SOUTHWEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

KAMPOT
Kampot shares border with Vietnam to the east and extends into the Gulf of Siam to the south. Because of abundance in limestone, the province produces cement. The paradise here comes in the form of a 1040 meters high Bokor Mountain. Bokor Hill station used to be one of the most popular recreational places during the French colonial period. The resort was established in the 1920s. On top of the mountain, an old Catholic Church built in French colonial style, hotel and a casino all abandoned to the wind, leaving evident of past glory to the place. There are holiday villas and a Buddhist monastery built on a verge of the mountain cliff. A magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Siam can be seen from up here. The trip up the mountain provides a completely different travel experience.

Also in Kampot, is Keb city which was established in 1908. Kep is popular holiday destination to both local and foreign tourists. There is a regular crab market that itself serves well as a tour-attraction as fishermen come onto the beach with baskets after baskets of freshly caught crabs attracting a huge gathering of interested buyers. The beach here is sandy and the open sea breathes a welcoming breeze quite difficult for the sea-loving tourist to resist.

Sihanvouville is Cambodia finest beach resort, it offers an exceptionally well preserved natural environment. Being only three and a half hours drive from Phnom Penh, this destination is now becoming even more popular both with local and international tourists. This tropical beach with pristine clear water and glittering white sand is naturally decorated by splendid rock formations. The warm and tranquil water is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing after tiring swimming. Besides the good beaches, the air in Sihanouville is fresh and the place is famous for the seafood restaurants dishing out fresh and mouth-watering seafood cuisines. There are also many secluded islands where one can hire a boat to visit and perhaps practice diving in lovely underwater environment. There are most than dozen of islands off the coast of Sihanouville, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samlon, both are surrounded by blissfully empty and beautiful beaches backed by swaying palms and coconuts trees.

KOH KONG
Koh Kong shares border with Thailand in the west. Much of its area is covered by mountains and forests (70%), and the rest opens up to the sea. Only a small percentage of the province is flat surface. However, Koh Kong is enjoying quite a few tourism development projects. The newly built National Road 48 provides visitors yet another option to access the province via road. Although some effort has been made to improve the conditions of the road, the journey to Koh Kong can still be quite a breathtaking experience. It is highly recommend only to those who love nature and looking for something really adventurous. For the adventurous, the natural scenery along this road is absolutely stunning. Tall green mountain that touches the cloud. Amidst thick forest, streams and charming waterfalls make interesting sites for stopovers and photography.

Located on the western side of Tonle Sap Lake, Pursat has a mountainous forest covering much of the region. Although the province does not have many ancient temples like the rest of Cambodia, the highlight of this province is the interesting history of the war between Siamese and the Khmers that took place just before the French Colonial era in Cambodia. Interesting historical sites include the Tomb of the Cambodian hero known as Oknha Klang Meung, who led the war against Siamese. Much of Cambodian history evolves here.