Transport in Cambodia.

Construction of new road and continuous improvement in transport is good news for all tourists visiting Cambodia.
Take a look at my pictures of the route between the Krong Koh Kong and Sihanoukville when only ferries were on the route.
Everybody travelling this way saves 3 hours time since the highway NH48 has been completed.

The journey taken in 2006 from the border crossing Cham Yeam–Hat Lek reminded me my expedition in african Congo.

Every cambodian driver was accustomed to the long interruption in travel.

Along the way: 4 rivers without any brigde.

Building material comes from unpopular neighbors.

Still, only 50% of 40 000 km roads are covered with asphalt.

Cambodia is counting on money from neighbors and the international institutions. Phnom Penh needs cash for further construction.

Muslim pupils from Krong Koh Kong in Cambodia.

Krong Koh Kong is a border town located 7 km from Thailand. The area was called "wild west" in Cambodia for decades. The new bridge and completed Highway NH84 to Sihanoukville in 2008 had opened new era in small town. The chance of better life appeared for local residents.

During my walk outside KKK town I met many Muslims.

The Cham Muslims called Khmer Islam in Cambodia own some mosques and Quran schools. They describe themselfes as Sunnis of the Shafi'i school.

The Cham in Cambodia are closely related with Cham of coastal Vietnam. According old tales the first official Muslim envoy to Vietnam and Tang Dynasty in China was sent by the third Caliph in 650. Chinese records proved the theory of the Islam's spread among Cham in the late 10th centuries. After collapse of the Champa Kingdom in 15th century many Muslims moved to Cambodia and Malacca Sultanate.

Champa's exodus lasted all 19th century ( their big community lives in Bangkok ) until Khmer Rouge period. There are some 600,000 Cham Muslims in Cambodia today.

Some Cham people believe in the power of magic and supernatural powers.

Krong Koh Kong's Muslims keep low profile.

They have to deal with harsh life's circumstances in Cambodia.

Their houses resembled 19th century cottages on a rubber trees plantation.

Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. Cambodia

The Silver Pagoda is the most visited structure in palace complex.


The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh covers an area of 4 football fields.

Silver Pagoda is surrounded by some small library buildings.

The French-style iron building that was a gift from Napoleon III.

The house arrived Cambodia in thousand parts. The European villa composes well with Khmer architecture.

Buddha statues in the garden contribute to calm mood fills the royal complex.

Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues.

Around Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh. Cambodia

Wat Phnom on the top of an artificial hill near to Tonle Sap river is a symbol of Cambodian capital.

A small park around hill offers good observation points to watch local residents.

The biggest dweller is an elephant waiting for tourists.

The incense sellers occupy first tarrace.

The birds kept in the cage waiting for devout Buddhists. Everybody can gain a merit. For small payment you can untie bird or more. Don't be surprise when liberated birds come back. Tidy fellows don't want freedom:)

The spirits living on the hill insist on food. They prefer raw meat left in lion's jaws.

Absolute certainly the terrace is perfect place to take photos to ghost movie.

Take with you flashlight and something to sacrifice if you intent visit Wat Phnom at night.

Murals in Silver Pagoda. Phnom Penh Cambodia

Murals in Silver Pagoda were created in 1900. Paintigs depict the epic of Ramayana.

The Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh is one of marvels in South East Asia. Almost half of all artefacts were destroyed during Khmer Rouge regime.

Around Psar Thmei in Phnom Penh. Cambodia

The huge dome of Psar Thmei is one of the landmarks in Cambodian capital.

The are two long-distance bus stations around market.

The square is crowded due of its central location in Phnom Penh.

The fashion shops offer for sale local made good clothes.

The food and goods on the Thmei market are more expensive than similar products in marketplaces in outskirts of a city.

Like in every big city of South East Asia array of local transport service is available.

Highway NH48 Krong Koh Kong border crossing to Sihanoukville is ready. Cambodia

No more 4 ferry crossing, no more alternative boat trip. No more all day on the way. The road NH48 from thai border to Sihanoukville is ready.

Everybody leaving Thailand in border crossing Cham Yeam–Hat Lek can enjoy smooth ride to Sihanoukville or Phnom Pehn.

I used to travel this road every year.

Since the highway is finished, old river ferries and barges have been rusting.

The beach in Sihanoukville comes near.