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Riding high in Pursat to the border with Thailand

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The view from the top of the mountain is spectacular. Pha Lina

Riding high in Pursat to the border with Thailand

National Road 55 has become famous for not only its winding serpentine switchbacks, but also its pristine views of the Kingdom’s forests.

Despite the fact that renovations are only just finishing on this 182km stretch, people have been flocking to take photos of the Cardamom, Pramuoy and Crying Chinese mountains, which are visible along the highway.

The road begins at the Neak Ta Klang Moeung monument in Pursat province and stretches all the way to the border with Thailand. Renovations totalling $133 million started in 2015.

Sam Khim, the director of the Pursat provincial tourism department, hailed the views from one of the road’s best vantage points, saying: ‘People flock to explore Mount 1005 [overlook] every day. In the evening they explore, viewing the spectacular scenery of the so-called sea forest and grilled eel’s tree.’

Visitors aren’t the only ones appreciating the upgraded thoroughfare, either, as villagers in the area attest that added tourism is improving business in the region.

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