Understand
The north of the region is guarded by the imposing Dangrek Mountains, which act as a natural barrier with Thailand. On the other hand, the southern part of the region offers flat and fertile land that leads to the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake. Throughout history, control of this area has shifted among different powers. Thanks to the French, it is now part of Cambodia, as they pressured the Siamese to relinquish it in 1907. Prior to that, it had been under Siamese rule since 1867. Even earlier, Cambodia existed as a vassal state of both Siam and Vietnam. Siem Reap, the largest city in the region, stands out amongst the other smaller towns like Sisophon, Poipet, and Anlong Veng. Despite the grandeur of the temples in Siem Reap province, it remains one of the poorest areas in the country. However, infrastructure development has been booming since 2008, making older journey times and maps outdated. In rural areas, villagers rely on expensive car batteries for electricity. While development is currently limited to asphalt trails through remote areas, the growth of businesses and tourism will surely follow. Therefore, it is essential to explore off the beaten path and gain a genuine insight into Cambodia's beautiful struggle.
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