom Krom, when arriving Siem Reap near the ferry dock at Chong Khneas 12 km south of Siem Reap. In the dry season when the water is low, the ferry stops short of the dock and passengers transfer to smaller boats to traverse the final few hundred meters.

Ferries Schedule: Depart at 7:30AM daily from the Phnom Penh Port on Sisowath Quay near Street 104. Tickets $25-$35, (251km, 4-6 hours). Tickets can be purchased through hotels and travel agents around. At Siem Reap, the ferry docks at Chong Khneas, 15km south of Siem Reap town.
Taxis and motodups await passengers at the dock. Travel is best during the wet season when the river level is high. The ferries are ‘local transport’ and are of variable quality and comfort, often noisy, crowded and over-air conditioned. These ferries in no meet international safety standards yet. Travel is best during the wet season. During the dry season when the water is low, ferry service is usually uncomfortable.
By Overland

BUS
Bus travel is the most popular means of overland transportation between Phnom Penh city and Siem Reap. The road (National Route 6 is in very good conditions There are several bus schedule for both directions, taking around 5 to 6 hours drive. Many guest houses, bus companies and travel agents offer a/c bus. It is recommend to buy ticket from your guest house and travel agent. It is varies depend on level of comfort of bus and services include: guide, snacks and on-board toilet. Most buses at least make two stops along the way - at Kampong Thom and Skun for snack and lunch. Phnom Penh doesn't have central bus station. Buses departure from different companies different stations.
In Siem Reap the main bus station is located near Borey Seang Nam a couple of kilometers east of town center. On arrival, moto taxi from the station into town run $1-$2 and tuk-tuks cost about $2.50-$3. For passengers departing Siem Reap, most bus companies offer a free shuttle service from the hotel/guesthouse to the bus station.
The following bus companies offer regularly scheduled daily service between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh:

LOCAL TAXI
Local shared taxi: $10 per person. Departs from southwest corner of Central Market in Phnom Penh. 5-8 hours
Private taxi: US$50 or more for the whole car. 4-5 hours. Negotiate the price with a local taxi or arrange a private taxi through your hotel or travel agent. Generally speaking, the better the car, the higher the price.

MOTORCYCLING TO SIEM REAP
The road to Siem Reap is in good condition, but driving in Cambodia is still challenging in driving. Speeding taxis, animals and oblivious children on the road are the norm. It can be made in an easy day, but two days with a stop over in Kampong Thom is a more relaxed alternative and allows time to visit the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk as well as minor ruins along the way.
Leave Phnom Penh via the ‘Japanese Bridge’ and follow 6A north 75km to the Skun intersection. (Skun is known for its exotic foods - check out the fried spiders, turtle eggs and more at road side stands.) Bear left and follow Rte. 6 to Kampong Thom - about 2-3 hours. In Kampong Thom, the Arunras Hotel (062-961294), Stung Sen Royal Hotel (012-309495) and Mittapheap Hotel are all decent mid-range places. Arunras Guesthouses and Restaurant next to the hotel is the place to eat cheaply. From Kampong Thom to Siem Reap the trip takes another 2 hours..
Siem Reap to/from Battambang Province
The Road from Siem Reap to Battambang (National Road #6 and #5, across Sway Sisophon): Road travel is generally the easiest, fastest. The road from Sisophon to Battambang is paved and in good condition. Taxi A private taxi is $40-$50. 3-5 hours. Bus The bus costs $6/person and takes about 5 hours. Rith Mony buses depart in both directions at 8:00AM and 9:00AM. Neak Krohom buses departs in both directions at 7:30am.

GETTING AROUND 
Siem Reap is more ways to get around on foot. The Angkor Archaeological Parkis 4 kilometers from town and the temples inside the park are as much as 3 to 4 kilometers, usually require of transportation to tour the Park. Moto-romauks (‘tuk-tuks,’) motodups (motorcycle taxis) and car taxis are the most popular forms of transportation around town and the temples.
Tuk Tuk (Moto Romauks) Motorcycle Taxis/ Trailers
Two-person motorcycle trailers (Tuk Tuk) have surpassed motorcycle taxis (motodups) as the most popular form of transport. Tuk-tuks are covered offering some protection from sun and rain. In Siem Reap most drivers can speak some English. For short trips around the town, forefingers pay 40000R for motorcycle trailer. To the temples, transportation is usually rented by the day. Rates run $6-$9/day for a motodup, and about $10-$15/day for motorcycle trailers.

CAR TAXI
Cars taxis are usually hired on a daily basis. The average car taxi is a fairly new Toyota Camry with air-conditioning. Car taxis run around $20-$25 per day to tour the main temple area and town. There are extra charges if you want to go to more distant temples such as Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen, etc. The driver will charge about $10 extra to visit Banteay Srey.

SEE & DO
There are many noticeable places that Siem Reap Travel Guide recommends. You can visit The temple ruins of Angkor contained within the Angkor Archaeological Park represent the remnants of the millennium-old Angkorian-era capitals of the ancient Khmer Empire. The Khmer people were and are the dominant ethnic group in Cambodia.
The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses the main temple ruins of the Angkorian capitals located in the Siem Reap area. Most of these temples were constructed between the 9th and 12th century A.D. and represent the pinnacle of ancient Khmer architecture, art and civilization.