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Cambodian-Vietnamese War Memorial: A Symbol of Alliance

A memorial in Siem Reap commemorating the alliance between Cambodia and Vietnam during the Cambodian-Vietnamese War.

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The Cambodian-Vietnamese War Memorial in Siem Reap commemorates the alliance between Cambodia and Vietnam during the Cambodian-Vietnamese War. Inaugurated in 2005, it honors the sacrifices of Vietnamese soldiers who helped liberate Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge regime.

A brief summary to Cambodian-Vietnamese War Memorial

  • 9VG5+4MR, Krong Siem Reap, KH

Local tips

  • Take time to reflect on the complex history and the sacrifices made during the Cambodian-Vietnamese War.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions in Siem Reap to make the most of your day.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From most hotels or the city center in Siem Reap, the most common way to reach the Cambodian-Vietnamese War Memorial is by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are readily available and can be hired for a short trip. Negotiate the price before starting your journey; a typical short trip within Siem Reap should cost between $2 and $4. The memorial is located off the main road, so your driver will likely know the way. There are no specific parking fees or tolls involved.

  • Walking

    If you are already near the city center or within a reasonable distance (1-2km), walking to the memorial is a viable option. Use a map application to guide you, as it is located slightly away from the main tourist areas. There are no specific pedestrian entrances or walkways to be aware of. Walking allows you to experience the local surroundings and is free of charge.

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Discover more about Cambodian-Vietnamese War Memorial

The Cambodian-Vietnamese War Memorial, located in Krong Siem Reap, stands as a poignant reminder of a complex period in Cambodian history. It is not a memorial to a war *between* Cambodia and Vietnam, but rather a testament to the combined effort of Vietnamese and Cambodian soldiers against the Pol Pot regime. The conflict began in December 1978, when Vietnam invaded Cambodia, leading to the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent withdrawal of Vietnamese forces in 1989. The memorial was officially inaugurated in January 2005 and has since become a significant landmark in Siem Reap. It commemorates 8,836 soldiers who perished during the war, providing a space for reflection and education about this pivotal moment in Cambodia’s history. The entrance to the memorial park is marked by naga serpent sculptures, which flank the gate and form part of the park's fencing. The Cambodian-Vietnamese War was preceded by years of escalating conflict between Vietnam and the Khmer Rouge, marked by numerous massacres and border raids. By the end of 1978, Vietnamese leaders decided to remove the Khmer Rouge-dominated government, perceiving it as hostile towards Vietnam and pro-Chinese. The invasion was launched on December 25, 1978, with 150,000 Vietnamese troops entering Democratic Kampuchea and quickly overrunning the Kampuchean Revolutionary Army. The memorial also serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam. While the Vietnamese intervention was initially welcomed as a liberation from the Khmer Rouge, the subsequent occupation led to resentment among some Cambodians. The memorial, therefore, represents a nuanced and often debated chapter in the history of both nations.

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