Although the growth in tourists visiting Sihanoukville has stalled, the tourists continue to flock to Siem Reap in ever increasing numbers. The Cambodian economy as a whole grows at a high rate, which is evident in the increasing number of cars on the roads of Phnom Penh. The river bank has become a promenade while the road running along this promenade becomes a traffic nightmare during rush hour.
That the Pizza Company (Thailand’s copy of Pizza Hut) has opened up in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville is an indication that the Cambodian middle class is expected to grow. The huge Olympia development a stone throw from the king’s palace is another example of that somebody is willing to bet big money on Cambodia’s future.
The Asian Development Bank is co-financing various projects to improve Cambodia’s infrastructure. For example, a new power stations west of Sihanoukville and the (re-) building rail road tracks from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. So, Cambodia is on it way to become a “modern country”.
So, anybody new to this region better hurry – visit Cambodia now before the good old days are gone.