Best hotels for guys and girls

His and hers ... the best hotel for women might not be a favourite with the men. Photo: Holger Leue/Lonely Planet

While ladies max out the credit card, boys would rather go and play with their gadgets.

And just because you're gallivanting the world doesn't mean your female and male desires are left at home.

There are some hotels that are more likely to keep your requirements satisfied so accommodation website hotels.com has come up with a list of places to stay best suited to his and her needs:

For the ladies:

Harbour Plaza North Point, Hong Kong:

For fashionistas and lovers of couture, Hong Kong is currently hosting The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957.

This four-star stay is a 15 minute cab ride from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum where the exhibit is being held until the end of September.

The largest shopping centre in Hong Kong, Cityplaza, is a five minute walk from the hotel - shopaholics will be able to take the edge off at one of the 160 outlets.

The hotel's spa will be able to tend to any aching feet.

Park Central New York Hotel, New York:

Located two blocks from Fifth Avenue, this is the perfect place to stay for ladies in the Big Apple.

Central Park is three blocks and high-end labels like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co are a short stroll from your room.

After spending up big, unwind on the 300 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets - this sort of quality is only appreciated by a woman.

UNA Hotel Cusani, Milan:

Home to iconic fashion labels Prada, Dolce & Gabana and Gucci, Milan is arguably the fashion capital of the world.

This establishment sits between the Castello Sforzesco and the Duomo and on the corner of Via Dante and the pedestrian mall.

For girls keen to shop, the hotel has come up with special packages that include bus tickets to the Fox Town Mendrisio outlet where famous brands are set to mates rates.

If you're cashed up and keen to spend on more luxury labels hit the Fashion Quadrilatero - a short walk from the hotel - where the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms are bound to satisfy.

For the guys:

Hotel New Otani, Tokyo:

With all its flashing lights and gadgets, Tokyo is great for the guys.

Tokyo is home to Akihabara, dubbed Electric (or Geek) Town, where you can get your hands on the latest in electronics and gizmos, and browse Yodobashi Camera, one of Japan's largest electronics stores, spread over 15 levels.

The country's first robot store is a five minute cab ride away and a short walk will lead lads to Tokyo National Stadium, where the Bledisloe Cup will be played at the end of October.

The hotel puts on night time pool parties with live jazz, DJs and hula dancing and boys will lap up the chance to try the "all you can drink" draft beer challenge operating during August and September.

Southpoint Casino and Spa, Las Vegas:

Local boys are often heard to mutter "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" after a big weekend.

There's a reason this war-cry exists and it's all because of the Strip - bars, clubs, gambling, sports and cars.

The four-star Southpoint Casino boasts a 16-screen movie complex, a 64-lane bowling centre, 2,270 poker machines and over 60 table games on the casino floor.

Mirasierra Suites Hotel, Madrid:

Madrid packs a testosterone punch into any holiday with landmarks like Las Ventas, the largest bullring in Spain, and Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid football club.

This five-star hotel is the official pre-match residence for Real Madrid and players are often spotted wandering the halls.

Madrid is a European party haven, with some of the city's best bars and clubs a drunken stumble away.

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Anceint Staduim

The Colosseum is the popular name for the Amphiteatrum Flavium (located on the site of the Domus Aurea, Nero’s residence), between the Esquiline and Palatine hills, near the southeast end of the Forum. Construction was started by Vespasian in 69 AD (Nero had committed suicide in 68 AD), finished by Titus in 80 AD, and restored in 217 AD. The Colosseum is 1730 feet around, 180 feet high, and was designed to hold 50,000 people. That’s as high as an 18-story building; it held more people than many of today’s professional baseball stadiums. The arena floor measured 282 by 177 feet, not quite large enough for an American football game. Remember, it was built nearly 2,000 years ago.

To supply the travertine that covered the exterior walls of the structure, a special 20-foot-wide road was built from the Colosseum to a quarry near Tivoli, a town about 20 miles east of Rome. Then in the early-1500s, the travertine marble that covered the Coliseum’s walls was itself “quarried,” and 2,522 cartloads of marble were used to complete St. Peter's Basilica. Uncounted Romans live, work, and worship in buildings constructed with blocks of stone and slabs of marble, from the “Coliseum Quarry.”

One evening we rode the bus from Camping Roma (located on Via Aurelia on the west side of Rome), past St. Peter’s, then on to Piazza Venezia. We walked down Via del Corso, stopping to see the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and finally to the Spanish Steps. To the left of the Spanish Steps we boarded subway Ligne A and rode to the Stazione Termini, changed to Ligne B, and then went to the Colosseum. What a beautiful sight, as we snapped this memory of the floodlit remains of that ancient stadium!
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During our first visit in 1970 the street around the Colosseum was so crowded with traffic it was almost impossible to cross the street for a visit. We’ve been told that some people would hire a taxi to cross the street to the Colosseum. During our visit a few years later the street was dug up, the subject of an archaeological excavation. During yet another visit in Rome, the excavation was complete, but the traffic pattern had been changed so tourists could visit in safety.
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We have visited inside the Colosseum two or three years, and find it very interesting to see that amphitheaters today, are built in much the same manner as they were thousands of years ago. We have visited at least 15 Roman Amphitheaters in several countries.

If you climb to the top of the Colosseum, you can see St. Peter's Basilica, far in the distance.

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Egypt pyramids

There are over 100 pyramids in Egypt known today from ancient Egypt. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. The most well-known of these pyramids was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the ‘Great Pyramid’.

The earliest known Egyptian pyramid is the Pyramid of Djoser which was built during the third dynasty. This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world’s oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry.

Ancient Egyptians believed that when the pharaoh died, he became Osiris, king of the dead. The new pharaoh became Horus, god of the heavens and protector of the sun god. This cycle was symbolized by the rising and setting of the sun.

Some part of a dead pharaoh’s spirit, called his ka, was believed to remain with his body. And it was thought that if the corpse did not have proper care, the former pharaoh would not be able to carry out his new duties as king of the dead. If this happened, the cycle would be broken and disaster would befall Egypt.

To prevent such a catastrophe, each dead pharaoh was mummified, which preserved his body. Everything the king would need in his afterlife was provided in his grave—vessels made of clay, stone, and gold, furniture, food, even doll-like representations of servants, known as ushabti. His body would continue to receive food offerings long after his death.

To shelter and safeguard the part of a pharaoh’s soul that remained with his corpse, Egyptians built massive tombs—but not always pyramids.

Before the pyramids, tombs were carved into bedrock and topped by flat-roofed structures called mastabas. Mounds of dirt, in turn, sometimes topped the structures.

more on wiki

The great pyramid :

the Great Pyramid is the epitome of the knowledge and experience of all previous pyramids. Khufu had every advantage in growing up in an atmosphere of the several pyramid building projects of his father, King Sneferu. In light of this it becomes easier to understand that Khufu was more than qualified to oversee and organize the grand task of building the monument that is the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World. So much uninformed speculation abounds as to the origin, engineering and construction of the Great Pyramid, though we have a wealth of archaeological evidence to piece together much of the accomplishment. Recently, remnants of ramps have been found by Dr. Zahi Hawass on the south side of the pyramid that attest that some type of ramping was indeed used in the construction of this monument. The attribution of the pyramid to King Khufu is supported by workman’s markings that were found in the pyramid, located in small weight relieving chambers that were never intended to be opened or seen after they were completed.

The precision with which the pyramid was executed is often the source of marvel and speculation. It is likely that the attention to this precision was related to the many structural problems encountered in previous pyramids. To minimize many of the previous errors, the attention to precision produced a pyramid whose base is level within 2.1 cm (less than 1 in!), with the only difference in the length of the sides being 4.4 cm (1.75 in). The blocks used in the pyramid are large, with a commonly stated average of 2.5 tons. Many blocks are indeed smaller than this, the blocks toward the top decrease in size. Some of the casing stones at the base are very large, weighing as much as 15 tons. The heaviest blocks are the granite blocks used to roof the kings chambers and the weight relieving chambers above the king’s chamber. These are estimated to weigh from 50 to 80 tons each!!

more in wiki

Posted in egypt pyramid | Tagged Djoser, Dr. Zahi Hawass, egypt pyramid, Great Pyramid, Imhotep, pharaoh Khufu, ramping, tombs

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Ratanakiri

The northeastern corner of Cambodia, or the province of Ratanakiri, is gradually gaining tourist interest and rightfully so! It's abound with lush jungle, rivers and waterfalls.

For the exploration of the region, your only choice is the provincial capital Banlung. Not a particularly interesting town with wide dirt roads reminiscent of the American Wild West. But, the surroundings of Banlung are beautiful and worth exploring.

See also: Shopping for gems in Ratanakiri, Cambodia

Hidden high into the primordial northeastern forests of Ratanakiri are the 12 highland hill-tribe peoples known as the Khmer Loeu - a term coined by King Sihanouk. Practising animism and slash and burn farming, the Brou, Jarai, Krung, and Tampuan tribes, among others, still hunt with poison darts and crossbows. Many also still wear traditional costume - Krung women in sarongs and bare-breasted Brou women with tattooed faces and ivory tusk earrings in their elongated earlobes.

A peaceful people, they have had more than their share of ill fortune. During the Second Indochina War, American B-52's bombed large portions of the hilltribes' territory in the Americans' futile attempt to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which continued to run relatively undisturbed by the wanton destruction. However, the bombing not only killed and injured many tribes people, it also drove away the animals they hunted and destroyed their farmlands. Then - though the Khmer Rouge had found shelter in these mountains while the Communist guerillas were building their forces - once Pol Pot's despotic regime gained power, the KR returned to Ratanakiri and systematically wiped out half of the tribes-people.

Less than 60,000 hilltribes people now remain and their numbers are further threatened by a high mortality rate from malaria, diarrhea and childbirth complications. Their lives and livelihoods are now also threatened by the encroachment of logging into their territory.

Yak Loam Lake

Situated 5 km southeast of Banlung, the lake is the most beautiful of Ratanakiri formed by a volcanic eruption almost 4,000 years ago. It's 50 m deep and 800 m in diameter. Around the lake runs a walking path of 2,500 m.

Chha Ung Waterfall

These are the largest waterfalls near Banlung, plunging 30 m into a gorge. The pool at the base is good for swimming and you can also climb behind the water curtain, but be careful!

Kachang Waterfall

This Waterfall is located in the Kontung stream (6 km from Banlung) and flows into the Sre Pok River. The height is 12 m. and the water flows and falls throughout the year.

Katieng Waterfall

Also located in the Koutung Stream, below the Kachang Waterfall, 3 km. Height: 10m.

Virachey National Park

45 km north of Banlung. With a land area of 332,500 ha. it has a variety of plants and trees in the forest and many different kinds of animals and birds.

Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated 37km south of Banlung. With a total land area of 250,000 ha. there are tigers, elephants, red-headed vultures etc.

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Kirirom National Park

Initially established as a holiday resort and tourist city in 1945, the area was named Kirirom namely "Mountain of joy" by the King at the suggestion of a monk from Phnom Penh.

A hill of 700m covers an area of 35,000 hectares.

Especially interesting is the Chambok Ecotourism site.

A large new concrete sign on the right 88 kilometers from Phnom Penh on National Route No. 4 makes finding the turnoff very easy.

This beautiful national park area was once a favorite resort for the influential, the powerful and wealthy and a retreat for King Sihanouk himself.

There are not many types of larger wildlife in evidence on Kirirom, but it is an ideal spot to glimpse some of the Kingdom's unique birdlife and birdwatchers even come from overseas to visit. Park rangers charge foreigners a 20,000 riel ($5) entrance fee.

The natural resort is decorated with many categories of pines imported from Japan.

The area is suitable for a day trip from Phnom Penh, but it is also possible to arrange accommodation. Near the main entrance the rather expensive Kirirom Hillside Resort (Tel: 855 (0)12 970 098) is situated.

The road rises steeply but is paved and in quite good condition. After about 10 kilometers you'll reach Kirirom Guesthouse and Restaurant. Run by a Cambodian family, be prepared that nobody speaks a word of English here. A few words of Khmer come in handy. The basic rooms are situated apart from the restaurant.

The Kirirom Restaurant offers ordinary, but tasty Khmer fare. Again a little pricy for a Cambodian restaurant ($3 - 5, rice not included). Heineken is the only beer on the menu, but there is Hennessy and Johnnie Walker.

The restaurant is perched on a high point, offering great sunset views of the pine forest and mountains from an open deck eating area on the roof. Unfortunately, when I was there, the air was filled with a smoky smell, caused by ground vegetation fires. You'll see that in many places in Kirirom, especially at the end of the dry season.

Garbage

There is also quite some garbage in the park. It is interesting to see the numerous "Do not litter, throw trash into bins" signs. The local tourists don't heed to the signs well and much litter can still be found in the rivers and about.

The NGO Chambok Community-based Ecotourism (T:012-355272) tries to make the locals aware of preserving their natural resources and at the sime time generating some income by eco-tourism:

Chambok Ecotourism site is just next to the Kirirom National Park. Be prepared for some exercise (4 km trek), interaction with local villagers, and discovery of Cambodia's unique natural biodiversity. (see pictures)

All of the revenue from the site supports the local community and their efforts to conserve forest and wildlife.

Furthermore, they offer the possibility to have a lunch in a villager's house prepared by local women, including fruit and coconut at the waterfall.

Entrance fees

• Foreigner adult $3
• Foreigner child $1
• Cambodian adult 1000 riel
• Cambodian child free
• 

  The rivers of Kiriom Plateau are slow flowing and calm, but the few rapids that occur have been designated as "waterfalls" on the tourist map. You will be most disappointed if you go there expecting dramatic shear drops from cliffs. There are a total of three such "waterfall" areas that are frequented by visitors.

  At "Waterfall" No. 1, there is a short 10-minute jungle walking trail that goes around the area. Early morning is the best time to explore the area, as it is still devoid of the typical crowds.

  At each "waterfall" area are numerous huts serving as raised platforms for picnickers. These ubiquitous huts line the river, trails and roads on both sides.

  A better managed park with returns to the local community is the Chambok Waterfall Park. The young guides will bring you to a true waterfall:

  

  Own transport

  It is best to visit Kirirom having your own transport (dirt bike or 4x4 car). That way you can explore much more of the park. There are numerous trails. Unfortunately you're almost never alone as most of these trails lead to somewhere: a house, a school, a pagoda etc.

  

  Visit just after wet season

  Kirirom is a nice day trip from Phnom Penh, or a chill out point between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. The national park is more interesting during or just after the rainy season: not that many fires on the ground and waterfalls having, well... water.

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Bokor Mountain Kampot

Cambodia is almost completely flat with the exceptions of the south and north east. During the French occupation, the French built a luxury resort town on the very top of one of these mountains called the Bokor Resort.

In 2008 work has begun to build a new upscale resort on the top. The road to Bokor Hill therefor is closed, but it's unclear for how long. You can still hike up the mountain though.

The road up to this place used to be incredibly bad: bumping and humping all the way. Those times are over, as the first phase in building the new resort is upgrading the road to the top.

The views along this road are beautiful. Bokor Mountain is part of the larger Bokor National Park, a thick jungle sprawl of giant ferns and thick vegetation. Tigers are rare (and very shy) but are said to live on the mountain, as well as leopards, Asiatic black bears, and slow lorises and other monkeys, as well as a unique grouping of jungle birds, snakes, crawlies, and even a small population of Asian elephants.

To be honest, the only chance you'll have to see any of the wildlife is by hiking through the national park. Which, incidentally, is now the only way to get to the top of Bokor Mountain. So, there are some advantages to the road being closed.

Bokor Hill was not only admired by the French. After they granted independence to Cambodia, King Sihanouk laid eyes on the area and build his own villa a few kilometers from the summit. It's now only a ruine, called the Black Palace, although it's really guite a small villa.

The location is beautiful though and while you're there you can imagine the Royal Family sitting there looking over Bokor Park while sipping a glass of wine.

Next, you'll pass a small temple and a turn off to a small waterfall. This waterfall is only worth seeing during or immediately after the rainy season, the rest of the year it's (almost) dry.

Going further up the mountain, you'll first pass the rangers station on the left with the old French catholic church on the right. Then, on the summit, there's the old casino. You'll have to hurry to see it in its decayed state, as this casino will be part of the new resort complex being built.

The view from the top of Bokor Mountain is fabulous. On a clear day you can see the shore line, but take notice that the top of the mountain is often clouded or misty. Even on a clear day down in Kampot, you'll be surprised by the weather change once you're getting up Bokor Mountain.

Still, even when misty, the place has a kind of magic, maybe even more when clouds are hanging around the top.

The entrance fee for Bokor Mountain is $5 and the gate is open from dawn to dusk. The whole trip takes half a day. The turnoff to the mountaintop is 8km (5 miles) west from Kampot and 95km (59 miles) northeast from Sihanoukville. The road up to the top from the main road is 32km (20 miles) of twisting and turning.

Bring provisions as there's nothing available on the road up or on the top (well, as long as the new resort is not completed).

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Bamboo Island

Besides boasting a famous name and beautiful white sand beaches there are many wonders of natural beauty hidden in the islands near the coastal town of Sihanoukville.

One such island is Koh Russei (Bamboo Island), where picturesque beaches and the fresh sea air soothes tourists souls, sends them into a state of relaxation and melts their cares away.

The presence of visitors has created business opportunities for the local people. There are currently two accomodations available: Bimbamboo Bungalows ($10/night) and Koh Ru Bungalows, both set right on the beach.

The one and a half hour trip to Koh Russei from Ochheuteal Beach only costs $20 per round trip for groups of one to three guests. Groups of four or more pay only $6 per person.

“In the future, I plan to run visitors to Koh Russei three times per day, and I hope to lower the costs. We will continue to improve our service and comfort in order to attract more tourists to the region. We also have plans to enlarge our guesthouse.”

Captain Phoan also takes tourists to the islands around Sihanoukville. “At least two or three foreign clients per week hire my boat to transport them to Koh Russei. Many of the islands near Sihanoukville have beautiful sand beaches. Each has its own unique personality and beauty.”

Sihanoukville Tourism Department Director Mr. Teng Huy said, “Many tourists already know about Sihanoukville, and they praise its natural sand beaches.

But they are unaware that we have many islands which are hiding out in the sea. These fantastic islands are waiting to welcome them. I strongly believe they will be overwhelmed by their natural beauty.”

Royal Navy sailor, Sin Prin is stationed at the Koh Russei base. “We have only recently allowed tourists to come to Koh Russei. In the past only government soldiers received permission to catch fish and take holidays here because of the Kompong Som Navy base. Now we have opened the island up so that all types of people can have an opportunity to spend their holidays here.”

“The most beautiful beach on the island is a secluded 600 meter long stretch of pure white sand. It features two smooth natural stairs which lead down to the water. Sea waves break on the coast, and combine with the song of birds in the nearby trees to form a relaxing symphony.”

Mr. Prak Thorn, a senior naval officer, stationed at Koh Russei base said, “I feel very happy to welcome tourists who wish to visit the island’s interior or its lovely beaches.”

“I want to see multicolored tourist bungalows here, instead of the drab olive color of the military camps of the past. We want to convert our navy base into a site for tourists. We also want to teach the armed forces based here to become tour guides.” said Prak Thorn.

“I believe the beautiful nature and picturesque coastline on this island can attract tourists and fulfill their wishes and needs.”

The tourists who do venture out to the island do so to see its beauty.

Mr. Jam Kelly, a tourist from the UK said, “I like the environment here. The beach is clean, the sand is white, and there is no noise. It is possible to go camping here, which is fun and relaxing for tourists. I believe that if the natural beauty remains protected, this location has great tourist potential.”

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Southern Cambodia Rabbit Island Kep

Koh Tonsay or Rabbit Island is located about 4.5 Kilometers southwest of Kep. Tourists are drawn to the two beautiful white sand beaches. The sea here is shallow and has a long slope, making Koh Tonsay excellent for swimming.

There is no electricity, so at night it is just you, your torch, perhaps a beach bonfire and about a million stars overhead.

Ko Tonsay, or Rabbit Island as it is commonly known as, is a lovely and truly idyllic little island that sits offshore from Kep, just thirty minutes away by hired boat.

Koh Tonsay is two square kilometers. In the 960's it was used as a place to rehabilitate criminals, who were also used to defend the island. Horse cart paths and wooden, thatch roofed motels were also constructed during this time. Most of this infrastructure has been destroyed. Today, seven families live on the island. They earn their living by fishing and growing coconut trees.

Rabbit Island has become a popular daytrip for tourists. Within sight of land, this lushly forested spot has swimming and snorkeling opportunities. At the sea bottom area a variety of corals, sea animals and plants and is just a pleasant place to while away some time.

The main beach where the boats anchor in line with coconut palms, hammocks, lazy chairs and a handful of fresh seafood joints serving up some outstanding seafood -- it doesn't get fresher than here!

There's a delightful lady and her family who have a little restaurant there with great seafood - very inexpensive - and rent bamboo shacks out for about $3 per day - very basic with mattress and mosquito net, a short walk to the toilet. When you ask for some crab in garlic and pepper you could well end up wading out to help the owner select the crabs!

The beach is clean and you definitely feel far, far away from it all.

There is no electricity, so at night it is just you, your torch, perhaps a beach bonfire and about a million stars overhead. No karaoke, no motorbikes, no noise, no problem.

There are opportunities for walks to other little bays on the island and the swimming straight off the main beach is excellent, otherwise fishing trips may be able to be organised through your boatman. Try to rustle up a few people for the trip.

If you're after a back to basics, island hideaway then you've found it here on glorious Ko Tonsay. There can't be many places in the world that could be more relaxing than Rabbit Island. It is little, though.

Kep’s guesthouses offer boat services to the island, and local fishermen will also take you, but they are likely to be more expensive.

Prices for a return trip range between $10 and $20 (per boat, not per person). There are a feast of other islands dotting the area. A tour of these could also be arranged.

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Water Festival Ends With Award Ceremony

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, applauds to the crowd as he presides over the last day of the three-day annual water festival at the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace Monday, Nov. 6, 2006, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. More than one million people were expected to stream into the capital for the festival that is dedicated to the kingdom's ancestral naval warriors, which are believed to provide vital natural resources including fish to Cambodians. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)


Cambodian racers row their wooden boats past hundreds of spectators at the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace Monday, Nov. 6, 2006, the last day of the three-day annual water festival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. More than one million people were expected to stream into the capital for the festival that is dedicated to the kingdom's ancestral naval warriors moreover to the mighty of Mekong water that provides vital natural resources and fish to the Cambodians. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Tuesday, November 7, 2006
By Lor Chandara
THE CAMBODIA DAILY

The 2006 Water Festival wrapped up Monday night with trophies presented by King Norodom Sihamoni to the fastest and most beautiful boats in the regatta.

Twenty-one of Cambodia's 24 provinces and municipalities competed in the three days of racing during which 409 racing boats entered the competition.

The fastest boat, clocking 26 minutes, 29 seconds in three races that started at the Japanese Friendship Bridge and ended in front of the Royal Palace, was the Odong Meachey Baromei Vang Chas boat from Kompong Speu province's Odong district.

In second place at 26:33 was the Kirivong Sok Senchey boat from Kirivong district in Takeo province.

The third fastest boat with 26:46 minutes was the Akthireach Chakraphup Raingsey boat from Kompong Thom province.

Three boats received awards for the best decorations: the Samrek Reachsei Baromei Tamol Leou from Kompong Chhnang province, the Preahnet Tip from Kandal province, and the Koh Keo Sen Dekchas from Preah Vihear province.

Tourism Ministry Secretary of State Thong Khon said that last year's Greater Mekong Subregion race, which featured boats from the region and in which Thailand narrowly beat Cambodia in a dramatic final, was not repeated this year.

"That was a one-time special event," he said.

Initial government estimates indicate that more tourists from Europe attended this year's festival, but exact numbers of arrivals were not available Monday.

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Water Festival Phnom Penh - Cambodia

The Water Festival is a three-day event, celebrating the end of the rainy season and reversing of the flow in the Tonle Sap river. During the dry season the water flows into the Mekong, but in the wet season there is so much water flowing down the Mekong, forcing the Tonle Sap to reverse its flow back into the Great Lake (Tonle Sap Lake).

The Water Festival brings about 1 million visitors to Phnom Penh, almost doubling the inhabitant figure of the Cambodian capital. The main event is the boatraces on the river, with competing teams from all over the country. Colorful boats and cheerful crowds. Every now and then a crew rows too enthusiastic and the boat almost sinks, but others come to the rescue quick.

The riverfront is lined with food, drink, fruit and other stalls. This is your chance to eat snake or spiders.

At night luminated boats sail up and down the river, docking at the river side at around 10pm.

The atmosphere is friendly and a little carnival like. In 2005, the Water Festival will be from November 15-November 17.

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Phnom Penh: Capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia

A mixture of Cambodian hospitality, Asian exotica and Indochinese charm await the visitor to Phnom Penh. Situated at the confluence of three great rivers - known as the 'Chaktomuk' (four faces) or 'Quatre Bras' (four arms) of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers - Phnom Penh is a city of more than 2 million people, the capital of Cambodia and the country's commercial, economic and political hub. It is also comparatively new travel destination. An adventure destination just a decade ago, the city is now a center of diverse economic and urban development and is quickly morphing an air of edgy chic with bistros and boutique hotels lining the riverfront, smart little silk boutiques and galleries dotting the side streets, a budding arts scene and a heady dusk-to-dawn nightlife.

As the capital city Phnom Penh is fairly young, only rising to the role in 1866, but is still steeped in history and offers several cultural and historical sites. The city was under French colonial control from 1863-1953, flourished in independence in the 1960s, besieged and then evacuated under the Khmer Rouge in the late 70s, repopulated in the 80s, revitalized in the 90s and now undergoing rapid change and development. Much of the central city including the Royal Palace and National Museum (both open to visitors) was built during the French period. You may notice the old French buildings in colonial yellow amongst the Southeast Asian shophouses and classic Khmer pagodas. The National Museum in Phnom Penh is the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, displaying many important Angkorian artifacts and rare pieces from later periods. Historical sites from the Khmer Rouge period in Phnom Penh include the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Memorial. Other historical sites such as the old capital of Oudong and the Angkorian ruins of Phnom Chisor and Phnom Da lie within an easy day-trip of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh is also a gateway to Cambodia...the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap City in the west, the beaches of Sihanoukville and coastal towns on along the southern coast (Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong,) the minority peoples, jungles and wildlife of the northeast provinces and a wide-open, unspoiled countryside of rice paddies, little villages and lost temples across the country.

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