Pol Pot would not have approved, but the dark days of the Khmer Rouge are well and truly in the past as Cambodia announces the opening of its first marina.

The first section opens in October and has berthing for 20 boats in City Sihanoukville – named after the late flamboyant leader who survived the tyranny of Year Zero and manipulation by the Americans during the Vietnam war and beforehand.

Marina Oceania is part of a seaside resort with many attractions, beaches, restaurants and casinos. It’s located among 53 islands, many of which are uninhabited.
 
Both the capital Phnom Penh and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat are readily accessible.

Andrey Mantula, the Harbour Master, said: ‘The country is developing and wants to forget its terrible past. ‘There was no infrastructure for yachtsmen. Now all that has changed and we have built protective breakwaters in the port.’

For more information see www.marina-oceania.com or email mantula2@gmail.com