Vietnam and Cambodia: 12/09

December 23, 2009

Simple Travel Packing Tips

© Photographer: Bozmanboz | Agency: Dreamstime.com

By Sandy Curtis

No matter whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, knowing how to pack can make your trip go more smoothly. By using some simple packing tips you can keep your clothes free from wrinkles, save space and make sure your get to your destination with everything you need.

Cutting down on the amount of luggage you need to take can save you money since you won't have to pay as much to check your baggage. In fact, if you pack really well you can often get by just taking a carry on bag and not have to pay to check baggage at all. Efficient packing will also make getting through the airport and to your hotel easier since you won't have big heavy bags to lug around.

When you do arrive you can spend less time in your hotel room with an iron and more time out and about enjoying your trip. Here are a few travel packing tips to get you started and to make sure your next trip is a great one.

* Separate your clothes and toiletries into their own zippered baggies inside your luggage. That way
when you get to your destination you can easily find your socks, underwear or anything else you need without having to dig through your bag and make a mess to get to it.

* Pack an extra plastic bag with you to put dirty clothes into as your wear them. That way you can tell at a glance which clothes are still clean when you are getting dressed each morning. Not only that, but you'll help to keep your clean clothes cleaner by not packing dirty items in next to them.

* To avoid wrinkles, roll your clothes rather than folding them. Lay out clothing on a flat surface, smooth out any wrinkles and then tightly roll them up starting at one end. This prevents fold lines in clothing so you don't have to iron them when you arrive. Not only that, but it actually saves space in your bag so you can either pack a smaller bag or take more clothing with you.

* Try to leave with a relatively empty suitcase. Chances are you are going to buy things on your trip and you will need space to bring them back. If you can't leave space in your bag take an extra tote bag or travel bag with you for bringing home your purchases.

* Write out a list of everything you need for your trip and check things off the list as you pack. If you are more computer savvy you can also create a spreadsheet on your computer to do the same thing. The benefit to using a spreadsheet is that you only have to create it once and then you can use it for future trips as well.

* You can also download free packing lists from the internet to help you make sure that you remember everything you need to take with you.

For lots more easy packing tips that can save you time and money, check out http://www.travelpackingtips.info You'll find tips on how to save space, save money, prevent wrinkles, pack when traveling with kids and a lot more.

Have fun on your trip!
Sandy

December 17, 2009

Quy Nhon - Charming Vietnam

By Thanh Bui

Situated roughly halfway between Hoi An and Nha Trang, the city of Quy Nhon is much more than a convenient stop-over for those traveling between these two popular tourist destinations. The university two has a youthful vibrancy during term-time and the people are some of the friendliest in Vietnam. In many respects this is the Vietnam that travelers used to encounter before the advent of mass tourism to the country.

Recently the municipal beach has undergone something of a face-lift and clean-up campaign. Gone has the American tank that was half-submerged in the sand, instead a new palm-tree lined promenade hugs the coastline, providing a very pleasant stroll around sunset. It has something of the feel of a smaller Nha Trang.

Those wishing to get away from it all should head to ai Bau Beach some 19km to the south of Quy Nhon. The beautiful, sheltered white-sand beach is generally deserted, ideal for you to discover your own karma. Closer to town, Quy Hoa Beach is another good option. The almost idyllic setting belies the fact that this is a leper colony. Far from reeking of morbidity, the hospital grounds are extremely pleasant,with patients integrated into the community.

Popular with courting couples, Queen's Beach lies on a small promontory just to the south of Quy Nhon. Noted as a popular holiday spot for fomer Queen Nham Phuong, in truth this is more a rocky headland than beach. The sweeping views across the bay towards the city make a great setting for a coffee in the "rocky bar" perched on the cliff-edge.

At the heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom., the area around Quy Nhon has its fair share of Cham remains. The monumental Thap Doi Cham 'twin towers" are conveniently located within the city. However, around 20km north of the town towards the airport, the Banh It Towers cut a much more impressive figure and offer great views of the countryside from their lofty perch

Quy Nhon's main pagoda, Long Khanh, dates back to 1715. The original pagoda, restored in 1957, lies behind an impressive 17metre high Budda statue. The site also contains a more modern pagodar, but this lacks the charm of the original place of worship

As befits most ports, Quy Nhon is noted for the quality of its seafood. Banh Xeo is a great local favourite. Try this delicious prawn rice paper cake at Anh Nhat Gia Vien, a beautiful garden house situated just across the read from the Thap Doi Cham Towers

Threeland Travel is Vietnam Travel Agency which is offering professional and careful handling of all kinds of Vietnam Tours and Vietnam hotel service to you at competitive prices.

December 16, 2009

Halong Plaza Hotel - Halong City, Vietnam

Name

Halong Plaza Hotel

8 Halong Road, Halong City (Bai Chay)

What’s On Offer?

The 4 Star Halong Plaza is located around 2km from the main part of Halong City. The hotel offers 14 stories of rooms with the mod-cons you would expect.

Each room has views over the bay (or parts of), while others look over the newly constructed bridge connecting Halong City and Hon Gia.

Rooms are quite large and the beds huge! Each room has cable TV, mini bar, air-con etc. Bathrooms are large with both bath tubs and shower, plus all you shampoo's/conditioners and more.

Staff are friendly, helpful and speak good English (and other languages). The restaurant behind reception dishes up a huge choice of food including Vietnamese, Western, Italian, Thai and Japanese. The nightly seafood buffet also looks ok and goes for $22USD p/p. Mains from the menu range from $6-8USD and up. There is also a choice of international wines, local beers and plenty of cocktails, soft drinks and juices.

The hotel also has a pool on the 3rd floor, massage service and free wifi (reception) and ADSL in the rooms.

The Good Oil:

Overall the Halong Plaza is a nice hotel, with big rooms and friendly staff. It's a good choice a for an overnight stay or if you have your own transport as there is little on offer close by the hotel (such as food).

Great views and large rooms. Very quite and the hotel also offers non-smoking rooms.

Out of 10: 8/10

To find out more or to check prices head to Hotelscombined.com

Images By Adam Hurley

December 15, 2009

Exploring Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

By Veron Ho

Welcome to Travel Haven, the Specialist in Boutique and Luxury Hotels! From Thailand to Maldives, we encompass a blend of venues and places to visit ...

Twenty years ago it would have been quite impossible for this lovely cultural city to have been featured on any travel list, but now it is open and welcoming to curious travelers. Siem Reap serves as a wonderful gateway to the Cambodian culture, history, architecture and the famous temples of Angkor Wat whilst also offering modern hotels and great shopping.

Craft shops and silk farms abound, offering the chance to bring home some beautiful fabrics and hand-made jewelry. Take time to explore the Colonial and Chinese-influenced architecture of the Old French Quarter of Siem Reap and enjoy the cultural music and colorfully costumed Apsara dancers. The city dates back to 800AD and its temples and monuments are among the world's premier architectural sites.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site at Angkor Wat

The highlight of any visit to Siem Reap will undoubtedly be time spent at the nearby Angkor Wat temple complex. Built in the early 12th century, when other cultures still lived in simple, temporary buildings, 25,000 workers labored for 37 years to create this temple city. Imagine then, that after the fall of the Khmer Empire in 1431, it remained unknown to the outside world for centuries, until French botanist, Henri Mahout, stumbled upon it deep in the jungle, in 1860. Surrounded by a 570-foot wide moat, Angkor Wat has a central pointed tower surrounded by four smaller towers and is embellished with gorgeous statues, carvings and works of art carved in bas-relief. The lesser attraction of nearby Bayon, the last great temple built at Angkor, has 54 towers which peer incongruously through the dense Cambodian jungle, still awaiting rescue.

Things to do in Siem Reap

The city of Siem Reap is built along the banks of the Siem Reap River. It is made up of a series of villages, each with their own Buddhist pagoda, called a Wat. Although Siem Reap is attracting increasing numbers of tourists, is it so far retaining its cultural identity. An international airport, new hotels and international restaurants make a visit palatable to those used to a first world lifestyle, but generally there is no conflict between serving tourists' needs and maintaining the established way of life. These can all be enjoyed on a boat trip to see the local fishing villages; a bicycle tour around the paddy fields; eating at a local market food stall; supporting the work of local craftsmen and enjoying a cultural evening with dinner and an Apsara Dance display. A somber reminder of the recent reign of the Khmer Rouge can be experienced with a visit to the Cambodia Landmine Museum, a cause dear to the heart of the late Princess Diana. There is also a newly opened National Museum in the city containing unique and wonderfully crafted artifacts and 1000 Buddha images in the 8 purpose-built galleries, which are well-worth seeing.

For those who are seeking a trip that is a little different, off-the-beaten-track and steeped in wonderful architectural history and treasures, Siem Reap should go right to the top of your "Places I must Visit" list.

Veron Ho is the owner of Travel Haven, a travel agency totally dedicated to organising creative and luxury packages. Join Travel Haven Email Club at http://www.TheTravelHavenOnline.com and receive a COMPLIMENTARY Destination Travel Guide of your choice.

December 14, 2009

Step Back in Time in Vietnam's Hoi An

ByVeron Ho

Vietnam offers an intoxicating blend of incredible scenery, idyllic coastline, vibrant cities and fascinating history and culture. Add to that some great cuisine and Vietnam surely makes an ideal destination for travelers seeking something a little different, off the usual tourist's well-trodden path.

The ancient port city of Hoi An oozes charm and history and miraculously escaped largely unscathed from the Vietnam War. Whilst very obviously carrying on its traditional life, it caters wonderfully to western visitors with smart hotels, restaurants, bars, tailor's shops and souvenir stalls all packed into the old town center. Thanks to the local People's Committee who clamp down from time to time on touts, a stroll down the street is relatively hassle-free. The Old Town is closed to cars, although not to motorbikes, and most hotels are within easy walking distance of the main attractions. If you want to go really native, then hire a bicycle to explore the area at a gentle pace.

Although no longer a port of any significance, the foreign influences can still be evidenced around the city. The Old Town is full of winding streets and Chinese-style shophouses. As tourism has only just begun to discover Hoi An, the area has been largely preserved and renovations are slow, carefully avoiding high-rise concrete blocks and karaoke bars.

Hoi An is easy to reach by air. The local airport at Danang has frequent connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Min City. A local minibus will transport you to your chosen hotel for around $5, and private taxis charge a little more.

Things to Do in Hoi An

Everything in Hoi An is very affordable. Rent a motorbike for around $5 a day but don't expect it to have any gas in it. You will have to fill up immediately! Take a trip through the local countryside and paddy fields to Cua Di Beach. Rent a deckchair and enjoy a snack and drinks at one of the beach restaurants and enjoy the day out. Boat hire, a rip-off elsewhere, can be enjoyed from $1 an hour. Enjoy exploring the local river system and see the real countryside around Loi An. Bicycle hire is even cheaper, and a visit to the ruined temple complex at My Son is a gentle one-hour's pedaling away, or head for the Marble Mountains towards Da Nang. The nearby islands south of the town, An Hoi and Cam Nam across the Thu Bon River, are reachable from Hai Ba Trung and Hoang Dieu. Alternatively, organized tours of the area are available through hotels and travel agents.

On the 14th and 15th of each month the streets of the Old Town are completely closed to traffic and out come all the traditional street games. Bai choi, trong quan, dap nieu and other cultural pastimes can be seen all over the town and spectators are welcome.

The rich historical sites in Hoi An include the Japanese Covered Bridge which dates back to the early 1600s and is guarded at either end by a pig statue and a dog statue. There are four museums in Hoi An: the Museum of Folk Culture, the Museum of Trade Ceramics in a traditional Hoi An home; the Museum of History and Culture with some interesting 20th century photographs among the local exhibits, and the Museum of Say Huynh Culture which also incorporates the Museum of the Revolution, complete with grenade launchers and machine guns.

There are three old houses which are open to the public, the best of which is the Tan Ky House with its crab shell-shaped ceiling and poems written on mother-of-pearl. More local culture is offered at the Traditional Theater and at the Handicraft Workshop. For those with a keen philanthropic interest there is a local orphanage next to the Catholic Church run by the Kianh Foundation which can be visited.

One final unique experience is the Eco Tour which shows you how to row a basket boat, and how to catch fish. It is a wonderful cultural trip with plenty of local interaction which really sums up the whole of Hoi An - wonderful culture and plenty of opportunity to interact with the friendly locals.

The Rise of Vietnam Over the Last 50 Years - A Book Review

By Lance Winslow

Do you feel that your history books in school didn't give you enough information on Vietnam? There is probably a reason why they skipped over that, or brushed over these subjects, but I believe every American should understand more about this country.

Did you know that Vietnam is one of the fastest growing emerging markets currently in the world, and it appears that capitalism has very much taken hold. The days of a war-torn Vietnam are gone, and it is rebuilding itself in an incredible way, it is amazing how much international and foreign funding is coming into the market place as the country expands.

Perhaps, you would like to learn more about the ascension to power in Vietnam, and learn how it got to be where it is today, and how it got to be the fastest growing emerging market of the world. I would highly recommend that you buy a certain book, and read it to get a better understanding. Because many people think they know the history of Vietnam of the last 50 years, but there is a lot more to this story. The name of the book that I wish to recommend is;

"Dragon Ascending - Vietnam and the Vietnamese," by Henry Kamm, (Pulitzer Prize-winning senior foreign correspondent for the New York Times); arcade publishing, New York, New York, 1996, (304 pp).

This author has done a superb job in helping the reader understand the war. Also, how life was before the war, and how things have changed since then. The book starts out with a chronological history taking us back to 2000 BC with the founding of the kingdom, and the Vietnam legend before that. The reader will also understand the time of 100 BC and the Han Dynasty and how China had incorporated Vietnam into a province. It also talks about the history of the Catholic Church in Vietnam, and how the French colonized it.

Later the book explains the Japanese occupation of Vietnam, and also how it was later divided by the communists. It goes through all the war years, the Tet Offensive, and even the withdrawal of the United States. Lastly, it goes through how 20 years later after the war had ended that the United States reunited its diplomatic ties with the country. And ever since then things have been pretty good, but right now they are great. I believe everyone should read this book, especially if you are an investor in emerging markets.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in studying history.

====================
Get your copy now on Amazon: Dragon Ascending: Vietnam and the Vietnamese

December 11, 2009

Brief Biography of Pol Pot

Travel with Exotissimo Travel - Showing travelers Asia since 1993

Vietnam Tours Cambodia Tours

============================================

By Vicheka Lay

A long road ahead for the
people of Cambodia

Classified as one of the prime movers of Cambodian political history as well as the renaissance of the studies of international human rights in Cambodian contexts as well as in other humanitarian fields, Pol Pot is, inevitably, a man worth to be studied about.

Pol Pot was a man that steered the entire Cambodia into a utopian agrarian State, somehow considered as a duplicate of Mao’s Cultural Revolution. Such the patriotic policy has killed at least one million Cambodian innocent just in his political mandate between 1975 - 1978.

Answer is yet to be known, because grandfather Pol Pot already peacefully passed away in a tranquil woods and before his death, he never confessed that he committed any auto-genocide against his own citizens and fellow persons. Finally, the judgment is yet to be issued by the extraordinary chamber that Pol Pot is truly guilty of crime against humanity.

Why did he commit that? Is he guilty of auto-genocide or crime against humanity? If so who is this man?
Pol Pot’s atrocious accomplishment proved that he is an interesting man that the world is ignoring. Until today, information about him; general and analytic, is very condensed, since Cambodia is lack of writers in the field of politics and history as well as Cambodia’s dim image in the international view.

The entire content of this article is not thorough biographical writing about Pol Pot, and especially his political biography is not an intention, but just a very simple glance into his human life.

This article is to bring more global attentions to Cambodian political history: much more yet to be revealed.

I. Childhood

Despite his weirdness in human stereotype, characteristics and other such sentiments, Pol Pot was born in a human way like us. However, until today his real date of birth is still in conflict; North Korean radio announced that Pol Pot was born 1925 from ethic Khmer parents, and French colonial records prepared in Cambodia during the 1950s, stated that he was born May 25, 1928. So is it 1925 or May 25, 1928? David P. Chandler selects 1925, but I stand on the abstention in selecting any precise date for Pol Pot’s date of birth. Until now, we have no idea of Pol Pot’s real date of birth, because his parents as well as he, himself died before we can ask: “what is your son or your real date of birth?”

Pol Pot was born in Prek Sbauv village, less than two miles west of the provincial capital of Kompong Thom province, some ninety miles of the capital Phnom Penh.

Pol Pot was not his real name, Saloth Sar was, indeed, his real name since he was born. So from this time, take into mind that “Pol Pot and Salot Sar are just the same and one person.” But I like to use the name “Pol Pot” throughout the text.

II. Family Background

Pol Pot was the eighth of nine children. According to David P. Chandler, Pol Pot was quite from a well-to-do family. His father, named Pen Saloth, was a prosperous farmer with nine hectares of rice land, several draft cattle, and a comfortable tile-roofed house and his mother, Sok Nem, was widely respected in the district for her piety and good works.

Pol Pot’s family is somehow quite isolated from other families in the region; one reason was that his family was prosperous and secondly; palace connection. Pol Pot’s cousin was the consort of Prince Sisowat Monivong and bore Sisowat Monivong a son named Kossarak. Moreover, Pol Po’s older brother, Loth Suong, was also a palace clerk. So all of these show that Pol Pot did have strict relation with the palace.

Above all, Pol Pot does have very stringent palace connection and because of this merits, his scholarship for vocational studies in France was secured. Surprisingly, one wonder has left behind: Pol Pot inflicted corruption upon the royal families as his path to leadership from 1975 - 1979.

More needed to be curious above. As above-addressed, this article does not intend to cover the thorough biography of Pol Pot, but just to revoke another curiosity over Cambodian histories and state of affairs.

Extraordinary trial over Pol Pot’s and his immediate followers’ atrocities are impending: more challenges are impending and who should take part? Cambodia does need more public opinions and other kinds of contribution. Who know that your contribution would make a difference?

Lay Vicheka is a translator for the most celebrated translation agency in the Kingdom of Cambodia, Pyramid Translation Co.Ltd.. Simultaneously, he is working as a freelance writer for Search Newspaper; focusing on social issues and students' issues. Lay Vicheka is the expert author for ezine and other websites around the world such as articlecity, 365articles, talesofasia, etc. Lay Vicheka has great experience in law and politics, as he used to be legal and English-language assistant to a Cambodian member of parliament, migration experience (home-based business) and in writing. He is also member of a New York-based research company. Posting address: 221H Street 93, Tuol Sangke quarter, Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tel: 855 11 268 445, vichekalay@yahoo.com

Behind The Scenes At VietnamAndCambodia.com

Offering free travel advice here at vietnamandcambodia.com has been a great success. Plenty of you have taken up the offer and from all the emails I have received, it's sounds like the advice has really helped heaps!

However with the internet, plenty of people find it quite daunting emailing strangers, as you really don't know who you're dealing with, so below are some photo's of yours truly!

This is to help you know who you're emailing and who's giving the advice! So enjoy the pic's and I hope to receive your questions and emails soon!

For more info about Adam - visit the About Us page

To get good old fashion, honest advice from Vietnam and Cambodia, email the good looking in the photo's below - Email Adam

If you like photography - Go to Redbubble.com and view Adam's work - heck you can buy it to!!

Adam during the one and only 1,700km Cyclo Ride (more here) from Hanoi to HCMC in 2005. Adam and friend, Marty, raised 20,000USD for local charity - Koto

Adam at the Mekong Rest Stop munching on a Snickers Bar. Adam works as a freelance tour leader and on this day was heading to the Mekong Delta.

Some people just have great legs..........! Adam showing off at Ho Coc Beach while holidaying. Read his review from Ho Coc

Adam and son James having breakfast at the Indochina 2 Hotel (Adam's Review) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Adam coming off second best with a sugar cane juicer near Cu Chi Tunnels - nobody was hurt in the taking of this photo!

Adam at the Tay Ninh Center for Visual Impaired Children while leading a charity cycling tour for The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation.

More Cool Information By Adam Hurley:

Travel Guide - Hoi An
Travel Guide -Saigon
Travel Guide - Hanoi
Travel Guide - Phnom Penh

December 10, 2009

National Museum of Art - Phnom Penh

By Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Housing the most extensive collection of Khmer Art in the world is the National Museum of Cambodia which is ideally located in Phnom Penh. It has earned a reputation as the country's foremost archaeological and historical museum. The museum was designed according to typical Khmer-style during the period of 1917 to 1920 and was the mastermind of a renowned and professional French architect.

The unique rust red National Museum of Cambodia is positioned in close proximity to the Royal Palace. Built according to traditional Cambodian style, the building that houses the museum is an impressive terra cotta roofed structure. The highlights of the National Museum of Cambodia are the sculptures from the Angkor era and pre Angkor era. The museum boasts of nearly 5000 objects that are on display for public viewing. One of the most noted exhibits is the famous statue of the 'Leper King.' Other notable features include lingas and other important statues from the Angkorian era.

Although major emphasis is focused upon the extensive collection of artifacts from the Angkorian era and pre Angkorian era, the museum is also home to numerous artifacts and relics from later periods. Among them are the Buddha figures of post-Angkorian era.

It is regarded best to visit the National Museum of Cambodia after touring the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap which gives greater insights on Angkorian artefacts. Except for Mondays, the museum is open for public viewing throughout the week and it is opened daily from 7 am to 11.30 am and 2 pm to 5 pm. Facilities include multilingual tour guides, souvenirs and books. Boasting of a large number of local art galleries, Street 178 which is also known as the Artist's Street borders the National Museum of Cambodia.

Travelers can easily plan their stay at a nearby Phnom Penh hotel and further explore Cambodia's Leading museum.

Most luxury hotels in Phnom Penh are renowned for offering world class facilities along with the warmest of hospitality.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

==============
Image by Adam Hurley - See More!

HotelsCombined.com - Pack full of the best deals

December 07, 2009

Visiting Halong Bay - Vietnam

By Can Pham

Halong Bay is situated 180km due east of Hanoi, with a drive of 3-4 hours. It is set in the emerald sea of the Gulf of Tonkin. Situated in the north eastern region of Vietnam, Halong Bay comprises Halong City, Cam Pha township and the island district of Van Don, the site of an ancient commercial port.

It is a region with considerable biological diversity with ecosystems of salt water forests, tropical forests and coral reefs. It has also been acknowledged to be an important area of the beginnings of human existence at such archaeological sites as Xich Tho, Dong Mang, Thoi Gieng and Soi Nhu. It borders Cat Ba Island in the southwest and the East Sea to the east, with a coastline of 120km. Many of the islands resemble legendary characters and are given fantastic names such as Dragon Island, Man's Head Island and the Incense Burner, because of their shapes.

The best way to view the islands is by boat and there are many cruisers offering day trips as well as 3 or 4 days full board. Trips by boat can be organised from Hanoi, where most tourists start their visit. The independent traveller can travel by bus from Hanoi to Haiphong City, followed by a journey by boat or bus-boat to Cat Ba. The sea around Halong Bay is warm and ideal for swimming although there are strong currents in places. The region is renowned for its inclement weather with storms during the summer and plenty of rain in the winter. The best time to visit is during the spring.

The largest of the islands is Cat Ba, which is a tourist resort. In the interior of this island the jungle can be explored with organised tours and the National Park is suitable for trekking. Of the many grottoes to visit, perhaps the most memorable are those at Dau Go Grotto on Driftwood Island, the Virgin Grotto on Bo Hon island range and Thien Cung Heavenly Palace Grotto, the most recently discovered of them all. Thien Cung is to be found 4 km from Halong City and is entered via a narrow strip of forest, before the landscape opens out into a grotto measuring 130 metres. At some of the most popular grottoes there is small entrance fee.

Bai Chay is a popular holiday resort with a lovely beach area and makes a great base for discovering the region. There are many hotels here, ranging from small bed and breakfast hotels and backpacker`s hostels to luxury 5 star hotels, as well as restaurants serving local and international cuisine and lively bars. The white sandy beach and stunning backdrop of low lying hills stretch for 2kms and make a relaxing place to stay, with several family run restaurants situated along the beach front. Food, drink and hotels in the area are extremely inexpensive.

Happy Travels!

For Vietnam travel information, visit: http://www.danviettravel.com/vietnam-information/city-guide/?lang=0

-------------------
Images By Adam Hurley

December 01, 2009

Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Cambodia - Facts and Images

Below are some images taken recently while I was in Phnom Penh.

The Choeung Ek Killing Fields are a stark reminder of what happened during the Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot regime. Dates and information below come to you from the Choeung Ek Museum Website.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

1975-1978: about 20 thousand victims including diplomats, foreigners, intellectuals, officers, soldiers, farmers especially children and women were murdered there, nine of whom were Europeans.

Early 1978: Khmer Rouge soldier and people accused of betrayal were transported to be exterminated with hands bound behind their backs and blindfolded.

January 7,1979: Cambodia was liberated from UCKRR and then the mystery of the killing fields including Choeung Ek were discovered.

1979-1980: 129 mass graves were found, 86 of which were excavated. 8,985 corpses were exhumed. The largest mass grave was a grave containing 450 corpses.

1989: The Government of Cambodia turned Choeung Ek Killing field into:

the National Center for preservation of the evidence of UCKRR

the National Center for recalling and honoring the spirits of victims murdered throughout the country.

A memorial stupa was constructed as a symbol of the cruel and barbaric homicides committed by the Khmer Rouge Communist Regime.

Present: Choeung Ek Killing Field became a historical museum for humankind and is one of the most popular attractions for both domestic and foreign tourism in Phnom Penh.

Source - Choeung Ek Museum Website. To read more visit - www.cekillingfield.com

Images From Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located 15km south west of Phnom Penh. You can easily reach the site on a tuk tuk, by car or cycling. Click on the image to enlarge.

If you have been here, please leave a comment and share you thoughts with us!