Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are numerous wateralls dropping out of the Cardamoms south of Pailin. The prob-
lem is that they're at their most impressive during the rainy season, when the roads are of-
ten impassable. Getting to the more remote falls is risky because of the lingering presence
of landmines. One that's accessible and has water year-round is Phnom Keu (Blue Mountain;
motorbike/car 3000/10,000r) . To get there turn right off NH57 1.5km east of Wat Phnom Yat,
then proceed 5km on a rough road that gets dodgy in the rainy season. From the entrance,
cross the small river on foot (they were rebuilding a collapsed bridge here when we vis-
ited) and walk about 3km to the falls along the dirt road.
LANDMINE ALERT!
Pailin and nearby parts of Battambang Province (especially the districts of Samlot and Rotanak Mon-
dol) are some of the most heavily mined places in the world. Demining sites are commonplace, some-
times quite close to the highway, and numerous amputees bear sad tribute to the horror of landmines.
Stay well on the beaten track in these parts. Public roads are OK, but farm roads are risky, and ventur-
ing into Pailin's beautiful forests on foot is definitely not a good idea.
Sleeping & Eating
Bamboo Guesthouse
( 012 405818; r US$12-35; ) Bamboo is an oasis of calm on the northwestern out-
skirts, with 27 comfortable bungalows. Smarter options have a forest-lodge feel. The res-
taurant serves excellent Khmer and Thai food (mains US$4 to US$8) in shaded outdoor
pavilions. From the market head west on NH57 for 2km, turn right, and proceed 800m.
GUESTHOUSE $
Pailin Ruby Guesthouse
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 055-636 3603; NH57; s/d with fan from US$5/7, r with air-con from US$10; ) A good-value
city-centre place with 48 clean, spacious rooms all kitted out with spring mattresses. It's
worth paying US$2 extra for some natural light.
GUESTHOUSE $
HOTEL $$
Memoria Palace
( 055-636 3090; www.memoriapalace.com ; r US$35-90; ) Located 5km west of Pailin,
this well-maintained lodge-style resort has humongous bungalows with flat-screen TVs
and DVD players, and a 20m hilltop swimming pool. Even the cheapest rooms have
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