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After recovering from being the center of the Khmer Rouge faction in the recent past, Pailin is emerging as a veritable hub for travelers. It may still be considered as an off-the-beaten path destination since the place is not commercialized and "touristy." A visit to this side of Cambodia is an interesting journey into a surreal landscape, isolated in the hills of Cambodia and tucked near the border of Thailand. The road leading to Pailin becomes wide and well-paved, starkly different from that of other dusty Cambodian towns.
Palin at daytime is typically quiet but at night, it assumes its true character as a frontier town. Soldiers can be seen lounging on the restaurants before heading out to the "red light district" near the Samaki Market. Teen-agers head to the central square where loud disco music booms as children, on the other hand, engage with all sorts of carnival activities - from bump cars to helicopter or rocket rides. Clearly, the atmosphere is festive. Buddhists pagodas such as the Wat Phnom Yat and the Wat Rattanak Sopoan and the effervescent waterfalls of Phnom Kiev provide the solemn experience.
In spite of the problems that Pailin faces, a clear income of Thai batt and US dollar from the gemstone mines and furniture trade enters the local coffers. Hopefully, part of the funds will be used to energize this small town with big possibilities.