Pailin Travel Guide
This frontier gem and mining town lies on the fringes of Cambodia’s Battambang Province near the border with Thailand. The region boasts a few resorts and ancient temples though most of the allure is outside Pailin’s city limits.
Pailin’s success is centered on gems rather than tourism so visitors will find little infrastructure in this dusty city. Often likened to a Wild West frontier outpost, Pailin holds the interest of travelers with a strong, independent spirit venturing out from Battambang.
The sole attraction in the city is a beautiful temple cresting the local hill. There’s also the possibility of an excursion into the surrounding countryside, particularly the Samlaut Protected Area. Be advised that tour guides are essential when traveling off the beaten path as landmines are still a problem in Cambodia’s remote countryside.
Getting There & Away
Battambang’s airport has recently closed so most people arrive in the province by bus from Phnom Penh via the newly sealed road. Buses from Phnom Penh to Battambang take 4 hours, but onward connections to Pailin can take much longer as road conditions are poor. Travel time on this unsealed secondary road depends on the quality of your vehicle and weather conditions.
Things to Do
Pailin Attractions
- Temple
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Pailin’s temple sits on top of a hill overlooking this frontier town and can be visited on foot. this is the only tourist attraction in the area.
- Samlaut Protected Area
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This is the only tropical rainforest in the region and plays host to numerous plant and animal species included rare asian elephants.
- Gems
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Pailin draws a lot of gem traders so if you are looking for the perfect cut you may want to dabble in picking up some precious stones here.
Onward Travel
- Pailin Casinos
- Phnom Khieu Waterfall
- Wat Phnom Yat