Photos from Tonle Bati Resort

The Tonle Bati Resort in Takeo Province is an example of Cambodia’s economic growth. Many years ago, there was no domestic tourism. “Hanging out by the river” was an activity for foreigners. But now, official statistics and other sources say that the Tonle Bati Resort entertains about 100 domestic tourists every day. Along the river, hundreds of huts made of straw and wood have been constructed. Busloads of families come to relax in the huts and to watch the river flows as they enjoy food and beer. Children jump at the chance to swim and play with water. Others embark on hour-long trips on traditional fishing boats to visit an ancient pagoda on a nearby island or to fetch some fresh lotus. Cambodian tourism destinations, unlike amusement parks in the West, always bring a sense of tranquillity and refreshment. They remind me of the beauty of nature as well as the treasure of friendship as Savon, Ippei, Ti-yang and I sat for hours in this October morning chatting and laughing.

To access these huts, you must first walk and balance yourself on some flimsy floating wood. But once inside the huts, you would feel as if you are floating with the river. Really cool =)

Ippei and Savon trying their best to throw water out of our little boat. Yes, it was leaking! Nonetheless, it was great to have a short 30-minute journey down the Tonle Bati river.

A Cambodian woman working to fasten the strings attached to this floating bridge.

Cheap desserts made with palm tree fruit and bamboo leaves. Yummy!

Cambodian "river cuisine" -- fried fish and FROG. The frog tasted weird.

There are two ancient temples (plus pagoda) near the resort. This one, called the Grandmother Temple in Khmer, is made of sandstone. My friend says that the Angkor Wat was made with similar concepts -- except it was many many times bigger.

In Cambodia, pagodas are usually also places for people to relax. (And actually, Cambodian children can be really creative when it comes to games. Look at this -- a volleyball court made between two trees.)

Right next to the Grandmother Temple is the Grandfather Pagoda. Surrounding the pagoda are many statues and stupas which tell the story of Buddha. According to the locals, this particular tree represents a "sacred place" because snakes are symbols of the gods.



Children playing around the pagoda. They are very cute, but when they saw foreigners (such as me), they instantly began yelling m'roy, which means one hundred in Khmer. They were asking a hundred riels (around two cents). These scenes indicate that even though tourism may bring income to poor rural families, the influx of relatively wealthy locals and foreigners into the area may have a bad influence on the life and work attitudes of children and adults -- especially those who become accustomed to begging for money.

Another set of stupas representing the birth story of Buddha.

A series of statues made from donations by a Cambodian who migrated to the U.S. In Cambodia, it is customary for people to contribute to the construction of pagodas. In fact, most recently, there was the festival of Gut Ten. It was a huge fundraising period as Cambodian families collect hundreds and thousands of dollars from their family and friends and set off to the rural areas for a few weekends to start construction of a temple, monk's dormitory, statues, etc.