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Pailin
Pailin is synonymous with
the Khmer Rouge government. It was under their control until 1996
and has since been home to several former Khmer Rouge leaders. It is
newsworthy in connection with the upcoming Khmer Rouge Tribunal.
Pailin is also infamous for its rubies, logging, and gambling. Since
1996, the fortunes of Pailin have increased as gem dealers and Thai
gamblers have flocked there. However, larger casinos on the border
with Thailand have reduced the gambling activity within the town.
The gem trade has also been affected since the casinos opened.
Pailin is the smallest municipality, at just 1,000 km2. It lies 83
km southwest of Battambang and just 19 km from the Thai border. The
road from Battambang can take up to three or four hours by taxi with
the conditions depending on the season. Road construction projects
are currently underway and there seems to currently be a commitment
to developing Pailin for tourism.
 Cambodia’s
Prime Minister, Hun Sen, recently said that he wants a luxury golf
course to be built in the former Khmer Rouge stronghold. In Pailin,
“the sound of monks chanting has replaced the sound of gunfire,” the
Prime Minister told journalists, adding that Pailin Governor Ee
Chhean, a former rebel fighter, was no stranger to the greens
himself. Cambodia doubled its number of luxury golf courses last
year to four and hopes to have eight by 2010 in a bid to lure more
high-end tourism to Cambodia.
Pailin has an international border crossing with Ban Pakkard,
Thailand at Phsar Prom, which improves access to the municipality.
There are tales from travelers of various scams at the border
crossing, so it’s best to keep this in mind if taking this route.
Phsar Prom is about a half hour motorbike ride to Pailin city and
costs just a couple of dollars.
The hillock of Phnom Yat sits in Pailin city. The 242 steps to the
top lead to an attractive old stupa and clear views across the
municipality, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Pailin’s close
proximity to the Cardamom Mountains offers worthwhile excursions to
many swimming holes and waterfalls, notably O’Tavoa and O’Eb Falls.
As Pailin is one of the most heavily mined areas in Cambodia, it is
advised to use a local guide wherever you go and to never stray from
the path.
Pailin is not renowned for its hotel accommodations, though there
are some clean and reasonable guesthouses available around town. |
