Cambodia: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities Opposition Fares Well in Election Geography Situated on the Indochinese peninsula, Cambodia is bordered by Thailand and Laos on the north and Vietnam on the east and south. The Gulf of Thailand is off the western coast. The size of Missouri, the country consists chiefly of a large alluvial plain ringed by mountains with the Mekong River to the east. The plain is centered around Lake Tonle Sap, which is a natural storage basin of the Mekong. Government Multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy. History The area that is present-day Cambodia came under Khmer rule about 600, when the region was at the center of a vast empire that stretched over most of Southeast Asia. Under the Khmers, who were Hindus, a magnificent temple complex was constructed at Angkor. Buddhism was introduced in the 12th century during the rule of Jayavaram VII. However, the kingdom, then known as Kambuja, fell into decline after Jayavaram's reign and was nearly annihilated by Thai and Vietnamese invaders.

Kambuja's power steadily diminished until 1863, when France colonized the region, joining Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam into a single protectorate known as French Indochina. The French quickly usurped all but ceremonial powers from the monarch, Norodom. When he died in 1904, the French passed over his sons and handed the throne to his brother, Sisowath. Sisowath and his son ruled until 1941, when Norodom Sihanouk was elevated to power. Sihanouk's coronation, along with the Japanese occupation during the war, worked to reinforce a sentiment among Cambodians that the region should be free from outside control. After World War II, Cambodians sought independence, but France was reluctant to part with its colony. Cambodia was granted independence within the French Union in 1949. But the French-Indochinese War provided an opportunity for Sihanouk to gain full military control of the country.

He abdicated in 1955 in favor of his parents, remaining head of the government, and when his father died in 1960, Sihanouk became chief of state without returning to the throne. In 1963, he sought a guarantee of Cambodia's neutrality from all parties in the Vietnam War. However, North Vietnamese and Vietcong troops had begun using eastern Cambodia as a safe haven from which to launch attacks into South Vietnam, making it increasingly difficult to stay out of the war. An indigenous Communist guerrilla movement known as the Khmer Rouge also began to put pressure on the government in Phnom Penh. On March 18, 1970, while Sihanouk was abroad, anti-Vietnamese riots broke out and Sihanouk was overthrown by Gen. Lon Nol. The Vietnam peace agreement of 1973 stipulated withdrawal of foreign forces from Cambodia, but fighting continued between Hanoi-backed insurgents and U.S.-supplied government troops. Cambodia | Overland Travel and International Border Crossings Visas at Overland Border Crossings See Visas page for prices and other details on visas.

Border crossing with Laos: This is a semi-official crossing. Border policies are not stable. Cambodian visas are available at the border. Laos visas are not available. Border crossings with Vietnam: Cambodian visas are available at most crossing points including the Bavet/Moc Bai and Chau Doc (Kaam Samnor) crossings. Vietnamese visas are not available at any crossing. Border crossings with Thailand: Cambodian visas and 15/30-day Thai transit visas are available at all Thai/Cambodian border crossings. Thai transit visas are free of charge. Other types of Thai visas are not available. Bavet Checkpoint: Moc Bai, Vietnam / Bavet, Cambodia (Route 1 to Phnom Penh) Cambodian visas available at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border. Cambodian E-Visa accepted at this crossing. The Moc Bai crossing is the closest and most convenient to Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The road from Phnom Penh , through the Moc Bai crossing to Ho Chi Minh City is in very good condition except for short stretches under construction between Neak Loung and Phnom Penh .

At peak traffic hours and holidays there can be long waits at the Mekong River ferry crossing at Neak Loung. Bus: There are several bus companies offering direct a/c bus service between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City for $10-$12. No bus change at the border. The trip usually takes about 6 hours barring traffic back ups at the Neak Loung ferry crossing. Phnom Penh does not have a centralized bus station. Buses from different companies depart from different stations. In Ho Chi Minh City, most of the bus stations and offices are in the Pham Ngu Lao area. Bus Schedules: Phnom Penh to/from HCMC Phnom Penh to/from HCMC (direct): 6:30, 8:30, 14:30 HCMC to/from Phnom Penh (direct): 6:30, 13:00, 14:30 Phnom Penh Office: #391 Sihanouk Blvd at Street 274 , Phnom Penh.

Tel: +(855) (0)23-211666/888 Phnom Penh to/from HCMC (direct): 6:30, 7:00, 8:30, 13:15 HCMC to/from Phnom Penh (direct): 7:00, 8:30, 11:00, 13:00 Deluxe buses. Phnom Penh Office located at #87 Sisowath Quay at the corner of Street 102 on the riverfront. Tel: 023-427518. Stations located at Phsar Orrusey and at the office. Phnom Penh to/from HCMC (direct): 6:45, 8:00, 13:30 HCMC to/from Phnom Penh (direct): 7:30, 9:00, 13:30 Deluxe buses. Phnom Penh Station: Capitol Guesthouse , corner of Streets 107 and 182.

Taxi: Local taxis depart Phnom Penh from Market Chhbar Ampeou. Shared taxi costs $5 for a cramped, harrowing ride to the border. Private taxi for $35. At the border, check through immigration, walk across the border arrange another taxi or van the rest of the way to Ho Chi Minh City. Kaam Samnor, Cambodia/Ving Xuong, Vietnam ("Chau Doc crossing") (On the Mekong River) Cambodian visas available at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border This Mekong River border crossing is near the Vietnamese city of Chau Doc. Coming from Cambodia, this crossing is accessed primarily from Phnom Penh .

From Phnom Penh , you will taxi (shared taxi: 10,000 riel) or bus east on National Route #1 to Neak Luong town (where the Route #1 meets the Mekong River.) At Neak Luong, take a ferry down the Mekong to the Kaam Samnor crossing near Chau Doc (10,000 riel.) Stamp out of Cambodia, take a motorcycle taxi to Vietnamese Immigration, stamp into Vietnam, and then catch another motorcycle taxi into central Chau Doc a couple of kilometers away. There are guesthouses and hotels in Chau Doc. Allot about 5 hours for the trip from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc. Mini-vans leave Chau Doc for HCMC regularly all day long. They can found clustered around the central market area and cost about US$3/person. The mini-van drivers wait for a full van before they leave so, to minimize your wait, try to get into a van that's almost full.

If you'd prefer to buy a package ticket for the trip from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc instead of arranging all of the transport yourself, Capitol Guesthouse and Neak Krorhorm Travel in Phnom Penh offer daily transport to Chau Doc (by bus and ferry) for about $7-$8. Phnom Den, Takeo, Cambodia/Tinh Bien, Vietnam Cambodian visas available at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border This border crossing in Takeo province Cambodia is about 10 km south of the the Vietnamese city of Chau Doc. Coming from Cambodia, this crossing can be accessed from either Phnom Penh or Kampot . From Phnom Penh , take a shared taxi from Phsar Domkor (Market Domkor) to Phnom Den in Takeo province ($8-$10.) Walk across the border to Tinh Bien, Vietnam. From Tinh Bien, take a motorcycle taxi or car taxi to Chau Doc about 10km north. From Chau Doc, most travelers continue on to HCMC. From Kampot , arrange a taxi to the border (Phnom Den) through your guesthouse.

Private taxi costs about $30-$40 and take 2-3 hours. If you like, the guesthouse can help to find other travelers to share the taxi with you and reduce the per person cost. The taxi will travel through Kampong Trach district of Kampot province to the border crossing at Phnom Den. At Phnom Den, walk across the border to Tinh Bien, Vietnam. From Tinh Bien, take a motorcycle taxi or car taxi to Chau Doc about 10km north. The 'right price' is reportedly about $3, though drivers ask as much as $10. Don't forget to bargain! There are guesthouses and hotels in Chau Doc. Mini-vans leave Chau Doc for HCMC regularly all day long. They can found clustered around the central market area and cost about US$3/person. The mini-van drivers wait for a full van before they leave so, to minimize your wait, try to get into a van that's almost full. Trapeang Phlong Border Pass: Xa Mat, Vietnam/Trapeang Phlong, Kampong Cham, Cambodia Cambodian visas available on arrival at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border.

(You must get your Vietnam visa in advance.) Recently opened. In Kampong Cham province, Memot district, bordering the Vietnamese province of Tay Ninh. Xa Xia, Vietnam/Prek Chak, Cambodia (Ha Tien crossing) Cambodian visas available on arrival at the border. Vietnamese visas NOT available at the border. (You must get your Vietnam visa in advance.) Open 07:00-18:00 The Prek Chak/Xaxia (ï¿½Ha Tienï¿½) checkpoint is the nearest, most easily accessed border crossing from Kampot / Kep . The crossing lies near the Vietnamese towns of Ha Tien and Rach Gia which are the jump off points to the Phu Quoc Island. The road from Kampot to the border crossing is in good condition, taking about 1h-1h30m to traverse. Regularly scheduled multi-daily vans and mini-buses travel from Kampot, through the border crossing and all the way to Ha Tien, most in time for the ferry to Phu Quoc. Price: $8-$11. Arrange a ticket through your guesthouse or a tour operator in Kampot.

If you want to do-it-yourself, a motodup from Kampot to to the Prek Chak crossing costs about $8; tuk-tuks run about $15-$20 and a taxi is $20-$25. Some motorcycle taxis from Kampot are also able to cross the border with you and take you as far as Ha Tien for an additional $2-$3. The Phnom Den/Tinh Bien border crossing near Chau Doc Vietnam is an alternative border crossing with Vietnam accessible from Kampot. It is not a regular taxi route but taxis to the crossing can be hired for about $30-$40 for the whole car. 2-3 hours. Contact your guesthouse to arrange a taxi. ï¿½ Border Crossings with Thailand BREAKING: On 11 September 2015 some visa service companies in Thailand reported that as of 12 September the standard 15/30 day visa exemption stamps would no longer be available at Thailand-Cambodia border crossings.

Reports at the time indicated that visas would be required for entry to Thailand (tourist, multi-entry, etc would all be acceptable.) On Sunday 13 September, there were reports from travelers and some local media that some travelers were still being issue exemption stamps, while others were being refused, and that some holders of valid Thai visas are NOT being allowed entry/exit at Thailand-Cambodia border crossings. There has been no official announcement from the Thai government about the changes or situation. The situation remains unclear at this time. UPDATE: On 14 September 2015 normal service resumed at Thailand-Cambodia border crossings. Thai authorities have resumed issuing 15/30 day visa exemption stamps to all eligible nationalities, reportedly with the additional requirement of a maximum stay on total visa exemption stamps of no more than 90 days per year. Visas at Overland Border Crossings with Thailand Cambodian visas and Thai transit visas are available at all Thai/Cambodian border crossings. Thai transit visas are free of charge. Other types of Thai visas are not available. Cambodia visas are available at some border crossing with Vietnam, including the Prek Chak crossing. Vietnam visas are not available at any international border crossing.

Travelers report that Cambodian immigration at the Cham Yeam crossing will not accept payment in US dollars and is currently charging 1200 Thai baht for a tourist visa and 1600 baht for a business visa. There have long been similar reports from the Poipet crossing, though the practice seems to be on the wane. These days the trick seems to be that visas are dispenced at the correct price, but for a $5 fee you can get express service. At peak times of the day, non-express service can take hours. A photo is supposedly required and, unlike the international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap , an extra charge of 100B is sometimes leveled if you donï¿½t have one. The visa process at the border is straightforward and do-it-yourself. Touts will insist you need their help to obtain a visa but this is untrue. Do not accept their ï¿½assistanceï¿½ as it is not necessary and will only increase the cost Cham Yeam Checkpoint: Had Lek, Thailand / Koh Kong, Cambodia (The way to Sihanoukville) Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available.

Open 07:00-20:00 The Route: Bangkok to SIHANOUKVILLE via KOH KONG The usual route runs from Bangkok to Trat (with some people opting for a detour to Koh Chang), then on to the border crossing at Had Lek Thailand where you cross to Koh Kong City, Cambodia. From Koh Kong, bus or taxi to Sihanoukville. Details: Bangkok to the Had Lek / KOH KONG crossing 1a. From Bangkok: A/c bus to Trat. ~200 baht, 5-6 hours. 1b. From Koh Chang: Boat from Koh Chang to Leam Ngop. Share taxi to Trat. Moto to bus station. 2. Take a van from Trat market to the Thai border town of Had Lek. Vans depart every 30 minutes or so and take about 1h30m to the border. 3. Stamp out of Thailand. Walk to the Cambodian immigration station to buy a visa and stamp in. Drivers will approach you as soon as you come out of the immigration station.

Prices into Koh Kong City 8 km away run about 100B for moto, $7-$8 for a tuk-tuk and $10 for private taxi into town 4. Travel from Koh Kong to Sihanoukville by regularly scheduled daily bus or taxi. The road is paved and in fair condition. 4-5 hours. KOH KONG to/from SIHANOUKVILLE National Route #4 (NR4) connects Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. Road #48 runs between NR4 and Koh Kong City. The road from Koh Kong (Road #48) is in fair condition - fully paved but broken and pot-holed in sections. The road has worsened over the last few months. Road #48 passes through the jungled Cardamom Mountains. At high points on the road the jungle canopy can be seen stretching into the distance. ï¿½Elephant Crossingï¿½ signs dot the side of the road in parts. Road #48 also spans four picturesque major rivers. Keep your camera ready. Bus Several bus companies bus companies offer direct daily bus service between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville using full size a/c buses for $6-$10/person.

About 4-4.5 hours duration. Most buses depart in the morning. Check current schedule. Taxi Share taxi: 40,000R/person. Up to 6 passengers in one taxi. Private taxi: $60-$65. PHNOM PENH to/from KOH KONG Taxi Taxi About $75 for a private taxi. Bus Several bus companies bus companies offer direct daily bus service between Koh Kong and Phnom Penh using full size a/c buses. $12-13/person. About 5 hours duration. Most buses depart around 7:45AM and another at midday. ï¿½ Aranyaprathet, Thailand/Poipet , Cambodiaï¿½ Cambodian visas and Thai transit visas available on arrival at the border. Cambodian E-Visa accepted at this crossing. Open 08:00-20:00 Most overland Thailand to/from Siem Reap travelers cross the border at the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border crossing. Most people travel by bus, but train (on the Thai side) and taxi travel is also available. Cambodian visas are available at the border.

The practice of overcharging for Cambodian tourist visas is on the wane. Going the other direction, 15-day Thai transit visas are available at the border free of charge. Other types of Thai visas are not available. You will likely be confronted by a couple of annoyances at the border. Touts and drivers on the Thai side of the border will tell you that you should or even must get a Cambodian visa from a ï¿½local consulateï¿½ on your way to the border crossing. DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICES. DO NOT GET YOUR VISA AT THE ï¿½LOCAL CONSULATE.ï¿½ The visa is valid but is wildly overpriced. Do not get your Cambodian visa until you have stamped out of Thailand, crossed the border into Cambodia and arrived at Cambodian ï¿½Visa-on-Arrivalï¿½ station. Also, the touts will tell you that you need to exchange foreign currency for Cambodian riel. THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT TO CHANGE MONEY AT THE BORDER. It is a scam to get you to change money at a rip-off exchange rate. DO NOT change money at the border.

Itï¿½s a 465km, 6-9 hour trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The usual route begins with a 4-5 hour bus or a train ride from Bangkok to the border crossing at Aranyaprathet, cross the border into Cambodia (visas available on-arrival), and then 3 more hours on to Siem Reap. On the Cambodian side, the road to Siem Reap is in excellent condition: Direct Bus There are now direct buses between Siem Reap and Bangkok. One ticket, one price, no bus change at the border, though you still have to deboard at the border crossing and walk through for visa, immigrations and custom check. The bus makes 2-3 rest stops along the way and a snack is served, but you may want to pack some extra food for the trip. Total trip: 6-8 hours. Price: $25-$30 (750B), not inclusive of visa fees. Buses leave early, 7AM-9AM in both directions.

At the border crossing make sure to get your visa at the Cambodia ï¿½Visa-on-arrivalï¿½ immigration station, not ï¿½local consulate on the Thai side.) In Bangkok tickets are sold and buses depart from Morochit station. In Siem Reap purchase tickets through the Nattakan office on the Sivutha Blvd or at a travel/tour agent. In Siem Reap the ticket usually includes free pick up from your hotel. Do it yourself 1) From Bangkok take a bus or train to Aranyaprathet. Bus: 4 hours, departing the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit) hourly from 4AM to 6PM. Train: 6 hours, departs Hualamphong 2) From Aranyaprathet, take a moto or tuk-tuk from the bus station to the border. 3) On the Cambodian side, take a shuttle bus to the transport station for $1-$2.50. From there you can bus or taxi to Siem Reap a) The buses depart the transport stations at regular intervals, cost $7-$9 and takes about 4 hours.

The buses stop at a couple of places right in town, not at a formal bus station. Hop off and grab a tuk-tuk to your hotel. b) Taxis offer the fastest, most comfortable travel option. Though the local rate is about $25, tourists usually have to pay $45-$50. 2.5-3 hours. Share with other travelers and split the cost. NEVER pay in advance (in any taxi in Cambodia.) Pay once you arrive in Siem Reap. Chong Jom, Thailand/O'Smach, Cambodia Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available. Remote border crossing north of Siem Reap in Oddar Meanchey province. From Siem Reap travel to Kralahn, then north to Samrong and then on to the border. Guesthouses available in Samrong. Chong Sa Ngam, Thailand/Anlong Veng, Cambodia Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available. Remote border crossing northwest of Siem Reap in Oddar Meanchey province, opposite Thailand's Si Saket province. Ban Pakard, Chantaburi, Thailand/Phsar Prom Border Crossing: Pailin, Cambodia Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available.

Located in Pailin, Cambodia, opposite Thailand's Chantaburi province. From Bangkok, bus to Chantaburi for about 150 baht (4 hours). Mini bus to border for about 100 baht (1-2 hours). Cross border. Motodup to Pailin. Taxi from Pailin to Battambang (shared taxi for 200baht, private for $25-$30.) 3 or 4 hours but road conditions change with the season. Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand/Daun Lem, Battambang, Cambodia Cambodian visas available. Thai transit visas available. Located in Kamreang, Battambang province, Cambodia, opposite Thailand's Chantaburi province. Border Crossings with Laos The following information regarding the Laos border crossing has not been updated for approximately 3 years. Voeung Kam, Laos/Dom Kralor, Cambodia Cambodian visas are available at the border (Don't forget to bring a photo!). Some travelers report that visas are only available at the road crossing, not at the river crossing. Laos visas NOT available at the border. No special permits required from either Cambodia or Laos.

Open 08:00-17:00 There are two border crossing points with Laos relatively close to one another: 1) the riverine crossing at Koh Chheuteal Thom; 2) the road crossing at Dom Kralor. Expect extra fees for ï¿½stampsï¿½ on both sides of the border. To get to the Lao border crossing from Phnom Penh, take a taxi or bus to Stung Treng town, and then arrange transport to the border from Stung Treng. The road from Phnom Penh all the way through Stung Treng and to the border has recently been improved and is currently in comparatively good condition. To get to Stung Treng either: 1) Take a Phnom Penh Sorya Transport bus (station near the Central Market in Phnom Penh) for 42,000 riel, 7-10 hours.

The bus departs the Phnom Penh station daily at 7:00AM, or; 2) To get to Stung Treng via Kratie: Take a Phnom Penh Sorya Transport for 21,000 riel, 7 hours. Departs daily at 7:30AM. Then take a share taxi to Stung Treng for 20,000 riel, 2-3 hours. To get to the border crossing from Stung Treng, either take a ferry ($5/person, $30 for a private boat, 1 - 3 hours) or the minibus to the road crossing. Going the other way, from Laos to Cambodia, you can cross the border by road or river. By river, take a boat from Don Khone or Don Khong to Voeung Kam ($2-$5). From Voeung Kam, get a Cambodian boat to Stung Treng for $10.

(There had been several reports of price gouging by the boats to Stung Treng, but there have been fewer reports of this as of late.) Then take a bus to Phnom Penh on the Phnom Penh Sorya Transport for 42,000 riel. From Laos to Cambodia by road, travelers report that people who bought package tickets from their guesthouse in Laos to travel from Laos through to Stung Treng Cambodia are met by onward transportation at the border after they cross into Cambodia. But otherwise, there is no regularly scheduled onward transportation available on the Cambodian side of the border. Traveler's the arrive without pre-arranged onward transportation report that there are sometimes private taxis and motos waiting at the border but there are times when no transportation is available, requiring a long wait for transport to show up. Cambodia Map and Satellite Image Cambodia Map and Satellite Image Cambodia Bordering Countries: Cambodia Satellite Image Cambodia Information: Cambodia is located in southeastern Asia. Cambodia is bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, and Thailand to the northwest.

Explore Cambodia Using Google Earth: Google Earth is a free program from Google that allows you to explore satellite images showing the cities and landscapes of Cambodia and all of Asia in fantastic detail. It works on your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone. The images in many areas are detailed enough that you can see houses, vehicles and even people on a city street. Google Earth is free and easy-to-use. Cambodia on a World Wall Map: Cambodia is one of nearly 200 countries illustrated on our Blue Ocean Laminated Map of the World. This map shows a combination of political and physical features. It includes country boundaries, major cities, major mountains in shaded relief, ocean depth in blue color gradient, along with many other features. This is a great map for students, schools, offices and anywhere that a nice map of the world is needed for education, display or decor. Cambodia On a Large Wall Map of Asia: If you are interested in Cambodia and the geography of Asia our large laminated map of Asia might be just what you need. It is a large political map of Asia that also shows many of the continent's physical features in color or shaded relief.

Major lakes, rivers,cities, roads, country boundaries, coastlines and surrounding islands are all shown on the map. Cambodia Cities: Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kamport, Kohnieh, Kompong Thom, Krakor, Kralanh, Kratie, Lomphat, Lovea, Pailin City, Phnom Penh, Poipet, Ponlei, Prek Kak, Puok, Pursat, Siem Reap, Sisophon, Stung Treng and Takeo. Cambodia Locations: Chhung Kompong Som, Gulf of Thailand, Mekong River, San River, Sen River, South China Sea and Tonle Sap. Cambodia Natural Resources: Cambodia's mineral resources include gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, oil and natural gas. Other natural resources include timber and potential hydropower. Cambodia Natural Hazards: Although Cambodiaï¿½s natural hazards include the occasional drought, the country experiences monsoonal rains and flooding from June to November. Cambodia Environmental Issues: Cambodiaï¿½s environmental issues include illegal logging activities and soil erosion, throughout the country.

There is strip mining for gems in the western region (along the border with Thailand), which have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity. This has particularly been destructive to the mangrove swamps and threatens the natural fisheries. The fish stocks are declining due to illegal fishing and overfishing. In the rural areas of Cambodia, most of the population does not have access to potable water. Copyright information: The images on this page were composed by Angela King and Brad Cole and are copyright by Geology.com © 2008. These images are not available for use beyond our websites. If you would like to share them with others please link to this page. The satellite image was produced using Landsat data from NASA and the map was produced using data licensed from and copyright by Map Resources © 2008. © 2005-2017 Geology.com. All Rights Reserved. Images, code, and content on this website are property of Geology.com and are protected by copyright law. Geology.com does not grant permission for any use, republication, or redistribution. Viet-Nam - Neighbours Neighbours Joseph Kozera, Luke Webster and Texas Packer Geography - Who are Vietnam neighbours?

The neighbours of Vietnam, as described by this map, are China, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. These four countries help Vietnams trade, economy, resources and alliances. Though these countries have not always been peaceful with each other they still manage to unite when not in war. China, who is by far the biggest neighbour, has artefacts dating back 2.24 million years. This is a strong country with much poverty. It is formed of mainly plateaus and mountain ranges starting from the west leading downwards to lower ground in the east. Laos, which runs down the westwards or inland coast of Vietnam, was made its own country in the 19th century. Its population has skyrocketed in the last decade. Thailand, which lies on the southwest side of Laos, has a large population, which exceeds that of Laos. It has a GDP of $519.9 billion dollars making it one of the richer countries surrounding Vietnam. Cambodia, which lies along the south of Thailand and Vietnam, has a population near 13 million. The GDP is just reaching $36.82 billion making it one of the poorer countries in the area. What are the major environmental issues within Vietnam and the neighbouring countries?

Vietnam – Logging and other practices there contribute to soil degradation and deforestation. Water pollution and overfishing in marine areas threaten the marine animals and populations. Groundwater is polluted further limiting the amount of drinkable water. Growing industries and population migration are affecting the environments and towns of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Laos – Deforestation and soil erosion affect most places here. Most towns and communities have little or no access to drinkable water. Thailand – Air pollution from vehicle emissions. Water pollution from organic or factory waste. Wildlife population is threatened by illegal hunting in the area. Cambodia – Illegal logging throughout the country and strip mining for gems down near the border of Thailand has resulted in a massive loss of biodiversity throughout Cambodia. In particular the destruction of the mangrove swamps threatens the fisheries. In most of the rural areas there is no clean water to drink and there is now becoming a shortage of fish through illegal fishing and overfishing. China – There is a lot of air pollution in china, from green house gases, which commonly produces acid rain. There are water shortages and also a lot of dirty water from untreated waste. There is a lot of deforestation.

Estimated losses of 20% of agriculture since 1949 to soil erosion and other factors. There is also trade of endangered species on the black market. What are the 5 major import and exports of Vietnam and its neighbours? Laos – Imports: machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods. Exports: wood products, coffee, electricity, tin and copper. Cambodia – Imports: petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials and machinery Exports: clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish Thailand – Imports: capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels Exports: textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice Vietnam – Imports: machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products Exports: crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber China – Imports: machinery and equipment, oil and mineral fuels, plastics Exports: machinery, electrical products, data processing equipment, apparel, textile Which country, of Vietnam and its neighbours, has the biggest landmass? China is the obvious first choice for biggest landmass. It contains and area of 9598086 km^2. This is the third biggest landmass in the world.

Next is Thailand with an area of 513115 km^2. This is the 49th largest landmass in the world. Vietnam ties in third with an area of 331690 km^2. This is the 65th largest landmass on the list. Laos comes next with a total area of 236800km^2. This is the 83rd biggest landmass. And last is Cambodia. The area of Cambodia is 181035km^2. This is the 89th largest landmass. What are the main ‘shape’ or geographical structure of Vietnam and its neighbours? Cambodia – The rainy season in Cambodia brings with it a new season for rice cultivation. Cambodia is mainly flat except when it borders other countries and reaches the sea. About 75% of the population lies on or below 330feet above sea level. Laos – This is a thick-forested country. It is land locked and mainly consists of rugged mountains and some plateaus. The highest point above sea level is 9242 feet and that is Mt Phou Bia.

Thailand – Thailand is home to several different geographic regions. The North Country is mountainous. The northeast country consists of the plateaus. The central country is mainly dominated by flat land. The highest point above sea level is 8415 feet and that is on Doi Inthanon. Vietnam – Vietnam has a very unique environment. It only has around 20% flat grounds and the rest is made up of rocky-mountains or hills and then tropical rainforests cover the area too. The highest point is 10312 feet above sea level, Phan Xi Pang. The Mekong River is also a consistent feature through Vietnam. China – China has a large variety of landscapes. In the east they have extensively populated alluvial plains. Southern China is dominated by hill country. In central-east china rivers run wild. To the west are the major mountain ranges. References – History – How long do Vietnam and its neighbours date back? Vietnam – Vietnam was have thought to have been born in the late Neolithic period and the early Bronze Age. This was between 2000 – 1400 BCE.

In 1200 BCE Vietnam had started to develop into a civilisation with a love for agriculture. China – Archaeological evidence uncovered suggests that the Chinese civilisation has been around since 2.24 million years ago. This means china was one of the earliest developed civilisations on the earth. Cambodia – Cambodia appeared in the 1st millennium AD and was one of the most advance civilisations around. During the 3rd, 4th and 5th centuries the Cambodian empire expanded creating the area we know as Cambodia today. Thailand – Thailand is thought to have been inhabited by humans for around 10000 years or some time in the Palaeolithic period. Laos – Laos’s history is closely related to that of a man named Lan Xing. Founded in the 14th century by Fa Ngum. The kingdom flourished until the 18th century when it was divided into three parts, which eventually came under Siamese rule. How many wars has the country experienced and when? Vietnam – Vietnam experienced the first and second Indochinese wars taking part in both.

The first from 1946 – 54, the second from 1968 – 1976. The second Indochinese war was mainly a civil war with the north fighting the south. After these wars there was the Cambodian – Vietnamese war and the Sino – Vietnamese war. (1979) China – China hasn’t participated in wars as such rather a cultural revolution. This revolution cause major upheaval in China. This movement was led by Mao Zedong who once he died cause the end of the revolution. Cambodia – After having been a minor roll in World War II and a state of neutrality during the civil war Cambodia was a peaceful country. Although once the Khmer Rouge movement came about Vietnam invaded Cambodia to stop the movement. This is a major battle of Cambodia as many Vietnamese and Cambodians were killed. Thailand – Thailand has only been a minor part in wars only participating in World War II becoming an ally of the Japanese forces for some time. Laos – Laos has participated in World War II and was unwilling dragged into the Vietnamese war. The only war Laos has been willing to fight in was the 1962 – 75 Laotian Civil war.

This war was between two sectors called the Royal Lao Government and the Communist party, Pathet Lao. When did each country obtain independence? Vietnam – Vietnam obtained independence from France on the second of September 1945. China – China has almost always been an independent country. Cambodia – Cambodia obtained independence from France on the ninth of November 1953. Thailand – Thailand has almost always been an independent country. Laos – Laos obtained independence from France on the nineteenth of July 1949. Above you see that the majority of these countries gained their independence from the French. This is because France had claimed most of the countries around Vietnam and making a bigger country called Indochina. What is the cultural history of these countries? Vietnam – Vietnam’s culture has been most strongly influenced by it’s neighbouring country China. For many decades other foreign influences were shunned and the majority of the culture was based around the sharing culture of the communist countries such as the Soviet Union, China, Cuba and others. In the early 1990’s though cultures from other countries started to come into Vietnam. Now Vietnam has much more exposure to the cultures of Europe, America and South-east Asia.

China – China’s religions have roots to other philosophies such as Confucianism and conservatism. There also some other roots but these are much less prominent. Such things are legalism. In Chinese culture it is believed that calligraphy and forms of writing are more artistic than dance, music or drama. There was often conflict between the philosophies on which the culture was based. Cambodia – Khmer culture, which was developed and spread by the Khmer empire and by Khmer Rouge himself, prevails in Cambodia. It has distinctive styles of dance, architecture and sculpting, which have greatly influenced the surrounding countries of Laos and Thailand. Thailand – Thailand’s culture has been influenced by other cultures from India, China, Cambodia and the rest of South-east Asia. The main theology here is Theravada Buddhism. In some areas of Thailand Islam is prevalent. Many different ethnic groups are spread throughout Thailand some of which cross the borders into other countries. Laos – Theravada Buddhism is the dominant influence in Laos’s culture. This culture is reflected all throughout the country by the language and the temple art. It is also prominent in the art, literature and performing arts spread through the country.

Many elements of Lao culture are related to Buddhism but many other elements are prehistoric. What are the governments like in these countries? Have there been any major happenings? Vietnam – The socialist republic of Vietnam is a single-party state. Although the state remains officially to socialism it is a communist government with no other parties allowed in government or to force an election if they are not communist. The nation assembly in Vietnam is one of the dominating powers here with all of the courts answering to it. Although the Vietnam War destroyed the economy so badly it is now starting to recover through the religion of Doi Moi. China – The People’s Republic of China is still a communist state, which means that there is little freedom in people’s lives. The PCR is regarded as an Authoritarian, Communist and Socialist state it is much less restrictive as it used to be. But the PCR is still a long way from a democratic state. The Chinese economy has developed faster than any we have ever seen over the past 25 years average 9.4% growth a year. Cambodia – In Cambodia the government is run on a constitutional monarchy. The prime minister of Cambodia is the head of the government but then the king of Cambodia is the head of state.

This has been happening since 1993. The king on advice elects the prime minister from his throne room. Cambodia’s economy is on the grow. It grew by 10.8% last year. This must mean that they are doing something right. Thailand – Since the reform of the political monarchy in Thailand there has been 17 constitutions. Throughout this time the government has ranged from military dictatorship to electoral democracy but all the governments have acknowledge one figure that is head of state. Thailand is a newly industrialised country. After enjoying the highest growth rate awhile back there have been some slips in the economy. Thailand has recently started to recover due to its exports. Laos – The Lao government is a communist government. The country has been decentralised and relies on private enterprises for support. The results of the private enterprises dominating in Laos have been remarkable. The growth rate have been increased to 6% Major urban centres have had the most growth with many of the economies within Laos are booming. The Lao economy is heavily reliant on it’s richer neighbours.

Travel via neighbouring countries | About Thailand | Rough Guides Travel via neighbouring countries Asia » Thailand » Travel via neighbouring countries Sharing land borders with Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, Thailand works well as part of many overland itineraries, both across Asia and between Europe and Australia. Bangkok is also one of the major regional flight hubs for Southeast Asia. The main restrictions on overland routes in and out of Thailand are determined by where the permitted land crossings lie and by visas. Details of visa requirements for travel to Thailand’s immediate neighbours are outlined below, but should be double-checked before you travel. All Asian embassies are located in Bangkok (see Gem scams), but waiting times can be shorter at visa-issuing consulates outside the capital: China and India run consulates in Chiang Mai, and Laos and Vietnam have consulates in Khon Kaen. In Bangkok, many Khao San tour agents offer to get your visa for you, but beware: some are reportedly faking the stamps, which could get you into pretty serious trouble, so it’s safer to go to the embassy yourself.

The right paperwork is also crucial if you’re planning to drive your own car or motorbike into Thailand; see the Golden Triangle Rider website (w gt-rider.com ) for advice. Burma There is no overland access from Burma (Myanmar) into Thailand and access in the opposite direction is restricted. Western tourists are only allowed to make limited-distance trips into Burma, usually just for the day, at Thachileik opposite Mae Sai, at Myawaddy near Mae Sot, and at Kaw Thaung (Victoria Point) near Ranong. The crossing at Three Pagodas Pass near Kanchanaburi is currently open only to Thai tourists. At these borders you generally enter Burma on a temporary US$10 (or B500) visa and then get a new fifteen-day visa when returning to Thailand; see relevant accounts for details. Cambodia At the time of writing, six overland crossings on the Thai–Cambodia border are open to non-Thais.

See the relevant town accounts for specific details on all the border crossings; for travellers’ up-to-the-minute experiences, plus an account of the common scam on through-transport from Bangkok to Siem Reap, consult w talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland.htm . Most travellers use either the crossing at Poipet, which has transport connections to Sisophon, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and lies just across the border from the Thai town of Aranyaprathet, with its transport to Bangkok and, with a change in Sa Kaew, to Chanthaburi; or they follow the route from Sihanoukville in Cambodia via Koh Kong and Hat Lek to Trat, which is near Ko Chang on Thailand’s east coast. The crossings in northeast Thailand include the Chong Chom–O’Smach border pass, near Kap Choeng in Thailand’s Surin province (see Crossing the Cambodian border via Chong Chom), and the Sa Ngam–Choam border in Si Saket province; from both these borders there’s transport to Anlong Veng and Siem Reap. There are also two crossings in Chanthaburi province, with transport to and from Pailin in Cambodia.

Thirty-day tourist visas for Cambodia are issued to travellers on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, and at all the above-listed land borders; you need US$20 and one photo for this. If you want to buy an advance thirty-day visa, you can do so online at w mfaic.gov.kh/evisa which takes three working days and costs US$25; these “e-visas” can only be used at the international airports and at Poipet and Ko Kong land borders, but might help you to avoid the more excessive scams at the land borders. Laos and Vietnam There are five main points along the Lao border where tourists can cross into Thailand: Houayxai (for Chiang Khong); Vientiane (for Nong Khai); Khammouan (aka Thakhek, for Nakhon Phanom); Savannakhet (for Mukdahan); and Pakse (for Chong Mek). All these borders can also be used as exits into Laos; see relevant town account for transport details. Visas are required for all non-Thai visitors to Laos.

A thirty-day visa on arrival can be bought for US$30–42 (depending on your nationality), plus one photo, at Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse airports, and all the above-listed land borders. Or you can buy one in advance from either the Lao Embassy in Bangkok or the Lao Consulate in Khon Kaen for about the same fee. It’s possible to travel from Vietnam to Thailand via Savannakhet on the Lao–Thai border in a matter of hours; you’ll need to use Vietnam’s Lao Bao border crossing, west of Dong Ha, where you can catch a bus to Savannakhet and then another bus across the Mekong bridge to Mukdahan. All travellers into Vietnam need to buy a visa in advance. Thirty-day visas can take up to four working days to process at the embassy in Bangkok and cost from around B1000, depending on nationality (much more for same- or next-day processing); processing is usually quicker at the Vietnamese consulate in Khon Kaen.

Malaysia and Singapore Travelling between Thailand and Malaysia and Singapore has in the past been a straightforward and very commonly used overland route, with plentiful connections by bus, minibus, share-taxi and train, most of them routed through the southern Thai city and transport hub of Hat Yai. However, because of the ongoing violence in Thailand’s deep south (see Trang town), all major Western governments are currently advising people not to travel to or through Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces, unless essential (and consequently most insurance companies are not covering travel there). This encompasses Hat Yai and the following border crossings to and from Malaysia: at Padang Besar, on the main rail line connecting Butterworth in Malaysia (and, ultimately, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore) with Hat Yai and Bangkok; at Sungai Kolok, terminus of a railway line from Hat Yai and Bangkok, and at adjacent Ban Taba, both of which are connected by road to nearby Kota Bharu in Malaysia; and at the road crossings at Sadao, south of Hat Yai, and at Betong, south of Yala.

(The routes towards Kota Bharu and Betong pass through particularly volatile territory, with martial law declared in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces; however, martial law is not in effect in Hat Yai itself.) Nevertheless, the provinces of Trang and Satun on the west coast are not affected, and it’s still perfectly possible to travel overland via Satun: by ferry between Satun’s Thammalang pier and Kuala Perlis or the island of Langkawi, or overland between Ban Khuan and Kangar; or by boat between Ko Lipe and Langkawi (see Getting around). For up-to-the-minute advice, consult your government travel advisory. Most Western tourists can spend thirty days in Malaysia and fourteen days in Singapore without having bought a visa beforehand, and there are useful Thai embassies or consulates in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Penang and Singapore (see Border runs, extensions and re-entry permits). Essentials Cambodia Refugee Crisis: History Cambodia Refugee Crisis: History Focus: Food, Politics and Humanitarian Response Objectives: What is the role of media, law and politics in a humanitarian crisis? To what degree did food aid reduce mortality in the short run?

Reduce mortality and human suffering in the long run? What are the consequences—short and long term—of following or violating core humanitarian principles? A decade of war and forced migration From 1969 to 1979, Cambodia, also known as Kampuchea, was torn apart by constant internal conflict and war with its neighbors. In 1969, President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger authorized a secret bombing campaign in eastern Cambodia, which harbored North Vietnamese bases and part of the "Ho Chi Men' trail. In 1970, the neutralist Prince Sihanouk, who led the country as head of state and had managed to keep Cambodia out of the war in Vietnam and Laos throughout the 1960s, was overthrown in a coup by Lon Nol. A civil war between 1970 and 1975 between the American-backed Lon Nol government and the North Vietnamese soldiers and their Cambodian communist allies, the Khmer Rouge, killed tens of thousands of people and displaced over two million, mostly to the capital Phnom Penh, but also to Thailand and Vietnam.

Indiscriminant American saturation bombing of the countryside in 1969-1973-a sideshow of the American war in Viet Nam-devastated eastern Cambodia, forcing many villagers to flee the countryside or join the Khmer Rouge. The United States dropped more bombs on Cambodia than it did during the entire Second World War. When the United States Congress forced President Nixon to stop the bombing in Cambodia the US continued to channel millions of dollars in military aid to the Lon Nol government. On April 12, 1975 the US embassy in Phnom Penh was evacuated; two weeks later, on April 30, the US left South Vietnam. The politics of humanitarian relief in Cambodia The politics of humanitarian relief For the first half of 1979 the international community did very little to assist Cambodia. The focus in Indochina at this time was on the tens of thousands of Vietnamese boat people fleeing Vietnam to Thailand, Malaysia and other nearby countries. The attention that was given to Cambodia tended to focus entirely on the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia rather than the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge and the present state of the country. Efforts to launch a large-scale humanitarian aid operation in Cambodia were slow and fraught with political difficulties.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), known together as the Joint Mission, negotiated with Vietnam and the new Cambodian government to begin a relief operation. The new government was led by Heng Samrin, a former Khmer Rouge leader who had defected to Vietnam. The Vietnamese maintained a significant level of influence and control over the new government in Phnom Penh; as a result, negotiations to initiate a relief operation had to be conducted in both Hanoi and Phnom Penh. These efforts were continuously jeopardized by geopolitical tensions. The Cold War had a substantial impact on the Cambodian crisis. With the recent warming of relations between the United States and China and the conflict between China and Russia, shifting Cold War dynamics had a significant impact on the Cambodian crisis. In this case there were essentially two sides: on one side was the Soviet Union, Vietnam, the Soviet Bloc countries and the new Cambodian government led by Hang Samrin; on the other side were China, United States, Thailand, Singapore and most other western countries. The Hang Samrin government in Phnom Penh was not diplomatically recognized by any western government.

Only the Soviet Union and Soviet Bloc countries supported the Vietnam and its occupation. China, the only major government that recognized and supported the Khmer Rouge while they were in power, lobbied fiercely on their behalf at the international level after the Vietnamese invasion. In fact, after Vietnam occupied Cambodia, China briefly invaded North Vietnam to “teach them a lesson” and attempt to draw the Vietnamese army out of Cambodia. To deny the new Cambodian government recognition and the Vietnamese legitimacy the China, Thailand, the United States, and most other western countries voted in 1979 to continue to recognize the Khmer Rouge as the legitimate government of Cambodia, though they controlled very little of the country. Regional tension between Vietnam and Thailand, countries that were wary of each other’s regional intentions, further complicated the Cambodian crisis. Cambodia had traditionally acted as a buffer between Thailand and Vietnam. For hundreds of years the Vietnamese and Thais vied for influence and control in Cambodia. With the recent expulsion of the United States from Indochina and the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia Thailand feared Vietnam’s expansionist intentions. With the Cambodian buffer removed, the threat of a direct conflict between Vietnam and Thailand loomed large.

Amidst these tensions, the Joint Mission’s attempted to create a humanitarian space to operate a relief program. Throughout 1979, the Joint Mission negotiated for greater operational presence in Cambodia, something that Vietnam and the new Cambodian government resisted. On August 9, 1979 UNICEF and ICRC delivered their first shipment of relief supplies by plane to Phnom Penh. From August onwards a slow but steady amount of relief aid began to enter the country by plane and boat. The logistical and operational capacity of the Cambodian authorities to manage the relief aid was a source of constant debate. Separate from the Joint Mission operation, Oxfam and a consortium of several other NGOs reached an agreement with the Heng Samrin government to deliver humanitarian aid to Cambodia. Unlike UNICEF and ICRC, Oxfam agreed to channel all aid through the Phnom Penh government and not operate on the Thai-Cambodian border. Jim Howard, one of the Oxfam staff leading the operation in Phnom Penh, was a vocal advocate for expanding the relief operation in Cambodia and working with the new government. The border camps The border camps Throughout 1979 tens of thousands of Cambodians fled to the Thai border.

Barred by the Thai military from entering the country a vast number of them—combatants, traders, farmers and many others—accumulated in several makeshift camps along the ill-defined border. Many were starving, had malaria, and were in very poor health. Several of the largest camps, including Nong Chan, Nong Samet, and Mak Mun, grew into vast open-air markets, each controlled by a different faction of Khmer Serei. Conditions in the border camps were very poor: most of those who settled in the camps lived in squalor with access to no basic services. After lengthy negotiations with Thai officials UNICEF and ICRC began a border relief operation. One key consideration for the Joint Mission was the need to balance border relief activities with the on-going attempts to deliver and distribute food and other humanitarian assistance inside Cambodia. The new Cambodian government was extremely sensitive to activities at the border, claiming publicly that humanitarian agencies were aiding the perpetrators of genocide, i.e., the Khmer Rouge, at the border, rather than the millions of survivors of the genocide inside Cambodia. Throughout the establishment of the border relief operation the United States exerted significant political and financial influence, both overt and subtle.

As the largest contributor to the relief operation the US frequently flexed its political muscle. The US embassy in Bangkok set up the Kampuchean Emergency Group (KEG) to monitor activities at the border. Consisting of current and former military and political attaches KEG was seen by many aid workers at the border as an extension of the US foreign policy agenda in Southeast Asia. US embassy in Thailand did not hide the fact that it thought aid should be distributed to all Cambodians at the border, including the Khmer Rouge and other armed resistance groups. There was no doubt that the border camps contained large numbers of combatants. Both the perpetrators and victims of the Cambodian genocide flocked to the border area and into Thailand. Along with the Khmer Rouge and anti-communist Cambodian resistance groups known as the Khmer Serei (free Khmer), tens of thousands of refugees lived in the border camps, most of whom were noncombatants. In general, the Khmer Serei controlled the border camps north of Aranyaprathet, a small border town in eastern Thailand on the main road to Cambodia, while the Khmer Rouge controlled the camps south of Aranyaprathet.

Some of the camps had only a few thousand people while others had over a hundred thousand people. Because of its location Aranyaprathet quickly became the nuclei of the border relief operation, as international agencies set up offices to coordinate aid to the camps. The border was a dangerous, chaotic place. Far from being a safe haven many of the border camps were subject to attack. Conflict raged just across the border in Cambodia, as remnants of the Khmer Rouge fought Vietnamese forces. At times the border area became a battleground and the refugees were caught in the middle. A different military faction controlled each of the border camps. Frequently these groups fought one another. A wild array of black marketers and other traders sprout up in and around the camps. Corruption was rife along the border, and the black market trade in food and other essential items was widespread. Gold, hidden away by many Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge era, was one of the most common forms of currency. The Thai military controlled most activity along the border and exerted tremendous power in some of the border camps. Though the Thai military’s primary concern was the threat of the Vietnamese army and a potential invasion, they also ensured that the Cambodians did not cross the border.

This policy was not consistent though: large groups of Cambodians were periodically allowed into Thailand and given aid by local Thai villagers, while other times The Thai military put up barbed wire along the border crossing points and threatened to shot anyone who crossed. An Open Door An ‘Open Door’ In October 1979, a major offensive by the Vietnamese against Khmer Rouge hide-outs in their mountain sanctuaries pushed thousands of Khmer Rouge soldiers, their families and the civilians under their control to the Thai border. Western journalists based in Bangkok, an easy drive to the border—responded with immediate coverage, reporting about and filming the desperate scenes at the border for the nightly news back home. Throughout most of 1979 the Thai government refused offers of humanitarian assistance from the United Nations for the Cambodians at the border. Thailand was not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and it insisted that any Cambodian who entered Thailand was a “illegal migrant” rather than a refugee.

As the situation at the border grew more desperate, considerable international pressure and the offer of substantial amounts of money convinced the Thai government to allow UNICEF and ICRC to begin a formal border relief operation as well as a program to assist Thai villages at the border affected by the Cambodian influx. The Thai government reversed its policy of barring the Cambodians from entering Thailand and implemented an “open door” policy. The Thai government informed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand that within a few days Thai border authorities would start busing thousands of Cambodians into Thailand to designated holding centers. The Thais requested UNHCR to build and manage these holding centers inside Thailand. At this point the relief operation split in half: UNHCR managed several holding centers inside Thailand and UNICEF and ICRC delivered aid to and operated medical facilities in the border camps and inside Cambodia. The World Food Program supplied nearly all of the food aid for the relief operations, most of which could be purchased locally in Thailand, a rice-exporting country. International NGOs, such as CARE, CRS and IRC, worked in the holding centers and in the border camps. Many Cambodians at the border were hesitant to go to the holding centers.

Many chose to remain at the border or return to the interior of Cambodia. Camp leaders saw the attempt to shift the refugee population into Thailand as a threat to their power; many resisted sending the refugees to the new refugee camps inside Thailand, fearing that losing a large part of the population would result in the loss of the lucrative food distribution programs in the border camps. International aid workers went to the border with buses to collect any refugees who wanted to come to the new camps in Thailand. Camp leaders exerted tremendous pressure on the camp residents to not go, spreading a wild assortment of rumors about what awaited them in Thailand. Frustrated by the lack of cooperation of the camp leaders the Thai military cut food aid to some border camps to force the camp leaders to allow those people who wanted to come to the new camps to leave. In other instances the Thai military shelled some of the border camps. The civilian population was inevitably caught in the middle. Cambodia Map Cambodia Map Where is Cambodia ? Officially known as the "Kingdom of Cambodia", the country is located in the southern portion of Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Cambodia is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.

World Map in French History of Cambodia One of the prominent early cultures of Cambodia were the Khmer people, with the Funan Kingdom around the first century. The Funanese Empire stretched across Southeast Asia and had contact with the Romans, and both trade and cultural exchanges with India. The Chenla Kingdom emerged from the Funanese, conquering Funan by 628. The Chenla Kingdom broke up in the 8th century, and one of the new provinces formed was called Kambuja. The Khmer Empire rose to power in the 9th century, quickly expanding their territory until the 13th century when it began its decline. European explorers from Portugal and Spain arrived in the 16th century, as early as 1555. When Cambodia's neighbors, Siam (now Thailand) and Vietnam, faced conflict, Cambodia was caught in between. Though Cambodia was a protectorate of Siam, Vietnam invaded and claimed much of Cambodia's territory. Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863, then part of the French colony of French Indochina. During World War II, Cambodia was occupied by Japan.

Cambodia gained independence in 1953, becoming a constitutional monarchy under King Sihanouk. During the Vietnam War, the communists occupied part of Cambodia, using it to keep its forces supplied. Sihanouk was forced out in 1970, and a new regime rid Cambodia of the Vietnamese communists with US support, sparking new conflict. Khmer Rouge rebels took control, establishing the country as Democratic Kampuchea. Vietnam invaded in 1978 and the People's Republic of Kampuchea was formed. With UN intervention, Sihanouk was reinstated as King of Cambodia, under a new form of government in 1993. Neighboring Countries : Cambodia shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Major Cities Banlung Geography : Cambodia is located in the tropics of Southeast Asia, on the southern Indochina Peninsula, with coastline along the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest. The terrain of Cambodia features forested lowlands and mountains including the Dangrek Mountain range, the Kravanh Mountains, and the Damrei Mountains.

The country's highest point is at Phnom Aural, which stands 1,813 meters (5,949 feet) above sea level. Tonle Sap, or the Great Lake, is one of Cambodia's most important geographic features. This is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, designated by UNESCO. Tonle Sap is both the lake and the river system that flows from it during the dry season and back to it in the rainy season. The lake drains into the Mekong River, which is the main river in eastern Cambodia. The plains around Tonle Sap are used for rice cultivation. Points of Interest : One of Cambodia's main attractions is Angkor Wat in the Angkor Archaeological Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor was once the capital of the 9th century Khmer Empire, and was the world's largest city in its time. The architecture at the site includes Angkor Wat, a massive temple with ornate carvings, the Bayon Temple, and many ruins. These are significant sites in Cambodian history, demonstrating the region's Hindu influenced past, with these temple mountains.

The main access point for Angkor Wat is Siem Reap, which is heavily touristed and home to the Ankor Silk Farm, a museum, and several temples of its own. The capital, Phnom Penh, is home to the Royal Palace, museums of the nation's history and culture, the Wat Phnom, and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a historically significant site from the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Transportation : Cambodia's international airports are located in the capital, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, Angkor International. These airports offer direct flights to destinations in Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and other regional destinations. There are several border crossings open between Cambodia and Thailand, the most popular of which is near Siem Reap at Aranyaprathet/Poipet. This road, and many of the other international roadways, are fairly well paved the whole way, and many are served by buses or taxis. The major border crossing to Vietnam is along the road from Ho Chi Minh City, at Moc Bai/Bavet. There are also limited ways to enter Cambodia via Laos, one of which is by boat.

Boats are also available for transportation along Cambodia's major rivers between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh or Battambang. Bus is a good way to get around Cambodia, but shared taxis or hitching a ride in a pickup truck are other common methods of travel. Last Updated : July 23 ,2015 Hotels & Tours in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Yunnan - Mekong Region Hotel Quick Finder | Select the date of your stay to Mekong Hotels & Tours Cambodia - Vietnam - Laos - Thailand - Myanmar - Yunnan Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar , Thailand , Vietnam and Yunnan (China) Five countries and one province connected by the majestic Mekong river - the unique Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS.) Steeped in history and rich in culture, it's one of the last travel frontiers with stunning natural beauty and incredible cultural diversity. Ancient monuments, royal capitals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Luang Prabang in Laos, signify an illustrious past dating back thousands of years.

Unique experiences - whether it's cruising down the Mekong, visiting mystical and awesome temples, trekking through the jungle or appreciating the serenity of a perfect pagoda. It's unforgettable. Read More

Question: Cambodia is bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, and which other country?
Answer: Laos