Phnom Penh
"Hill of Lady Penh"
The capital of Cambodia originated with a woman named Penh. In about 1370, Lady Penh discovered a statue with four representations of the Buddha. A pagoda was built on top of the hill to keep the statue.
The city is located at the confluence of the Tonle Sap, the Bassac and the Mekong river. Near the riverfront is the spectacular Royal Palace.
The former "Pearl of Asia", despite assaults by developers, hasn't lost the exquisite charm of the past.
Koh Chen - Oudong
The small village of Koh Chen is called "Chinese Island". Inhabitants are specialized in silver and copper smithing. Oudong, the old capital of Cambodia, can be seen a few kilometers away.
The ruins of Anthareu temple was restored in 1991 during the reign of King Sisowath.
Kampong Tralach
The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the laterite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings.
Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case last May for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot. Dating back to the same period, it was affected by the same problems of weathering and its demolition was ordered by the chief monk in order to make way for a more modern structure.
Kampong Chhnang
The largest fishing port on the Tonle Sap river
Kompong Chhnang is located 90 kilometers from Phnom Penh. Fish farming is widely practiced. The area is famous for its pottery ware, which supply the whole country.
Chnok Tru
A remote floating village
Overlooked by tourists because of its difficult access, the village is completely self-sufficient...
Siem Reap (Angkor)
The city of Angkor Wat
The river vessel lies at anchor, not far from Angkor Wat, in the inundated forest.
In Chong Kneas floating village, poverty doesn't stop the children from smiling.
Siem Reap is a small city of 130,000 inhabitants. The city is surprisingly active, guesthouses, colonial bars, top-of-the line restaurants, souvenir shops, art galleries and massage are flourishing.