One World Insight Blog | Douglas "Las" Wengell

Asia Power Unifying: Rail link from China to Singapore

In the planning stages is a rail network that will connect China, into Vietnam, through Cambodia, into Thailand, down Malaysia and to the southern tip of mainland south-east Asia, Singapore and its huge port. Much development is required. The French built Vietnam’s rail line a century ago and anyone who has traveled on it knows that it is cumbersome and slow. Cambodia’s rail network collapsed over decades of war and neglect. (Phnom Penh, the capital, lacks a train station.)

 

It’s completion will be a major boon for Asian commerce and supply chain manufacturing efficiencies. It would also be a pleasure as a traveler…

Angkor Temple Complex, Cambodia

Angkor is an ancient temple complex built in the 12^th century, in Khmer architecture style for King Suryavarman. It was both the holy temple and capital city. Angkor Wat is the best preserved and famous temple in the complex, and is one the national flag.

 

It was first a Hindu formation, dedicated to the god Vishnu, but later became Buddhist. Amazingly, during all of Cambodia’s twentieth century conflict, most of the temple has survived.

 

The complex reminds me of Tikal in Guatemala. Siem Reap is pleasant. But for the debilitating heat, highly recommended.

 

These young monks live in the complex at an active temple. Like in Thailand, most go to school and work at the temple in exchange for room and board. They are eager to engage visitors and learn about life outside of Cambodia.

Cambodia, Don't Forget Us

From Vietnam, I travel along the Mekong Delta and enter into Cambodia. After a night in the capital of Phnom Penh, I head to Siem Reap, the launching pad to Angkor Wat.

 

Cambodia is woefully poor. Per capita income $651. Its sordid history – The Killing Fields, Pol Pot (aka Khmer Rouge), famine, etc. – is still apparent in lost limbs. Siem Repa and Phnom Penh are pleasant enough (and what most visitors like me see) but nothing like the hot rural plains. The bus stops along the way gave me some idea. Despite this, except for street food, it’s more expensive than you’d think. Even at one large supermarket, I quickly realized that most everything in this country is imported. Outside of the basics, there is no manufacturing.

 

In Phnom Penh, at the waterfront, near the King’s Palace, are a row of international flags of nations that have supported Cambodia in its rebuilding. A Western infrastructure is in place. Most striking is that ATMs dispense American dollars (as late as 1980, Cambodia had no monetary system). Only change below one dollar is given in Cambodia Riel.