About Pailin
Pailin is a small municipality in the west of Cambodia and is located very close to the country's border to Thailand. Pailin is also the capital of the Pailin Province and has a great reputation with its precious gemstone production. In particular, sapphire and ruby are among the most important jewellery stones in the region. In the 1980s and 1990s, Pailin was the stronghold and resource center of the Khmer Khmer, who ruled Cambodia under a repression regime. The group carried out mass murders in the country for many years and earned income by gemstone mining in Pailin with a kind of colonial mentality. The Red Khmers were destroyed by the Vietnamese invasion and took refuge in Pailin as the last fortress. Today, some of the leaders have yet been brought before the judiciary and they are said to still continue their lives in Pailin.
After the invasion and civil war in the country, Pailim now has a stable atmosphere and continues to develop in; trade, industry and tourism. Precious gemstones mines are among the most important livelihoods of the city. In addition to this, rice, sesame, mung, soya and corn are the most important agricultural products of the city. The natural richness of Pailin is due to its geographical location and displays a harmonious landscape with the city's architecture. For this reason, the city is described as 'picturesque' by many photographers. Primarily the historical and cultural symbol of the city is Phonom Yacht, while Wat Phonom Yaht and Wat Rattanak Spoan bring the city's architectural texture to life.
Also; Bah Hoi and Kbal O’Chra villages, Goh-Ay Mountain and O’Tavao Waterfall are among the popular sightseeing spots of Pailin. In the city a tropical climate is expereinced; During the summer season it receives abundant rainfall, while during the winter season it is quite dry. Pailin Airport is located 17.9 km from the city, in the southwest.
