Backpacking in Cambodia: Anlong Veng
Reposted: March 29 2021
Anlong Veng, just 2 hours north of the madness that is Siem Reap. An all to different madness.
This whole area was a Khmer Rouge stronghold, long after they were officially kicked out of Cambodia. It offered Pol Pot and his men a safe haven and a quick exit to Thailand if needed.
Above: The view from my balcony at the Bud Oudom Guest House, Anlong Veng lake. Pol Pots number 5, aka 'The Butcher' had this lake dug, killed all the trees, not to mention most of the diggers.
This is the site where Pol Pot was cremated (he 'died' on the night he was arrested). 13 kilos north of town, within 500m of the Thai border. 2 weeks later I crossed into Thailand at this very crossing:
This is the site where Pol Pot was cremated (he 'died' on the night he was arrested). 13 kilos north of town, within 500m of the Thai border. 2 weeks later I crossed into Thailand at this very crossing:
On the hill up to the border, people still pay their respects to those who were murdered under the regime of the Khmer Rouge:
Fishermen, dead trees and mad monks. Was a happy 3 days in Anlong Veng. No other tourists, no 7 Elevens, just local shops, food stalls, lots of dust/mud and a ladyboy who wanted to massage me for free.
Where to stay in Anlong Veng: Bud Oudom Guesthouse, east of the round-a-bout, awesome view of the lake, friendly staff.
Where to stay in Anlong Veng: Bud Oudom Guesthouse, east of the round-a-bout, awesome view of the lake, friendly staff.
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This post has been re written for Nomadic Backpacker and is based on my travels in 2014