- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
After recovering from being the center of the Khmer Rouge faction in the recent past, Pailin is emerging as a veritable hub for travelers. It may still be considered as an off-the-beaten path destination since the place is not commercialized and "touristy." A visit to this side of Cambodia is an interesting journey into a surreal landscape, isolated in the hills of Cambodia and tucked near the border of Thailand. The road leading to Pailin becomes wide and well-paved, starkly different from that of other dusty Cambodian towns.
Palin at daytime is typically quiet but at night, it assumes its true character as a frontier town. Soldiers can be seen lounging on the restaurants before heading out to the "red light district" near the Samaki Market. Teen-agers head to the central square where loud disco music booms as children, on the other hand, engage with all sorts of carnival activities - from bump cars to helicopter or rocket rides. Clearly, the atmosphere is festive. Buddhists pagodas such as the Wat Phnom Yat and the Wat Rattanak Sopoan and the effervescent waterfalls of Phnom Kiev provide the solemn experience.
In spite of the problems that Pailin faces, a clear income of Thai batt and US dollar from the gemstone mines and furniture trade enters the local coffers. Hopefully, part of the funds will be used to energize this small town with big possibilities.
Pailin Landmarks:
User blogs:
Global warming: good for winegrowing?
Climate change has silver lining for English vineyards As world leaders grapple with how to tackle climate change in Copenhagen next week, England's winegrowers are embarrassed to admit that global warming is suiting them rather well. This year's crop has been one of the best yet, with a record three million bottles produced -- twice the average production of the past five ... Read full Blog post
Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
In our Magazine
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
Exploring California's Venice Beach
Travelers who are after the sunny side of Southern California can visit the beautifully eccentric Venice Beach, also known as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Muscle Beach, home to Hollywood royalties Julia Roberts, Kate Beckinsale, and Nicolas Cage.
When Mother Nature wields terror
Some places are made dangerous by the conflicts brought about by humans. But in these towns and cities—most of them heavily populated—it is Mother Nature which is always on the verge of wrath, wrecking havoc of unimaginable proportions.
Slaughter of dolphins comes to cinemas
Ric O’Barry once captured and trained dolphins in amusement parks and made the character Flipper world famous. Now, he is the animals’ unlikely champion, exposing the savage ways they are hunted in a small town in Japan. This time, he wants the dolphins swim free.