ABOUT CAMBODIA

Archive for SHIHANOUK Province

2010-10-05T17:37:00.001+07:00

Preah Sihanouk Province

Preah Sihanouk Province, also known as Kampong Som, is a province in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand. This port city is a growing Cambodian urban center, located 185 kilometres (115 mi) southwest of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. The province is named after King Father Norodom Sihanouk and grew up around the construction of Sihanoukville Port. Construction on the port began in June 1955 and it was the only deep water port in Cambodia. The port was built in part due to the waning power of the French leading to the Vietnamese tightening their control over the Mekong Delta and hence restricting river access to Cambodia. Sihanoukville's beaches have made it a popular tourist destination.

The province is served by Sihanoukville International Airport, 18 kilometres (11 mi) from downtown, although it has a limited commercial operation. The planned flights between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap may encourage visitors to Angkor temples in Siem Reap to extend their stay, though the crash of a charter flight in Phnom Damrey on 25 June 2007 from Siem Riep, has caused concerns.

Sihanoukville attracts tourists with its laidback beach atmosphere when compared to Thailand's more developed ones. However, the city has attracted not only tourists, but several NGOs and foreign and national investors in the last years in order to develop not only the growing tourist industry, but its capacity as an international sea port and other sectors like textile and real estate. In Sihanoukville is also located the main factory of Angkor, the Cambodian national beer.

Sihanoukville was the place of the last official battle of the United States army in the Vietnam War, although the incident took place outside Vietnam. It is known as the Mayagüez incident on May 12–15, 1975 between the US forces and the Khmer Rouge. Currently, visitors dive in Koh Tang, one of the Sihanoukville islands where the major battle to free the SS Mayagüez took place. Divers can see two shipwrecks 40 metres (130 ft) down.

On 22 December 2008, King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree that changed the municipalities of Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville into provinces, as well as adjusting several provincial borders.

Beaches

Occheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach: Occheuteal Beach is a long and narrow strip of beach lined with Casuarina trees, grass umbrellas, rental chairs and little drink huts. Many huts were bulldozed by the government to make way for a supposed new resort. This has raised concerns with human rights organizations. The northern section has become known as Serendipity Beach and is a popular beach with western tourists, noted for small guesthouse rooms right on the beach. Aside from these guest houses on the beach there are around 30 beach huts serving good value meals and a wide selection of drinks. Most popular huts along this stretch of beach are the Shore bar which hold regular beach parties. The sustainability of the Occheuteal beach was a primary consideration of various stakeholders, which brought about the development of a tourism development and management plan in 2005.^[13]

Otres Beach: Beyond a small headland at the south end of Ochheuteal is the similar Otres Beach.

Sokha Beach: Sokha Beach is located just west of Serendipity Beach. This beach is privately owned by Sokha Beach Hotel, the first five-star luxury beach hotel in Cambodia. It provides many facilities with a wide white sandy beach, but hotel guards may prevent visitors who are not guests from going on to the beach.

Independence Beach: Independence Beach is located next to Sokha Beach on its west. The beach was named after the old Independence Hotel. This beach offers a good stretch of clean sand. Situated at the northern end of the beach is Independence Hotel and Koh Pos Beach with a tiny island only 800m off the coast. Koh Pos is known for its rock strewn shoreline.

Victory Beach: Victory beach is situated at the furthest north of the peninsula of Sihanoukville. It was the original backpacker beach and is still popular with budget travelers. At the northern end of the beach is located the deep sea port. Apart from white sand and blue sea, this beach offers a good spot to enjoy the sunset.

At the south end of Victory Beach is another small strand of sand called Lamherkey Beach. It is the place where a French/ Cambodian construction team laid groundwork for the construction of the new Port of Kampong Som during the 1950s. At this beach, you can hire a boat to nearby islands.

Islands

There are more than a dozen islands off the coast of Sihanoukville for tourists to hop around. Most of them are yet to be developed for an overnight stay with the exception of Bamboo Island or Koh Russei in Khmer. Many guesthouses, restaurants and cafes on Ochheuteal and Serendipity beaches offer trips and packages to these islands.

Soon Nail Island (also called Magic Island because it looks like a mushroom) will have a hotel run by the Russian owners of the Snake House. They already have a pier and most of the hotel and restaurant are finished.

Koh Rong: It is situated west of the Sihanoukville coast. It offers the fantastic strand of beach on its southwest, stretching about 5 kilometres (3 mi). It has fresh water resources on the island and a bustling fishing community on the southeast with basic supplies including fresh water, fish and crab.

Koh Rong Samlon: It is a bit smaller than Koh Rong and situated on its south. Beautiful beaches are on the east coast, where a large heart-shaped bay with some shellfish cultivation is located, and on the north shoreline facing Koh Rong. The marine life around Koh Rong Samloem is very diverse and offers some amazing diving.

Koh Tang: It is located quite far from the main shoreline of Sihanoukville. Going there requires trippers to stay overnight on board. It offers interesting diving spots most of which are not frequently explored. The island is home to a military outpost and travelers should expect to be boarded by military personnel when out at the island.

Administration

For administrative purposes Sihanoukville is a municipality, holding the same status as a province. There is a provincial governor and three deputy governors. It is subdivided into 3 districts (Khan). The port has an autonomous administration.^[20] The districts are divided in communes (22 communes in total).

The province is subdivided into 3 districts.

- 1801 Mittakpheap

- 1802 Prey Nob

- 1803 Stueng Hav

O’Cheuteal Beach

O’Cheuteal Beach is located in Sankat No 3. large and long with white sand and shallow water, it is the most popular beach in Sihanoukville, attracting many foreigners. There are a number of food stalls along the beach, in addition to fruit and seafood vendors.

Victory Beach

The land of beaches, Sihanoukville is an ideal destination for a dream holiday. It is located in the Southern part of Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand. In fact it is the part of an area of land that projects out into the Gulf. Thus a majority of the Sihanoukville is covered by stretches of sandy area overlooking the absolutely gorgeous water bodies. It creates just the ambiance for you to simply sprawl about and also to enjoy a whole lot of adventurous activities. The Beaches of Sihanoukville have so many options that you can literally eat, drink and live there. One such activity packed beach in this area is Victory Beach in Sihanoukville.

“The Victory Beach in Sihanoukville”, the liveliest part of the town is one of the most popular Sihanoukville Tourist Attractions. It is situated right in the northern side of Sihanoukville, with the closest landmark being the Monument of Vietnam and Cambodia. Though the Victory Beach of Sihanoukville is a little far from the center of the town, finding your way to the beach side is not at all difficult and the ride is surely worth very bit.

The Victory Beach in Sihanoukville actually covers a huge area and it is a rocky point that puts a pause to the endless stretch of white sand. It segregates the entire beach region into the northern and southern part. The southern region is even popularly known as the ‘Hawaii Beach’ and is more crowded with restaurants and cafés as compared to the other part. Thus the Victory Beach at Sihanoukville brings to you the perfect blend of serenity and amusement within the same vicinity.

Things to do in the Victory Beach of Sihanoukville

The Victory Beach in Sihanoukville in Cambodia has wide list activities for its visitors. It has a number of lovely restaurants serving delicious sea food for you to enjoy. You can even munch into some tidbits while watching the sun sink below the horizon or the movement of the ships near the port. Long walk by the water side is also a wonderful option.

Thus your Sihanoukville sightseeing will definitely not be complete without experiencing the fun and frolic of the Victory Beach in Sihanoukville. It is the place that will give you a picture of what Sihanoukville really is.

Ream Beach in Sihanoukville

The Ream Beach in Sihanoukville is the perfect place that takes you away from the crowded life of the town. Located on the outskirts it is almost a haven for nature lovers. It brings to you the best of creation and will surely captivate you to come back to it again and again.

Located at the farthest end of the town, you have to travel almost 20 Km before you reach the Ream Beach of Sihanoukville. Nevertheless this distance will seem nothing when you spend those priceless moments in a place which is nothing short of a paradise. The Ream Beach in Sihanoukville is not even difficult to reach because the road is pretty straight without much turns or twists. From the airport if you travel along the route 4 towards the northern part of Sihanoukville, you will come quite near this exotic water body. You will also get several public transports to ferry you to your destination.

The Ream Beach in Sihanoukville is a place that will bring you right in the middle of the untouched exquisiteness of nature. Being one of the brightest spots within the premises of the Ream National Park in Sihanoukville, it is usually haunted by the nature lovers. Though the area of the Ream Beach at Sihanoukville is not very large, it is truly one of the most charming among all the beaches in Sihanoukville.

The Ream Beach in Sihanoukville in Cambodia is also one of the few beaches that are landscaped by mountains and water falls, thus making the entire scene a treat for the eye. Another major attraction of this beach is the swampy region of mangroves that grow right at the back of it. You can also see some lovely tropical birds while looking around the marsh area of the Ream Beach in Sihanoukville.

Apart from the exploration of so many fascinating things the Ream Beach in Sihanoukville is also ideal for simple relaxation. You can even see the fishermen at work while doing so. Since it is quite an uninhabited region you will only find few small stalls at this Sihanoukville sightseeing spot and it is advisable to bring your own refreshments

Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Locates at Khan Prey Nup in seven-Kilometer distance from the Sihanouk Ville Town, then turning left more nine-Kilometers by a red soil road. The waterfall of Kbal Chhay has many sources from the mountain rank at the seaside. The history of Kbal Chhay waterfall was found in 1960. Until 1963 Kbal Chhay arranged as the clean-water sources for providing to Sihanouk Ville, but the arrangement was failed became a hidden place for Khmer Rouge. In 1997, Kbal Chhay was changed to the developing zone. In 1998 Kbal Chhay was for bid by Kok An Company on constructing road and changing this site as tourist resort for local and international tourists. Nowadays, the Royal Government of Cambodia has changed this site as the clean-water sources for providing clean water to Sihanouk Ville.

The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls of Sihanoukville, Cambodia is actually a collection of 3meters to 5 meters high waterfalls which originates from different sources along the mountain ranges. However, only three out of the collection can be sighted. Besides being just a picturesque sight, the location of the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville is also a popular picnic spot where you can spend you day amongst the greenery and serene natural ambience of Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville. The area also offers abundance of food and drink stand that drink stands for refreshments if you need any.

The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville can be easily reached from the main city center of Sihanoukville by taking the Route 4 north and then taking a turn at mile marker 217. This journey barely takes about 30 minutes. Boating of amazing natural beauty this is tourist attraction in Sihanoukville which is not to be missed.

Koh Pos Beach (Snack Island)

This little beach is home to the rather oddly named Treasure Island Seafood Restaurant, and although not on an island, it’s certainly a treasure of a spot, with seafood that many an expat will tell you is the best in Sihanoukville.

The sandy, well shaded beach here is small and secluded, with a few restaurant salas overlooking the water. Stuff yourself on seafood then go for a swim afterwards — what more could you ask for? Just watch out for the monkeys — as they won’t miss the opportunity to fiddle through your possessions while you’re twenty metres offshore.

The beach is named after Ko Pos (Snake Island) which lies just offshore. Ko Pos is best visited from Hawaii Beach, just around the headland from Ko Pos beach, where there are no shortage of boatmen who’ll whisk you over there. A trip out to Ko Pos is pleasant enough, but the beaches are nothing too magnificent.

Treasure Island Seafood Restaurant is an excellent option for a seafood lunch, with the crab a real stand out. Arrive early to grab your own seaside sala rather than getting stuck in the restaurant proper. The menu is endless, but anything in the pepper sauce is pretty good. Be wary of taking a table too far from the restaurant as the hillock is home to a bunch of cheeky monkeys. Moderately priced so long as you don’t eat too much crab. Commonly recommended by expats as having the best seafood in Sihanoukville. Recommended.

Treasure Island Seafood Ko Pos Beach, Sihanoukville. Tel: (016) 876 618. Open daily, 10:00-22:00.

Koh Russei

Though only an hours boat ride from Sihanoukville, Ko Russei is a world away from the manicure/massage/bracelet-toting touts of most mainland beaches. At Ko Russei, there are only golden sands, fishermen’s boats offshore, and a cluster of antique Russian guns strategically placed between the beaches. A former navy base that’s just opened to tourists, this island’s serene character is set to change rapidly. Russei’s population hovers around 30, including a dozen navy officers who do more lounging about than surveying of the seas. “Russei” means “Bamboo” in Khmer, and the centre of the island is chock-full of it.

Most travellers discover the place on one of the ubiquitous Three Island Boat tours which all go to the same islands (Ko Ta Kiev, Ko Craloh, and Ko Russei) for mediocre snorkeling and a great seafood lunch. These set tours all have unpredictable levels of service and safety. Once they’ve seen Russei, many travellers want to come back and stay a while, and for those who have – or make – the time to stay here, it’s often an unexpected highlight of their travels in Cambodia.

There are currently two resorts of basic wooden bungalows on Russei, one on each beach of this small island. Tourism is such a recent phenomenon here, neither beach seems to have a name yet. Bamboo Island Resort, which faces the mainland, is owned by a Vietnamese family who hosts seafood barbeques for the Three Island Tours. Ko Ru Resort is on the sunnier side of the island, ideal for sunset-spotting and whiling away as many hours as one can get away with. It’s a western-owned and -managed place, run by the Bar Ru Guesthouse in Sihanoukville. The ten-minute walk between beaches is pleasant one; they’re connected by a path that traverses the island through a jungly forest filled with deafening cicadas.

Russei gives the visitor a rare sense of isolation and tranquility in this part of the world. It seems nearly untouched, though inevitably that will change quickly. It remains to be seen how the navy and the government will manage tourism here. Still, for the moment, Ko Russei is, for all who see it, a pleasant surprise. A highly recommended destination in Cambodia; get here to experience its serenity while you can.

Archive for Ratanakiri

2010-10-05T17:22:00.002+07:00

Ratanakiri Province

Ratanakiri is a province in northeastern Cambodia that borders Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, Mondulkiri Province to the south, and Stung Treng Province to the west. The province extends from the mountains of the Annamite Range in the north, across a hilly plateau between the Tonle San and Tonle Srepok rivers, to tropical deciduous forests in the south. In recent years, logging and mining have scarred Ratanakiri's environment, long known for its beauty.

For over a millennium, Ratanakiri has been occupied by the highland Khmer Loeu people, who are a minority elsewhere in Cambodia. During the region's early history, its Khmer Loeu inhabitants were exploited as slaves by neighboring empires. The slave trade economy ended during the French colonial era, but a harsh Khmerization campaign after Cambodia's independence again threatened Khmer Loeu ways of life. The Khmer Rouge built its headquarters in the province in the 1960s, and bombing during the Vietnam War devastated the region. Today, rapid development in the province is altering traditional ways of life.

Ratanakiri is sparsely populated; its 150,000 residents make up just over 1% of the country's total population. Residents generally live in villages of 20 to 60 families and engage in subsistence shifting agriculture. Ratanakiri is among the least developed provinces of Cambodia. Its infrastructure is poor, and the local government is weak. Health indicators in Ratanakiri are extremely poor, and almost one in four children die before reaching the age of five. Education levels are also low; three quarters of the population is illiterate.

Administrative divisions

District	Communes	Population (1998)
Andoung Meas	Malik, Mai Hie, Nhang, Ta Lav	6,896
Banlung	Kachanh, Labansiek, Yeak Laom	16,999
Bar Kaev	Kak, Ke Chong, Laming, Lung Khung, Seung, Ting Chak	11,758
Koun Mom	Serei Mongkol, Srae Angkrong, Ta Ang, Toen, Trapeang Chres, Trapeang Kraham	8,814
Lumphat	Chey Otdam, Ka Laeng, La Bang Muoy, La Bang Pir, Pa Tang, Seda	10,301
Ou Chum	Cha Ung, Chan, Aekakpheap, Kalai, Ou Chum, Sameakki, L'ak	11,863
Ou Ya Dav	Bar Kham, Lum Choar, Pak Nhai, Pate, Sesant, Saom Thum, Ya Tung	10,898
Ta Veaeng	Ta Veaeng Leu, Ta Veaeng Kraom	4,325
Veun Sai	Ban Pong, Hat Pak, Ka Choun, Kaoh Pang, Kaoh Peak, Kok Lak, Pa Kalan, Phnum Kok, Veun Sai	12,389

Banlung City of Ratanakiri

Banlung City is the provincial capital of Ratanakiri Province in Cambodia’s mountainous northeastern corner. Heavily jungled and home to 12 different ‘Khmer Loeu’ ethnic minority groups, Ratanakiri province has a real edge-of-the-world feel to it. Most visitors to Ratanakiri base themselves in Banlung City from where they make excursions/treks to Khmer Loeu villages and jungle areas, waterfalls, gem mines, and Ratanakiri’s famous Yeak Laom volcanic lake. The city of Banlung is fairly small but offers some interesting shopping and a few decent hotels.

About Two km from Banlung
-|-Getting to Banlung

Overland from Phnom Penh There are two main legs to the trip, Phnom Penh to Stung Treng and then Stung Treng to Banlung. The first leg usually requires a ferry ride for part of the way in order to bypass the extremely bad road between Kratie and Stung Treng. Either: 1) Take a taxi (2 hours, 8000 riel) or ferry (15,000 riel) to Kampong Cham, and then take a ferry from Kampong Cham to Stung Treng (9 hours, $15), or; 2) Take a taxi (5 hours, 13000 riel) or ferry (5 hours, 30,000 riel) to Kratie, and then take a ferry from Kratie to Stung Treng (5 hours, $7). Once in Stung Treng take a shared taxi or truck from Stung Treng to Banlung (25,000 riel, 3.5 hours in the dry season. 5-10 hours in the wet season.

-|-Getting Around
Motorcycle taxi (motodup), rental motorcycle and bicycle are the primary ways of getting around town and the immediate area. Motodups run 500 – 1500 riel almost anywhere in town and $7-$10 for the whole day (limited to the area around Banlung.) Good English speakers that also act as guides may charge more. A motodup from the airport to town is about 1000 riel.

For motorcycle or bicycle rental, it is easiest to ask at your guesthouse or hotel. 100cc motorcycles are $5/day. There are very few 250cc bikes to rent in town but your hotel can probably find one for you. Bicycle rental is $1/day. There is also a bicycle rental shop near the monument in the center of town. Rental prices of trucks and 4WDs begin around $30-$40/day.

The repair shop just west of the central monument is the only place in town that can service big bikes.

-|-Banks and Money
There are no banks or ATMs. No place in town accepts credit cards, though most of the hotels exchange currency and accept traveler’s checks. Moneychangers are located on the road in from of Phsar Banlung.

-|-Internet and Telephones
Internet is slow and expensive but it is available and does work well enough for e-mail and limited surfing. There is an Internet shop in the office with Royal Phnom Penh Airways opposite Phsar Banlung, and the Tribal Hotel also offers Internet access. $5/hour.
International calls run from $1.30 – $1.70 per minute. Buy an ‘Access card’ for $5, $10, or $20 at the phone shop near the market. Use the card to make international calls either their at the phone shop or from the landline phone at most hotels.

-|-What to Buy
Semi-precious gems and Khmer Loeu handicrafts and artifacts are Banlung’s main souvenir offerings. The handicrafts are uniquely authentic – as likely made for use by local people as for the souvenir market – ‘back-strap baskets’, fabrics, gourd vessels, gongs and more. There is one souvenir shop in town located in the first row of shops in front of Phsar Banlung. The gem and drink shops on the corner next to the central monument have a few souvenirs, especially gourd vessels and baskets. Terres Rouges Lodge has just opened a boutique offering handicrafts and Cambodian silks.

Semi-precious gems mined in Ratanakiri (primarily amethyst, zircon, peridot and obsidian), are cut and polished in Banlung and sold as unset gems. Gem cutting/retail shops dot the main road and market area, and there is a cluster of shops near the central monument. Look for the distinctive glass display cases lined with bare yellow light bulbs. Know something about gems before you buy very much.

-|-Markets and Shopping
The main market, Phsar Banlung, is a relatively unextraordinary traditional market offering the usual range of items for local consumption. There is one souvenir shop in front of the market, and food stalls set up in front of the market in the evening. . For most travelers’ needs (soft drinks, water, beer, liquor, toiletries, snacks, souvenirs, etc.), the small drink shops next to the monument in the center of town carry most everything.

Ka Tieng & Cha Ong Waterfall

Ka Tieng Waterfall

KaTieng waterfall is located in Labang I commune, Lum Phat district, about 7 kilometers southeast of Ban Loung provincial town. Ka Ting is below Ka Chhanh waterfall and about 3 kilometers from it.

Cha Ong Waterfall

CHA Ong waterfall is in the forest in Cha Ong village, O’Chum commune, about 2 kilometers west of Ban Loung provincial town. It was given its name by the Kreung hill tribe living nearby.

The waterfall gets its water from Phnom Eysei Patamak or Phnom Svay near Ban Loung provincial town from its upper level, the water flows from a small canal before dropping 25 meters to a lower level. A mountain slop leads visitors to the bottom of the waterfall, where they can sit inside a cave and enjoy the view.

Ka Chanh waterfall is located in Ka Chanh commune, Ban Loung district, about 6 kilometers southeast of Ban Loung provincial town. The waterfall is 12 meters high and is fed year round by the O’Kan Teung canal.

From the waterfall the water flows into Sre Pork River in Lum Phat district. The waterfall was given its name by the Kreung ethnic minority in Ka Chanh village.

There are a number of scenic rubber plantations along the canal leading to the waterfall. The base of the waterfall, which is a lovely place for picnic, can be reached by climbing down are also available.

Beung Yeak laom

Beung Yeak Laom is located in Yeak Laom commune, Ban Loung district, about 5 kilometers south of Ban Loung provincial town. A lake in the middle of a mountain, it was formed many centuries ago
from volcano. The lake is about 800 meters in diameter and 48 meters deep during about dry season. The water is clear and suitable for swimming.

There are two places along the bank where visitors can relax and enjoy a place a panoramic view of the lake and the flora and fauna. A tourist information made by hill tribes living nearby are available for sale.

Beung Yeak Laom is a place of worship for the hill tribes. They believe there is a powerful spirit who owns the surrounding land and forest. Beung Yeak Laom is popular with tourists who like to swim or hike in the forest surrounding ring along their own food and beverages.

Archive for Pursat

2010-10-05T17:07:00.001+07:00

Pursat Province

Pursat — Province —

Area

- Total
12,692 km² (4,900.4 sq mi)

Population (2008)^[1]

- Total
397,107

- Density
31.3/km² (81/sq mi)

Pursat Province is the fourth largest province in Cambodia. It is located in the western part of the country and borders clockwise from the north with Battambang Province, the Tonlé Sap, Kampong Chhnang Province, Kampong Speu Province, Koh Kong Province, and Thailand. It is located between the Tonle Sap and the northern end of the Cardamom Mountains. The Pursat river bisects the province, running from the Cardamoms in the west to the Tonle Sap in the east. Pursat is accessible by National Highway 5, by boat, rail and by numerous smaller roads. The capital, Pursat town, lies 174 kilometres north west of Phnom Penh by road and 106 kilometres south east of Battambang.

The province is subdivided into 6 districts.

- 1501 Bakan

- 1502 Kandieng

- 1503 Krakor

- 1504 Phnum Kravanh

- 1505 Sampov Meas

- 1506 Veal Veaeng

The name of Pursat refers to a type of tree.The provincial capital of Pursat is also called Pursat town. The city is located right in the middle between the Tonle Sap and the Cardamom Mountains on the riverbanks of the Stung Pursat. Pursat is the home of many marble workshops. The precious marble stones originate from the Cardamoms Mountain.

For the time being, Pursat receives few travellers and the two main attractions, the Cardamoms and the Tonle Sap require a little initiative on the tourist’s part to visit. Pursat is predominantly accessible by the National Highway No 5 form Phnom Penh (174km) and Battambang (106km). There is also an old slowly train working between Phnom Penh and Battambang, which stops outside (2km) from Pursat.

The provincial capital of Pursat is also called Pursat town. The city is located right in the middle between the Tonle Sap and the Cardamom Mountains on the riverbanks of the Stung Pursat. There isn’t that much to do in that small town, so most of the tourists coming here are more or less on their way to Battambang or Phnom Penh. For people just driving by, the impression of a boring ordinary town remains. The only tourist attraction in town is the marble workshops near the bridge on the main street. The precious marble stones originate from the Cardamoms, than they are brought here, followed up and sold near the Lam Siv Eng Restaurant. About 5 km from town is the tomb of Khleang Meung.

How to get there

Phnom Pich Hotel: (tel: 052/951515)
This hotel is about 200m North from the main bridge on the westbank of the river. The smart and modern hotel offers clean and very spacious room equipped with Western bathroom, satellite TV and air-con. The attached restaurant has a very good reputation in town. The prices range from US$6-15.

Vimean Sourkear Hotel: (tel: 052/951466)
The pretty old looking hotel from the outside shows another face inside with air-con rooms and hot water. It’s probably the cheapest hotel with air-con in town.

New Tounsour Hotel: (tel: 052/951506)
This hotel is long-running by friendly people and offers quite the same standard as the Phnom Pich Hotel. Clean and very spacious room equipped with Western bathroom, satellite TV and air-con. Don’t wonder about the kitschy décor it’s just a Khmer update. Prices from US$5-10.

These next two places have similar good locations, close to the river and market:

Thmar Keo Guesthouse:
There is a nice outdoor terrace here. The best bet is the fan room with a Western bath and single bed for US$ 5. An a/c room goes for US$ 10.

Hotel T’mei:
Next to the Hotel Vimean Sourkey, this hotel was still under construction when we were in the area. Looks like it will be the best spot in town when it’s finished. Who said Pursat wasn’t booming?

These two places are near each other and just off National Highway No 5:

Hotel Orchidee:
A very friendly place run by a mother-daughter team. There is a common living room, TV area on the second floor that has some nice Khmer artwork on display. Rooms with a Western bath, h./w shower and two beds go for US$ 7 with fan, and US$ 10 for turning on the a./c.

Hotel Than Sour:
It’s probably a step up from the Orchidee, and is a friendly place as well. Nice rooms with TV, Western bath and fan go for US$ 5, a/c for US$ 10.

The Tonle Sap

Pursat province offers the magnificent opportunity to see one of the larger and markedly less touristy floating villages without a significant investment in time or money. In fact, there are a number of floating villages in the province only accessible from the lake, Peach Kantil, Kbal Taol, and Prek Kr, but you can only see Kompong Luong for the cost of the day-rate for a moto ($6-8) and the cost for a boat ride once you get there.

Bak Tra Resort

The Bak Tra Resort, Pursat is a very popular destination in the area and it should not be missed. The beauty of the place will surely amaze you like none else. You can reach the Bak Tra Resort, Pursat with ease as there are numerous means of transport available and you can avail hem to reach this spot.
The Bak Tra Resort, Pursat is a natural resort that is worth paying a visit to. You need to travel for about 16 kilometers if you are staying at the provincial capital of Pursat. You need to take the Road Number 56 to reach the Kra Vanh District.
The Bak Tra Resort, Pursat is indeed very beautiful with a small mountain that is about 50 meters in height. There is a forest area as well that has a rich foliage of Thlong trees. There is also a canal and a perennial well in the area. All of these adds to the charm of the place and you should not miss it.

Cardamom Mountains

Check the Koh Kong chapter for information on the fried from Koh Kong to Pailin, which cuts through the Cardamom Mountains on the western edge of Pursat province. The Cardamom Mountains of Koh Kong and Pursat provinces are said to be the most pristine wilderness area remaining in Southeast Asia. This ride takes you through the area.
The Cardamom Mountains are located in southwest Cambodia. The western edge of the Cardamom region abuts the Thai border, while the easternmost part ends about sixty miles northwest of the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. The region's area is 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares). The highest point in the range (and in Cambodia) is Mount Aural, at 1,813 meters (5,946 feet). There are five main rivers that run through the Cardamoms, creating dozens of waterfalls. About 25,000 people live in this region, some of whom are ethnic minorities, such as the Porr.
There are two wildlife sanctuaries in the Cardamoms, both of which were decreed by King Norodom Sihanouk in 1993 solely on the basis of aerial photographs. Mt. Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary is in the western part of the range, and Mt. Aural Wildlife Sanctuary is in the east. These are "paper"parks only: they exist only by law, with none of the active management necessary for a wildlife preserve.
Khmer Rouge guerrillas retreated to the Cardamoms after losing power in 1979, and for the next twenty years, no one wanted to enter that area for fear of the KR and the mines they placed in it. As a result, the region remained untouched and undeveloped. Thousands of Cambodians left the country before and during the KR holocaust by walking over the Cardamoms into refugee camps in Thailand.
Today, the Cardamom Mountains region is the largest wilderness in mainland Southeast Asia, preserving a remarkable number of species that are endangered (and in some cases extinct) elsewhere in the world. However, without proper conservation and protection, this area and its inhabitants are now at the mercy of logging interests, as well as poachers.
Densely covered with lush virgin rainforest and rising to it's highest point at over 1,770m, the Cardamoms extend over an area of 4,420,000 hectares (10,922,060 acres) covering a large portion of South Western Cambodia. The Cardamoms are considered to represent Southeast Asia's greatest natural resources in terms of virgin forest and wildlife habitats that have never been fully explored and/or catalogued. In 2000, Fauna and Flora International, Conservation International, and the Cambodian Ministry of Environment and Wildlife Protection Programme conducted a joint survey that covered only a small part of the vast expanse of unexplored land. Despite the minimal area under observation the survey identified 30 large mammal species, 30 small mammal species, more than 450 birds, 64 reptiles, 30 amphibians, and many other plants and insects. To name just a few of the animals indigenous to this area would include elephants, tigers, clouded leopards and a variety of other mammals such as the Malaysian sun bear, pleated gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles all of which are high on the endangered species list and the only significant population thought to exist anywhere.
Fauna & Flora International was the first to conduct extensive field surveys in the Cardamom Mountains of south-west Cambodia. These established the area as one of the last forest wilderness areas in mainland south-east Asia. Isolated by their remoteness and rugged terrain and forgotten during years of conflict in Cambodia, the Cardamoms have at their core a virtually undisturbed forest covering over 10,000 square kilometres.
The Cardamom Mountain Wildlife Sanctuaries Project, a joint venture of Fauna & Flora International and Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, aims to ensure the long-term conservation of a landscape of global importance and its biodiversity while reducing poverty and ensuring essential national development. The focus is to establish and maintain management systems in two protected areas in south-west Cambodia: Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary and Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Cardamom Mountains are now known to contain almost all the country?s known mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. This is partly due to the very high diversity of habitats, some of which occur nowhere else in Cambodia, such as large expanses of fire-regulated ferns, upper montane forest, high elevation marshes and blackwater rivers.

Floating Village of Lake Tonle Sap

Floating Village of Lake Tonle Sap is heading east from Pursat town, about one-third of the way to Kampong Chhnang town is the town of Krakor. Just a few kilometers to the north are Lake Tonle Sap and the floating village of Kampong Loo-uhng. It?s a complete village on the water populated mostly by Vietnamese fishermen. You can arrange for a small non-motorized boat to show you.

Kam Pong Luong Resort

Kampong Luong is a natural site located on the Tonle Sap in Kampong Luong commune, Krakor district, about 35 kilometers east of Pursat provincial town. The site is a sand cape suitable for swimming during the dry season. During the rainy season, especially during Pchumben, many cambodians gather there to play Chaol Teuk Leak (a traditional Khmer game, played by throwing water on one another) on the river. The game can be dangerous, however, because it is often played while in small boats.
There are four other sites that Pursat residents prefer to visit. They include:

- Kampeng: located in Pro Ngil village, Por Ngil commune, Kravanh district, about 20 kilometers from the provincial town.

- Phnom Dak Preah: located in Roleap village, Roleap commune, Pursat district, about 10 kilometers from the provincial town.

- Koh Sampeou Meas: located in front of the provincial hall in the middle of Pursat Island. It covers 2 hectares.

- Preah Theat: located in Sre Sdok village, Sre Sdok commune, Kan Deang district, about 20 kilometers from the provincial town.

This sites in Pursat province cater mostly to local people who visit them, especially on holidays or during the traditional festivals.Once past the mouth of the Tonle Sap, the floating village of Kompong Luong is found 30 kilometers into the lake, on its southwest shore. It's truly a floating village, with a large population of Vietnamese fishermen.
Almost totally overlooked by tourists because of its remoteness and difficult access, the village is completely self-sufficient. A floating school, factories to make ice for fish preservation, church, pagoda, service stations, pigsty, stores, boat or television repair shops, video club, karaoke bar, police station... everything is on the water. All trades are represented and everybody from children to grandparents goes by boat through the network of canals that cross this little town.

Leach Village

It is visited by both locals and foreign tourists. The scenic beauty of the Leach Village, Pursat matched with the rich rustic tradition has made it a very popular tourist spot.
Travelers also undertake excursion trips to the Leach Village in Pursat. Travelers and nature lovers from all over the world visit the place to have a feel of the pastoral atmosphere. The Leach Village, Pursat is also easily accessible. It is around 27 kms from the main town center of Pursat.
Leach Village is also a well known center of sandalwood production in the country. The nearby forests close to the Cardamom Mountains are home to sandal trees which serve the wood for the industries. The sandalwood is used for perfumes. Travelers can visit the local sandalwood firms and have an experience of the local production techniques. Travelers can also experience the local houses which are wonderfully designed.
Various travel agencies organize trips to the Leach Village, Pursat. The trips are mostly done in shuttle buses or cars. The route is very charming and enjoyable. Useful information about the trip can be obtained from the travel tips and the tourist office.

Luaing Trach

Luaing Trach is located in Lang Trach village, Svay Sa Commune, KraKor district, about 49 kilometers (1h:30mn) from Provincial Town. It is Nature & Wildlife Preserves.

O'Da Rapids

O’Da Rapids is a river picnic area that the locals head out to on weekends to have a swim and kick back for a while about 52 km from town. There are Thais and Khmers working on building a logging road to extract timber from the area, which is why the river is now accessible for the locals on a fairly good gravel road for much of the way. The location is not really something to write home about, but the ride out gives you a chance to see life in the pursat countryside. To get there, turn left (if coming from Phnom Penh) at the small Caltex station (same as going to the hill temple). Down the road, 27 km from the turn, you come to the town of Leach, follow the curve of the right. At 0.7 km past that, turn left you will then see a mountain ahead. At 52.5 km past the Caltex turn, you arrive at a gate with entry fees listed, although there was nobody there to collect when I visited. The fees are listed in Khmer script, from 500 riel to 5,000 riel, depending upon whether you had a motorcycle; car of just came with others. Go beyond the gate to find the river and picnic areas.
Scenic Drive to Wat Bpahk-Dtrow A nice drive through rural farm country, followed by rolling forested hills, is what you get on the way to this hill temple area. With large boulders and trees lining the temple area, it?s a favorite spot for the locals on Sundays and holidays. There are footpaths leading to the different temples and monuments throughout the area. There are food and drink stands near the parking area. To get there just head east from the river bridge on National Hwy5 (towards Phnom Penh) and turn right at the small Caltex gas station-you go under a brick and metal mesh gateway. Just follow this road for about twenty of twenty- five minutes (around 14 km) and you will see the hilltop temple in the distance on the left. Turn left at the blue white pillars.

Phnom Ba Klas

Phnom Ba Klas is a natural and cultural site located in Tnaot Chum Village, Tnaot Chum cmmune, Krakor district, about 20 kilometers east of the provincial town. The site affords visitors beautiful scenery and abundant fresh air. The near by mountains are filled with a small fruit trees, especially Kuy and Sei moan, which are popular among visitors. An old, crumbling pagoda still contains many statues and sculptures. Khmer people still come there to worship.

Phnom Baykhlor Resort

Pnhom Baykhlor Resorts is the natural and cultural resort. It is located at Thuaut Chum village, Thnaut Chum commune, Ko Kor District in 20-Kilometer distance from the provincial town of Pursat by the National Road N0 5 then turning right more 12 Kilometers to the East. This resort consists of:
- Beautiful scenery for tourists.
- Mountain and forest.
- Broken ancient statues and other varied sculpt.

It is a nice place to spend a day while you are out on Pursat tours. The natural beauty of the place and the exotic surroundings are sure to allure you. The beautiful scenery and the wide range of features make Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat a delightful spot and also a place worth visiting.

Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat is one of the major tourist attractions in Pursat that attract the visitors with its scenic beauty and exquisiteness. There are a few resorts and fascinating places to visit while out on sightseeing in Pursat and among them Phnom Baykhlor Resort is one of the lovely places.

Phnom Baykhlor Resort in Pursat is located at Thuaut Chum village, Thnaut Chum commune, Ko Kor District. It is about 20 kilometers from the provincial town of Pursat. It is easily accessible from the town and you can reach here by taking the National Road N0 5 then turning right and driving about 12 kilometers to the East. It is visited by many vacationers seeking complete relaxation and also family units for spending a fun filled and a pleasurable day. It appeals to all sections of the society- small and big, young and the old.

Well known for its beautiful scenery, Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat is a favorite with the tourists who could also capture some of the most amazing pictures. The resort also consists of broken ancient statues and there are interesting sculptures also that can be found here. The diverse landscapes and the beauty of the mountains and forests surrounding it further add a charm to Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat.

Scenic Drive to Wat Bpahk- Dtrow

Scenic Drive to Wat Bpahk-Dtrow a nice drive through rural farm country, followed by rolling forested hills, is what you get on the way to this hill temple area. With large boulders and trees lining the temple area, it?s a favorite spot for the locals on Sundays and holidays. There are footpaths leading to the different temples and monuments throughout the area. There are food and drink stands near the parking area. To get there just head east from the river bridge on National Road No.5 (towards Phnom Penh) and turn right at the small Caltex gas station-you go under a brick and metal mesh gateway. Just follow this road for about twenty of twenty- five minutes (around 14 km) and you will see the hilltop temple in the distance on the left. Turn left at the blue white pillars.

Venerable Site of Neak Ta Khleang Moeang

Neak Ta Khleang Moeang is the main historical site in Cambodia and located at Snam Preah Commune, Ba Kan District, about 6 kilometers south of Pursat provincial town.
The site is the sacred place prayed and worshipped by tourists who come from the near and far areas. This venerable site has a statue of Neak Ta Khleang Moeang respected and worshipped by the Cambodian people. The statue is newly made in 1993 and put at the right place because the ancient statue is completely damaged by the civil war.
Neak Ta Khleang Moeang, Pursat is one of the famous tourist attractions in Pursat which attracts large number of visitors every year. It is one of the historical sites, which has great significance to the tourists. If you are a history aficionado and would like to explore the historical sites and places of cultural interests in Pursat in Cambodia then do visit the Neak Ta Khleang Moeang, Pursat.
Neak Ta Khleang Moeang, Pursat is one of the main historical sites in Cambodia. Pursat is a rural town located on the western side of Cambodia. It is also the fourth largest province in Cambodia, stretching from Thai border eastwards to the Tonle Sap Lake. I also include the Cardamom Mountains. There are a few attractions in Pursat and it is mostly the beauty of the natural surroundings that beguile the tourists to this place.
Neak Ta Khleang Moeang, Pursat is a must visit in the itinerary of the tourists out on sightseeing in Pursat as the place is one of the famous historic sites in Cambodia. It largely appeals to the people who take interest in the past and the historical background of the province. It is located at Snam Preah Commune, Ba Kan District. Apart from a tourist attraction, it is also a religious center and a site sacred site which is frequented by pilgrims and worshippers who come here from near and far areas.
Neak Ta Khleang Moeang in Pursat is one of the most esteemed sites that which has both historical and religious importance. It also houses a statue of Neak Ta Khleang Moeang which is worshipped by the Cambodian people. The ancient statue was completely damaged by the civil war and was replaced by a new statue.

Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River

Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River, Pursat is one of the main areas of interest for the tourists arriving at Pursat to spend a day or two during the Tour of Cambodia. Counted among the popular sites it is included in a day's tour of the sites. Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat is the temple that is located to the southern bend of the river.
A visit here is a highly enjoyable experience and the setting quite picturesque. Driving on National Highway 5 that connects Pursat with other Cambodian cities will give a view of Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River. The visitors will find a new Wat being constructed at the temple site. Locals go there for a day's picnic by the riverside. If you intend to cross the river opt for the wooden bridge across the river road that connects the two ends of the river.
After touring the temple site, move further north of the bridge and you reach the white sandy beach that keeps pulling visitors during the weekend. A scenic drive to Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River is worth enjoying and tourist will relish the experience for a long time.

Archive for Prey Veng

2010-10-05T16:20:00.001+07:00

Prey Veng Province

Prey Veng (long forest) is a province of Cambodia. The capital is Prey Veng town. In 2008 it had a total population of 947,357 people.

The National Road 1 passes through, which links Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City and is one of the busiest roads in the country.

This densely populated agricultural region is located on the east bank of the Mekong. The name literally means "long forest" in khmer, but the last great forests have gradually disappeared there over 30 years to provide for agricultural land.

Geography

The province is bordered by those of Kampong Cham Province to the north, Kandal Province to the west, Svay Rieng Province to the east and by Vietnam to the south. It is crossed by two major rivers of the country, namely the Mekong and Tonle Bassac.

The total land area of the province is 4,883 km², which equals 2.7% of the total land area of Cambodia (181,035 km²). This consists of 445.18 km² or 9.12% of human settlements, 3,100 km² or 63.49% of agricultural land use, 194.61 km² or 3.99% of forested area, 1,082.86 km² or 22.18% of public land, infrastructure and water bodies. The remaining 60.35 km² or 1.24 % are unused areas.

Population

The total population is 947,357 persons or 7.07% of the total population of 13,388,910 persons in Cambodia ^[2] In the above number are also consisting of 825,818 person or 80.54% are farmers, 140,685 person or 13.72% are fishermen, 44,561 person or 4,35% are traders, 14,267 person or 1.39% are government’s officers. The average density 194.0 person per km².

The majority of the population is of Khmer origin and only 1.13% are from ethnic minorities such as Kinh (Viet), the Muslim Chams or Laos.

Districts

The province contains 1139 villages organized by 116 communes and 12 districts. The districts are:

- 1401 Ba Phnum

- 1402 Kamchay Mear

- 1403 Kampong Trabaek

- 1404 Kanhchriech

- 1405 Me Sang

- 1406 Peam Chor

- 1407 Peam Ro

- 1408 Pea Reang

- 1409 Preah Sdach

- 1410 Prey Veaeng

- 1411 Kampong Leav

- 1412 Sithor Kandal

Prey Veng is quite a sleepy Cambodian province, that just happen to have one of the countries busiest highways running straight through it-National Highway No 1, which links Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It is a small but heavily populated agricultural region located on the east banks of the mighty Mekong. The name of the province means literally “tall forest”, but actually doesn’t refer in any case to lush forests as most of them were chopped down in the past 30-50 years. Also rubber played once a big economical role in this province, but since the war took over the country the plantations are no longer commercially viable.

There are little places of significance to see nowadays, but during the pre-Angkorian times it must have been one of the most populated and lively areas of the country. One of the earliest pre-Angkorian kingdoms was located in the area around Ba Phnom.

The sleepy provincial capital is also named Prey Veng and situates on the National Highway No 11, recently rebuild as a road link between National Road No 11 and No 7, or Neak Luong and Kompong Cham. There aren’t a lot of travellers making their way to that small town. So if you would like to escape from your fellow travellers that’s an opportunity, especially on the way to Kampong Cham. It’s also a stop worth on the way to or from Vietnam.

The town itself hosts a few decaying colonial buildings, showing that this was once a lively and important centre. There is a huge lake on the west edge of the town, which evaporates from March till August and local farmers cultivate their rice on the fertile ground.

Ba Phnom Resort

Ba Phnom Resort Located at Chheu Kach commune, Ba Phnom District in the distance of 78 Kilometers from Phnom Penh and 45 Kilometers from the provincial town of Prey Veng with turning left more seven kilometers at kampong Seung market.

Ba Phnom Resort in Prey Veng Province

The resort of Ba Phnom has four mountains closed to each other, namely: Sam Por, Sa Ang, Thum and Bonh Chor mountain. Ba Phnom is the former old Capital named Nor Kor Phnom. Nowadays, it remains some evidence like an ancient temple called Pra Sat Chan located in front of Kuk pagoda closed to Sam Pov Mountain in Cheung Phnom Commune, halls and palace are completely damaged by war at that time. Ba Phnom has beautiful scenery when viewing from the above peak and big rocky caves, the hideout of wild life. At the mountain’s Valley, there is a pagoda named “Ba Phnom” surrounded mountain rank and a big pond at the East of the pagoda. Around the mountain, there are residences of the local people.

The resort of Ba Phnom has been planned to develop as a big tourist attraction at the eastern part of Mekong River because this area can attract most visitors during the Cambodian festivals and holidays. In addition, there are more 15-attractive sites in Prey Veng province such as:

1 Kandal temple located at kampong Trobek District.
2 Prey Cha Rick temple located at kampong Trobek District.
3 Prey Vea Temple located at kampong Trobek District.
4 Stupa of kampong Trobek.
5 Kdey Troup pagoda located at Preah Sdach District.
6 Krang Svay pagoda located at Preah Sdach District.
7 Kdey Ang or Chum Nit located at Preah Sdach District.
8 Preah Sena temple located at Preah Sdach District.
9 Vang Phnan pagoda located at Preah Sdach District.
10 Ha temple located at Preah Sdach District.
11 Preah Poan located at Preah Sdach District.
12 Vi Heah located at Preah Sdach District.
13 Kuk temple located at Ba Phnom District.
14 Cham temple or Chan Ba Phnom.
15 Preah Theat Me Bon located at Prey Veng District.

These attractive sites are the worshipping places for the people of Svay Rieng province who believe in mountain or Arak Neak Ta, and also the gathering places for local and international visitors from everywhere.

Archive for PREAH VIHEAR

2010-10-05T16:06:00.001+07:00

Preah Vihear Province

Preah Vihear — Province —

Map of Cambodia highlighting Preah Vihear

Capital
Phnom Tbeng Meanchey

Area

- Total : 13,788 km² (5,323.6 sq mi)

Population (2008)

- Total : 170,852

- Density
12.4/km² (32.1/sq mi)

Preah Vihear (sacred sanctuary) is a northern province of Cambodia. The capital is Phnom Tbeng Meanchey town.

Description

The province is named after the temple of Prasat Preah Vihear. The Dângrêk Mountains and the Cambodia/Thailand border are located in the north of Preah Vihear Province.

Preah Vihear is one of the nine provinces that is part of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve.

Several Western governments have issued travel warnings to their citizens advising not to travel to this province due to an ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. The Government of Canada has advised "Armed forces from both countries are engaged in this ongoing dispute. There have been reports of exchanges of gunfire in the area. Tensions are extremely high and military hostilities could escalate without warning."

Administration

The province is subdivided into 7 districts.

1301 - Chey Saen
1302 - Chhaeb
1303 - Choam Khsant
1304 - Kuleaen
1305 - Rovieng
1306 - Sangkom Thmei
1307 - Tbaeng Meanchey

PREAH VIHEAR Temple

Prasat Preah Vihear was built by a succession of several Khmer monarchs beginning with Yasovaraman I and ending with Suriyavaraman II, builder of Angkor Wat. This progressive construction appreciated once at the temple itself, as there are a series of gopura rising to the cliff. Some scholars has contented the site may have been founded earlier still, as evidenced by inscriptions linking it to the son of Jayavaraman II, the first of Angkor’s denaraja,who transported temple of Wat Phu Champasak in Laos.

Located at Svay Chrum Village, Kan Tout Commune, Choam Ksan District, on the mountain rank of Dang Rek (Preah Vihear mountain is 800 Meters x 400 Meters. Preah Vihear Mountain has very steep side from Cambodia and gently sloping side from Thailand. Preah Vihear temple has 405-Kilometer distance from Phnom Penh or 108-Kilometerdistance from the provincial town of Preah Vihear by road No 211 to the Choam Ksan District. Preah Vihear Temple has three accesses: – Access from Thailand for international tourists. – Access from Cambodia by the ancient road via Svay Chrum. At the mountain of Dang Rek, there is a stair stretching up the top where the Preah Vihear temple located. – Access from Cambodia by the Road C1 constructed by Khmer Rouge.

Nowadays, most local people and venders usually. – go up the mountain by the Road C1 because it is easy to go. Preah Vihear temple is the historical site named “Se Khari Svarak” means “power of mountain” and was built at the end of 9th century and at the beginning of 10th century by four Kings namely: – Preah Bat Sorya Varman I from AD 1002-1050. – Preah Bat Sorya Preah Bat Yak So Varman I from AD 889-910. – Varman II from AD 1113-1150. – Preah Bat Chey Varman VI from AD 1080-1109. Preah Vihear temple was handed over by France to Thailand in 1954 and given back to Cambodia by the verdict of the La Er International Court dated 15 June 1962.

BAK KAM PAGODA

Located at Bac Kam Village, Chhean Muk Commune, Tbeng Mean Chey District in 17-Kilometer distance from the provincial town of Preah Vihear. The area of the pagoda is 400 Meters x 1000 Meters. The local visitors usually visit the pagoda during the holidays or national festivals.

KOH KER TEMPLE

Located at Sra Yong Cheung Village, Sra Yong Commune, Ku Len District in 72-Kilometer distance from the provincial town. The group of Koh Ker temples consists of 38 small temples in varied styles.

The distance from each temple is 2-5 Kilometers. Koh Ker temple located on the highland of Kork Koki and was built by Preah Bat Chey Varman IV from AD 921-942. It is the mountainous temple having seven decks and 35-meter height. The temple is not yet opened for tourists to visit because the area not yet arranged and has mines.

BAKAN TEMPLE

Located at Ta Seng Village, Ranaksei Commune, Sang Kum Thmey District in 105-Kilometer distance from the provincial town by the National Road No 12 (64), then turning right more 30Kilometers.

Ba Kan is the cultural site. Nowadays, the temple has no tourists to visit yet.

STEUNG KSACH RESORT

Is the natural resort, locates along the river of Sen at Thmey Village, Kampong Pra Nak Commune, Tbeng Mean Chey District in three-Kilometer distance from the provincial town by a trail. The resort has served the local visitors especially those who live in the provincial town of Preah Vihear with their leisure activities usually like swimming and boating during the national festivals. Preah Vihear Province has 228 ancient temples included:

108 temples in Ku Len District
16 temples in Sang Kum Thmey District
55 temples in Cham Ksan District
18 temples in Chheb District
11 temples in Ro Vieng District
11 temples in Chey Sen District
09 temples in Tbeng Mean Chey District

Prasat Ta Moan Thom

Prasat Ta Moan Thom means in Khmer “Great Temple of Grandfather Moan”. This south-facing temple enshrined a linga svayambhuva (‘self-born linga’), which might indicated that a linga was found at the site. The temple was the site of a hermitage during the pre-Angkor period. According to an inscription from the early years of Suryavarman I’s reign, the Prasat Ta Moan Thom was once named Shivapada pashcima - means “The Western Footprint of God Shiva”.

The early hermit community who venerated linga (representing hindu God Shiva) had built a wooden structure to shelter it (as it was the beginning of the construction of Prasat Preah Vihear). Later on a sandstone temple was built on the site to shelter the linga. The temple was built in phases, like in the case of Prasat Preah Vihear. The expansion of the temple was made to the south of the original site, where the slope fell steeply on the side of the hill. There are several linga on the rock-strewn ground.

The central sanctuary houses the ”Svayambhuva linga” that had been worshipped from very early times by a community of hermits. It is preceded by by a three-section pavillion (mandapa). Two libraries open to the west are located on both sides of the main shrine. Two more temples were added in the rear at a later date to the central sanctuaries. A rectangular enclosure (46 metres north-south and 36 metres east-west) consists of a series of galaries sourrounding the central sanctuary. There are three entrance gateways east, north and west, each with triple passageways. The main gate, the fourth gate, faces south, with a large Gopura (central hall). In front of the main gate, there is a high laterite esplanade overlooking the steep descent towards the Cambodian plain. In the rear outside of the enclosure, there is a water pond.

Prasat Ta Moan Thom grew in importance, especially from Jayavarman V’s reign onwards. There is a hospital and a Fire temple attached to it. At least Jayavarman VII had visited the temple once.

Prasat Ta Moan Toch

Prasat Ta Moan Toch means “a Small Temple of Grandfather Moan”. It serves as Khmer ‘hospital chapel’. The Khmers built many shrines known as ‘hospital chapels’ throughout the Khmer Empire. Jayavarman VII had built 102 such hospitals to place the sick under the protection of the ‘healing Buddha’ Bhaishajyaguru.

The classic layout of the hospital chapel of Ta Moan Toch seems to have been originally intended to open to all four cardinal points, bu the west, north and south doorways have been blocked up. The ground plan is idential for all the hospial chapels. The temple is enclosed within a wall of modest dimensions and consists of a sanctuary preceded by a mandapa (pavillion). There is a library open east through a pavillion. As usual located in the north-east corner, there is a laterite water pond characteristic of such chapels.

The Fire Shrine of Ta Moan

The Ta Moan’s Fire Shrine is located some 1,500 metres north of Ta Moan Thom. All Khmer Fire Shrines are built to the same model: doors to the east and west and windows only on the south facade. The Fire Shrines have a special architechtural shape. They were built along the ancient main roads so that travellers could rest after a long walk. In present day’s Cambodia the Fire Shrine is called Sala Chhor Team, a cottage without wall where a traveller can rest and drink water. The Fire Shrines have been designated as dharmasala, but their Sanskrit name means “the house of fire”.

The building of Fire Shrines began since the reign of Suryavarman I until the reign of Jayavarman VII who had commissioned the building of many such dharmasala.

Archive for PHNOM PENH

2010-09-14T18:02:00.001+07:00

PHNOM PENH MUNICIPALITY

Phnom Penh (Another Romanization: Phnum Pénh. literally: "Hill of Penh" or more loosely "Penh's Hill") is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation's center of economic activities. Phnom Penh has grown to become the industrial, commercial, cultural, tourist and historical center of Cambodia.

Once known as the "Pearl of Asia", it was considered one of the loveliest of French-built cities in Indochina in the 1920s. Phnom Penh, along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, are significant global and domestic tourist destinations for Cambodia. Founded in 1434, the city is noted for its beautiful and historical architecture and attractions. There are a number of surviving French colonial buildings, such as the Royal Palace, Phsar Thmei, and other French style buildings along the grand boulevards.

Situated on the banks of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is home to more than 2 million of Cambodia's population of over 14 million. It is the wealthiest and most populous city in Cambodia and is home to the country's political hub.

History

The Chan Chhaya Pavilion

Stupa in the Royal Palace

Pavilion in the Royal Palace

The exterior of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh

Phsah Thmei in the 1950s/1960s.

Phnom Penh first became the capital of Cambodia after Ponhea Yat, king of the Khmer Empire, moved the capital from Angkor Thom after it was captured by Siam a few years earlier. There is a stupa behind Wat Phnom that house the remains of Ponhea Yat and the royal family as well as the remaining Buddhist statues from the Angkorean era. There are also legends that tell how Phnom Penh was created like in the 1600s, Japanese immigrants settled on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh remained the royal capital for 73 years-from 1432 to 1505. It was abandoned for 360 years-from 1505 to 1865-by subsequent kings due to internal fighting between the royal pretenders. Later kings moved the capital several times and established their royal capitals at various locations in Tuol Basan (Srey Santhor), Pursat, Longvek, Lavear Em and Oudong.

It was not until 1866, under the reign of King Norodom I, that Phnom Penh became the permanent seat of government and capital of Cambodia, and also where the current Royal Palace was built. Beginning in 1870, the French Colonialists turned a riverside village into a city where they built hotels, schools, prisons, barracks, banks, public works offices, telegraph offices, law courts, and health services buildings. In 1872, the first glimpse of a modern city took shape when the colonial administration contracted a French contractor, Le Faucheur, to construct the first 300 concrete houses for sales and rentals to the Chinese traders. A commonly known building built by the French is Phsah Thmei.

By the 1920s, Phnom Penh was known as the Pearl of Asia, and over the next four decades Phnom Penh continued to experience rapid growth with the building of railways to Sihanoukville and the Pochentong International Airport (now Phnom Penh International Airport). Phnom Penh under the period of Sihanouk’s rule seen the expansion and construction of many modern infrastructures.

During the Vietnam War, Cambodia was used as a base by the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong, and thousands of refugees from across the country flooded the city to escape the fighting between their own government troops, the NVA/NLF, the South Vietnamese and its allies, and the Khmer Rouge. By 1975, the population was 2 million, the bulk of whom were refugees from the fighting. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge on April 17, 1975. Many of its residents, including those who were wealthy and educated, were forced to do labour on rural farms as "new people". Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's forces and was turned into the S-21 prison camp, where Cambodians were detained and tortured. Pol Pot sought a return to an agrarian economy and therefore killed many people perceived as educated, "lazy", or political enemies. Many others starved to death as a result of failure of the agrarian society and the sale of Cambodia's rice to China in exchange for bullets and weaponry. The former high school is now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where Khmer Rouge torture devices and photos of their victims are displayed. Choeung Ek (The Killing Fields), 15 kilometres (9 mi) away, where the Khmer Rouge marched prisoners from Tuol Sleng to be murdered and buried in shallow pits, is also now a memorial to those who were killed by the regime.

The Khmer Rouge were driven out of Phnom Penh by the Vietnamese in 1979, and people began to return to the city. Vietnam is historically a state with which Cambodia has had many conflicts, therefore this liberation was and is viewed with mixed emotions by the Cambodians. A period of reconstruction began, spurred by the continuing stability of government, attracting new foreign investment and aid by countries including France, Australia, and Japan. Loans were made from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to reinstate a clean water supply, roads and other infrastructure. The 1998 Census put Phnom Penh's population at 862,000; and the 2008 census was 1.3 million.

Geography

Phnom Penh is located in the south-central region of Cambodia, and is fully surrounded by the Kandal Province. The municipality is situated on the banks of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers. These rivers provide potential freshwater and other natural resources to the city. Phnom Penh and the surrounding areas consists of the typical wet plain area for Cambodia. Phnom Penh rises 11.89m or (39 ft) which causes problems for the city of potential flooding by the monsoon season which sometimes over flow the banks of the river.

The city, located at 11°33′00″N 104°55′00″E / 11.55°N 104.91667°E / 11.55; 104.91667 (11°33' North, 104°55' East), covers an area of 375 square kilometres (145 sq mi), with some 11,401 hectares (28,172 acres) in the municipality and 26,106 hectares (64,509 acres) of roads. The agricultural land in the municipality amounts to 34.685 square kilometres (13 sq mi) with some 1.476 square kilometres (365 acres) under irrigation.

Climate

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. The climate is hot year-round with only minor variations. City temperatures range from 18° to 38 °C (64° to 100 °F) and experiences tropical monsoons. Southwest monsoons blow inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon ushers in the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The city experiences the heaviest precipitation from September to October with the driest period occurring from January to February.

The city has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, which temperatures can rise up to 40 °C (104 °F) around April and is generally accompanied with high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April when temperatures can drop to 22 °C (72 °F). The best months to visit the city are November to January when temperatures and humidity are lower.

Administration

There are 8 Khans (Districts) in Phnom Penh:

- 7 Makara District

7 MAKARA DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Srun Sran

Governor

Mr. Yin Ngoun Colenin

Vice-Governor

Mr. Som Sovann

Vice-Governor

Mr. Try Narin

Vice-Governor

Mr. Som Chhim

Vice-Governor

Mr. Lim Sophea

Vice-Governor

Mr. Tuy Chamreoun

Vice-Governor

Mr. Hy Kimsour

Vice-Governor

Postal Code of 7 Makara District ( 12250)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Monorom

12251

2

Mittapheap

12252

3

Veal Vong

12253

4

Orussei I

12254

5

Orussei II

12255

6

Orussei III

12256

7

Orussei IV

12257

8

Orussei V

12258

- Daun Penh District

DAUN PENH DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Sok Sambath Governor

Mr. Hem Ann Vice-Governor

Mr. Ek Khundeun Vice-Governor

Ms. Pich Socheata Vice-Governor

Mr. Sok Penvuth Vice-Governor

Mr. Ta Karuphon Vice-Governor

Mr. Chim Dyna Vice-Governor

Mr. Chan Bondith Vice-Governor

Mr. Ton Ponlok
Vice-Governor

Postal Code of Daun Penh District (12200)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Srah Chak

12201

2

Wat Phnom

12202

3

Phsar Chas

12203

4

Phsar Kandal I

12204

5

Phsar Kandal II

12205

6

Chey Chomneas

12206

7

Chak Tomuk

12207

8

Phsathmey I

12208

9

Phsathmey II

12209

10

Phsathmey III

12210

11

Boeng Raing

12211

Address: #90 St. 90, Phnom Penh 12202

Tel: (855) 23 722-367

- Toul Kor District

TOUL KORK DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Seng Ratanak

Governor

Mr. Men Serey

Vice-Governor

Mr. Sim Sophen

Vice-Governor

Mr. Pich Keomony

Vice-Governor

Mr. Noun Somnang

Vice-Governor

Mr. Sum Rithy

Vice-Governor

Miss Ean Thim

Vice-Governor

Mr. Tep Sophon

Vice-Governor

Mr. Sang Sopheak Vicheat

Vice-Governor

Postal Code of Toul Kork District ( 12150)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Boengkâk I

12151

2

Beongkâl II

12152

3

Phsadépo I

12153

4

Phsadépo II

12154

5

Phsadépo III

12155

6

Tuk Laak I

12156

7

Tuk Laak II

12157

8

Tuk Laak III

12158

9

Phsa Doeumkor

12159

10

Boeng Salang

12160

Address: #185, V.Oknha Tep Phan, Phnom Penh 12153

Tel: (855) 18 810-322, 15 831-485

- Chamkamon District

CHAMKAR MON DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Lo Yuy

Governor

Mr. Kim Chhun Ou

Vice-Governor

Mr. Nun Somoun

Vice-Governor

Mr. Prom Somkan

Vice-Governor

Mr. May Mon

Vice-Governo

Ms. Kep Sombo

Vice-Governor

Mr. Meas Sopheap

Vice-Governor

Mr. Thy Ge

Vice-Governor

Mr. Tith Sophan

Vice-Governor

Mr. Tep Veasna

Vice-Governor

Mr. Rin Soksante roth

Vice-Governor

Postal Code of Chamkar Mon District ( 12300)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Tonle Basak

12301

2

Boengkengkang I

12302

3

Boengkengkang II

12303

4

Boengkengkang III

12304

5

Boeng Trabek

12305

6

Tumnup Tuk

12306

7

Phsa Doeum Thkow

12307

8

Toul Svay Prey I

12308

9

Toul Svay Prey II

12309

10

Toul Tum Poung I

12310

11

Toul Tum Poung II

12311

12

Olumpic

12312

Address: #169-171-173-175 Mao Tse Tung, Phnom Penh 12304

Tel: (855) 23 213-565

- Mean Chey District

MEAN CHEY DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Kuch Chamreoun

Governor

Mr. Um Mareth

Vice-Governor

Mr. Em Sokleang

Vice-Governor

Mr. Bee Sophon

Vice-Governor

Mr. Huy Sarun

Vice-Governor

Mr. Ney Pat

Vice-Governor

Mr. Eang Siphan

Vice-Governor

Mr. Prom Sophean

Vice-Governor

Mr. Prach Seyha

Vice-Governor

Mr. Thoung Chantha

Vice-Governor

Mr. By Ney

Vice-Governor

Mr. Heak Chanleang

Vice-Governor

Postal Code of Mean Chey District ( 12350)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Boeng Tumpun

12351

2

Stung Mean Chey

12352

3

Chak Angré Krom

12353

4

Chak Angré Leur

12354

5

Chba Ampeou I

12355

6

Chba Ampeou II

12356

7

Niroth

12357

8

Prek Pra

12358

Address: #1St. 361, Phnom Penh 12355

Tel: (855) 18 810-438, 830-387

- Russey Keo District

RUSSEY KEO DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Khlan Huort

Governor

Mr. Cheng Hong

Vice-Governor

Mr. Chea Kema

Vice-Governor

Mr. Nut Puthdara

Vice-Governor

Mr. Kao Saravuth

Vice-Governor

Mr. Kop Sless

Vice-Governor

Mr. Yos Yuthy

Vice-Governor

Mr. Hai Hokchheng

Vice-Governor

Ms. Ly Rosami

Vice-Governor

Mr. Seng Kun

Vice-Governor

Mr. Yi Sokleng

Vice-Governor

Mr. Kong Salong

Vice-Governor

Mr. Lin Jnok

Vice-Governor

Mr. Chor Kimsor

Vice-Governor

Mr. Sok Sen

Vice-Governor

Postal Code of Russey Keo District ( 12100)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Russey Keo

12104

2

Toul Sang kè

12105

3

Kilometre6

12106

4

Chrang Chamres I

12107

5

Chrang Chamres II

12108

6

Svaypak

12109

7

Chroy Changva

12110

8

Prek Tasek

12111

9

Prek Leap

12112

Address: National Road5, Phnom Penh 12106

Tel: (855) 18 810-437

- Dang Kor District

DANGKOR DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name

Position

Mr. Kroch Phan

Governor

Mr. Pel Kosal

Vice-Governor

Mr. Keo Sophea

Vice-Governor

Mr. Kit Sopha

Vice-Governor

Mr. Phok Seiha

Vice-Governor

Mr. Sim Solon

Vice-Governor

Mr. Theng Sothol

Vice-Governor

Mr. So Samedy

Vice-Governor

Mr. Hem Darith

Vice-Governor

Mr. Yim Sary

Vice-Governor

Mr. Som Hong

Vice-Governor

Ms. Chea Nyda

Vice-Governor

Mr. Im Thavy

Vice-Governor

Postal Code of Russey Keo District ( 12400)

Nº

Sangkat

Postal Code

1

Dangkor

12401

2

Trapeang Krassaing

12402

3

Korkroka

12403

4

Phleung Chhésrotés

12404

5

Chom Chao

12405

6

Kakap

12406

7

Porng Tuk

12407

8

Prey Veng

12408

9

Samrong

12409

10

Prey sar

12410

11

Kraing Thnoung

12411

12

Kraing Pongro

12412

13

Prataslang

12413

14

Sac Sampeou

12414

15

Cheung Ek

12415

Address: Russian Federation Blvd, Phnom Penh 12406

Tel: (855) 18 810-325, 15 912-654

- Sen Sok District

SEN SOK DISTRICT OFFICE

Governor and Vice-Governors

Name	Position
Mr. Koun Sreng	Governor

Postal Code of Sen Sok District

N	Name	Code
1	Phnom Penh Thmey	12101
2	Tuk Thlar	12102
3	Khnounh	12103

Demographics

Buddhist Institute in Phnom Penh

As of 2008, Phnom Penh had a population of 2,009,264 people, with a total population density of 5,358 inhabitants per square kilometre (13,877/sq mi) in a 375 km2 (145 sq mi) city area. The population growth in the city is 3.92%.

Phnom Penh is mostly inhabited by Cambodians (or Khmers) - they represent 90% of the population of the city. There are large minorities of Chinese, Vietnamese, and other small ethnic groups who are Thai, Budong, Mnong Preh, Kuy, Chong, and Chams. The state religion is Theravada Buddhism, more than 90% of the people in Phnom Penh are Buddhists with the Chams practicing Islam over the years since 1993, there has also been an increase in the practice of Christianity which was practically wiped out after 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over. English and French are widely used in the city, but the official language is Khmer.

Economy

Phsar Thom Thmei currently under a massive restoration project

Completed in 2009, OCIC Tower is the headquarters for Canadia Bank.

Phnom Penh's is Cambodia's economic center as it accounts for a large portion of the Cambodian economy. Double-digit economic growth rates in recent years have triggered an economic boom in Phnom Penh, with new hotels, restaurants, bars, high rises, and residential buildings springing up around the city.

The main economy is based on commercial interests such as garments, trading, and small and medium enterprises. In the past few years the property business has been booming as real estate is now getting very expensive in the city. Tourism is also a major contributor in the capital as more shopping and commercial centers open, making Phnom Penh one of the major tourist destinations in the country along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

The US$2.6 billion new urban development, Camko City, is meant to bolster the city landscape. The Bureau of Urban Affairs of Phnom Penh Municipality has plans to expand and construct new infrastructure to accommodate the growing population and economy. High rise buildings will be constructed at the entrance of the city and near the lakes and riverbanks. Furthermore, new roads, canals, and a railway system will be used to connect Camko City and Phnom Penh.^[11]

Other projects include:

Grand Phnom Penh International City
De Castle Royal Condominium^[12]
International Finance Complex (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Gold Tower 42
OCIC Tower
River Palace^[13]

With booming economic growth seen since the 1990s, new shops have opened as well as western-style malls such as Sorya Shopping Center and the new Sovanna Shopping Center. Two international franchises have also opened up in Phnom Penh. Dairy Queen has already opened up inside Phnom Penh International Airport and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has opened up a restaurant on Monivong Boulevard and plans to open more soon.^[14] The same company that opened up KFC in Cambodia has now obtained franchise rights to open Pizza Hut in the country.^[15] In addition, Swensen's ice cream restaurants was also opened in Sorya Shopping Center.

The Central market Phsar Thmei is a major tourist hot spot. The four wings of the yellow colored market are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics and shoes. Phsar Thmei is also going under a major renovation project, with fresh paint on the exterior and interior, and the creation of newer stalls.

Cambodia Angkor Air has its head office in Phnom Penh.

2010-09-14T18:00:00.000+07:00

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was built in 1866 under the reign of King Norodom and located along the Sothearos Boulevard.

Inside the Royal Palace, there are:
Tevia Vinichhay Temple: The place where the King is one throne.

The place where the King and Queen live.
Somran Phirum Temple: The place where keeping the throne objects and Accessories.
Chan Chhnya: The Royal dance hall for king and relatives and high- ranking officers. In front of the Royal dance hall, there is a platform for the King to hold the meeting with people and levels of officials.
Wat Preah Keo Morakot: Had been built since 1892 to 1902 imitated the
Cambodia architect, and was removed and reconstructed in 1962.

We called Wat Uborsoth Rotannaream where as the King of Cambodia hold in of Kings and officers held other ceremonies abide with Buddhism. In this Wat does not have any monk, but only his majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk there, at the time being a priest for a term (in the year of pig AD2490 correspondence the 31th July 1947).

Silver Pagoda

Located within the Royal Palace compound, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. On display inside are hundreds of Royal gifts received by the Royal family over the years. Among the treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with, 9584 diamonds and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
The compound also houses Wat Phnom Mondap, containing Buddha’s footprint. The walls surrounding the compound – the oldest part Silver Pagoda of the palace – are covered with frescos depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana, the Reamker.

The Russian Market

The Russian Market is popular among tourists, local expatriates and Cambodians alike. Located in the southern portion of Phnom Penh it is so called because of its popularity among Russian expatriates during the 1980s.

The market is has many things of interest to many people. Inside you can find, all manner of hardware goods, drinks and cooked food, antique furniture, traditional carvings and handicraft, hand-woven silk, music, movie and computer CDs, silverware, gems, books and maps, backpacks and bags and shoes and clothing.

Some shoes and clothing originate as out-takes from various garment factories. Hence some top labels can be found at very reasonable prices.

Many local artisans use the market as an outlet to the tourist market. You can find the new traditional handicrafts interspersed with older genuine antique carvings.

You can often see provincial artisans carrying their goods which they have brought with them, sometimes as far away as Mondol Kiri and Rottana Kiri, to sell to the Russian Market retailers. This is especially true just prior to the ‘Water Festival’ (or ‘Boat Races’) which usually occurs around mid-November every year.

The newer wooden carvings may tend to split once they are taken to a less humid climate. Most retailers will repair these items in the first year after purchase if you have made an agreement during bargaining.

How to get there:From the Independence Monument head south along Norodom Blvd. Turn right at the first set of lights (Moa Tse Tung Blvd.). Go straight east (away from the river) through one set of lights (Monivong Blvd.) and then turn left at the next set of traffic lights (about 1km further down the road). Go straight for about 300m. You will see the market on the left.

In khmer we called: “Psar Toul Tom Poung”

The Killing Fields Memorial

Cheoung Ek (The Killing Fields Memorial) is a site of mass graves and a stupa in remembrance to the people who died during the Pol Pot regime.

It is estimated that over 17 000 people were buried at this site after having been tortured and murdered at the notorious ‘Toul Sleng Prison’. Some of the remains of these people have been unearthed and have been put on display in the stupa present at the site.

The stupa was constructed to present evidence of the mass killings which occurred during the period and to help us all remember the tragic and needless loss of life.

In recent times the site has been upgraded to give a more formal avenue of contact for tourists to the site.

How to get there: From the Independence Monument head south along Norodom Blvd. Turn right at the first set of lights (Moa Tse Tung Blvd.). Continue in this direction for about 3 km. At the third set of traffic lights, (just after the large Intercontinental Hotel on the left) turn left. Go straight for about 2.5km – this road is usally very busy with people and traffic) – then you will come to a fork in the road (there is a petrol station between the forks). Take the left hand fork. Go straight for about 3.4 to 4 km. Look for the turn on the left. The road BEFORE the turn-off to the memorial is a turn-off to a pagoda and there are two large concrete statues a tiger.

Wat Prasat

About 30 minutes drive from Phnom Penh, Wat Prasat has grown in prominence over the past few years. It used to be a relatively poor and unknown Wat but is now quite famous.

The Wat has grown in prosperity mainly due to the prominence given to the head monk who’s blessings are believed to bring good fortune.

The Wat shows its increased wealth with the presentation of beautifully molded statues that tell of traditional stories handed down though Cambodian history. These statues are dotted around the courtyard that surrounds the Wat.

Within the Wat itself are a myriad of paintings that depict the stories of Buddha and his teachings. Each of the paintings may be sponsored by one or two of the people who believe they benefited from increased wealth due to the Monk’s blessings.

The Wat is particularly popular during the P’Chum Ben festival which is a festival held in September to pay honor and respect passed relatives. A visit to the Wat at this time is full of colour and adventure.

How to get there: From The Independence Monument head north toward Wat Phnom. Go around Wat Phnom and continue north until you reach the roundabout. Turn a sharp right – not to go over the Japanese bridge, but underneath. When you get to the river head turn left and north along National Road No. 5. Go straight for about 12 km and then turn left at Preak Pena-oo. Now go straight for 6 to 7km. Look for the signand then turn right to Wat Prasat which is 1km further down the road.

WAT PHNOM HILL

Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high, Wat Phnom is the only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name Penh. The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades.

Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success in school exams or business affairs. When a petitioner’s wish is granted, he or she returns to make the offering (such as a garland of jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially fond) promised when the request was made.

The vihara (temple sanctuary) was rebuilt in 1434, 1806 , 1894, and, most recently, in 1926. West of the vihara is an enormous stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (reigned 1405 to 1467) . In a small pavilion on the south side of the passage between the vihara and the stupa is a statue of the smiling and rather plump Madame Penh.

A bit to the north of the vihara and below it is an eclectic shrine dedicated to the genie Preah Chau, who is especially revered by the Vietnamese.

On either side of the entrance to the chamber in which a statue of Preah Chau sits are guardian spirits bearing iron bats. On the tile table in front of the two guardian spirits are drawings of Confucius, and two Chinese-style figures of the sages Thang Cheng (on the right ) and Thang Thay (on the left). To the left of the central altar is an eight-armed statue of Vishnu.

Down the hill from the shrine is a royal stupa sprouting full-size trees from its roof. For now, the roots are holding the bricks together in their net-like grip, but when the trees die the tower will slowly crumble. If you can’t make it out to Angkor, this stupa gives a pretty good idea of what the jungle can do (and is doing) to Cambodia’s monuments.

Curiously, Wat Phnom is the only attraction in Phnom Penh that is in danger of turning into a circus. Beggars, street urchins, women selling drinks and children selling birds in cages (you pay to set the bird free locals claim the birds are trained to return to their cage afterwards) pester everyone who turns up to slog the 27m to the summit.

Wat Phnom Hill looking from sky.(Photo by: Hun Chantha)

Fortunately its’ all high-spirited stuff, and it’s difficult to be annoyed by the vendors, who after all, are only trying to eke out a living.

Phsar Thom Thmei

Phsar Thom Thmei, also known as Central Market, is large market built in 1937 in the shape of a dome, branching out into various arms of stalls. It is located in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh.

Nowadays, the market is a hot spot for tourism. Most tourists visit this market because they want to see the varieties of products for sale. The four wings of the yellow coloured Phsar Thom Thmei are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and luggage. The market closes at around 5pm.

Psar Thom Thmei

This unique, art-deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Prior to 1935 the area was a lake that received the runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and the market constructed in 1935-37. Wet season flooding in the area around the market is a vestige of the old lake. The entrance to the market is lined with souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirts and postcards to silver curios and kramas. Inside is a dazzling display of jewels and gold. Electronic goods, stationery, secondhand clothes and flowers are also in ample supply.

Note: Phsar Thom Thmei in Khmer means ‘Big New Market’, but ‘Central Market’ has caught on in English.

Cambodia Cooking Class

Let’s go Cooking Cambodian

Cambodia Cooking Class is the first and only Khmer cooking school for travellers in Phnom Penh. Learning to cook Khmer food is a great way to introduce your Cambodia experience to your friends. Recreate the real recipes back home and invite them to a mouth-watering meal.

We are located in the heart of Phnom Penh, right behind the Royal Palace. You are cooking and enjoying your culinary creations on a breezy rooftop terrace.
Fish Amok, Cambodia’s signature dish

Khmer cuisine

Some guide books say that Cambodia’s cuisine is nothing to write home about and a poorer cousin to Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. Now, that is completely untrue. A thousand years ago the Khmer Kingdom, which centred on Angkor, ruled an empire that included most of south-east Asia. Hence, many of the Thai and other regional dishes have their roots in Khmer cooking from that time!

While there are similarities, Cambodian cuisine should be taken in its own right. Khmer recipes go back to the days before the introduction of the chilli, so are consequently much milder than most Asian food.
Our young but very experienced teacher-cook Heng, nicknamed Lucky, cooking Cambodian

Experienced teacher-cook

In our cooking school you learn how to prepare traditional, delicious Khmer dishes under the guidance of Li Heng (nicknamed ‘Lucky’), our young but enthusiastic, friendly and experienced English-speaking teacher-cook.

He will take you to the market, explain everything about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients and teach you the art of Khmer Cuisine.

Moreover, he will make your day of cooking a fun experience!
Hands-on action at the Cambodia Cooking School in Phnom Penh
Hands-on

Hands-on action in our cooking school! You will explore traditional methods of food preparation, particularly the use of mortar and pestle to pound and grind herbs and spices to enhance their flavours and nutrition. You’ll make everything from scratch with the freshest possible ingredients.

Every student gets his or her own working area and burner on a cool open-air rooftop terrace. You cook while the teacher demonstrates and troubleshoots.

Not only will you prepare delicious meals, but you’ll have a great time as well. Have fun, learn and relax in our Phnom Penh Cooking School!

Wat Ounalom

Wat Ounalom is the most important Wat of Phnom Penh, and the center of Cambodian Buddhism. Wat Ounalom was built in 1443 to keep a hair of the Buddha. Before the Khmer Rouge emptied Phnom Penh in 1975, more than 500 monks used to live at the Wat.

Ounalom Pagoda in the middle of Phnom Phnom City

The Khmer Rouge killed the abbot and a large number of monks and vandalized the buildings and their treasures. After the Vietnamese invasion on 1979 the Wat was restored, and today again serves as the center of Cambodian Buddhism.

It were originally founded with the birth of the city have both been extensively rebuilt with no original buildings remaining – most extant structures date from the late 19th or early-mid 20th century. These two principal religious centres house the Senior Abbots of the two principal Buddhist orders of Mohanikay and Thommayuth, respectively.

Archive for PAI LIN

2010-09-14T17:25:00.002+07:00

PAILIN PROVINCE

Pailin is a province at the northern edge of the Cardamom Mountains, in the west of Cambodia near the border of Thailand. This province is surrounded by Battambang Province, and was officially carved out of Battambang to become a separate administrative division after the surrender of the Ieng Sary faction of the Khmer Rouge in 1996. Pailin is known to much of the world for having long been a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, remaining under their control long after they were defeated in 1979.

On 22 December 2008, King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree that changed the municipalities of Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville into provinces, as well as adjusting several provincial borders.

History

Pailin was originally a small forest zone full of animal and several precious stones. Pailin is the transform word from the original Pan Len, referred by a tale about around the 18th or 19th century, there were a group of hunters who chased the wild animals farther and farther until they reached the present-day Pailin where, then, was of jungles of high trees and some fields by the canal which was called small river such as Tong small river. The hunters saw otters that were swimming and they ran away when they saw people. Then, the hunters went to see the place where the otters played together. They saw small bright rocks and everybody took a rock to show their friends and their relatives in their home land. Arriving in the home land, there were residents (it was said they were Kula^{[disambiguation needed]} people in Chanthaburi Province Siam) knew that the rocks were valuable so they took and broke the rocks to polish into gems with good purity. That was why they went to buy gems from the hunters. The hunters knew that it was way of earning a living, they often tried to go to take the rocks from the old place. At that time, Pailin began to faced as the business place.

The frequent going and coming from that place made them call Phee Leng due to the playing of the otters that they saw at the first time. But the residents in Siam pronounced Phee as Phai and Leng as Len or Lin with their Siamese sound as Pea Lean. During the control of France of that area, it was written in Latin with the sound and morphology of the words as Phailin. Later the word was shortened as Pailin by omitting " H "ាaim of a difficult pronunciation.

In the late 1970s, Pailin was a prosperous town stemming from the extensive gem deposits in the surrounding countryside. Because of its resources, it was one of the first cities invaded by the Khmer Rouge when they began their major offensive against the national government. The city offered no resistance and the Khmer Rouge soldiers were greeted as liberators as they marched into town. At this point, the deposed king had allied himself with the KR and most residents believed that the KR were fighting to restore him to power. It was not long, though, before most residents were rounded up for a forced march to the countryside to work in rice paddies. Those believed to have connections to the government were killed. The KR used proceeds from mining in the Pailin area to fund their offensive and later their government once they gained national power. When the invading Vietnamese Army threw them from power, they retreated to Pailin, where many former KR leaders remain today.

Some leaders went into hiding in fear of punishment for their crimes, although other leaders lived openly in the province. It is said that 70% of the area's older men were fighters for the Khmer Rouge, but none of the regular fighters have yet been brought to justice.^{[citation needed]} As of September 2007, Pailin's remaining Khmer Rouge leaders were being rounded up to face justice by an international tribunal, including Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea.

In the recent years, Pailin suddenly meet the decline of Economy and Business. However, a new wave of tourism began found depend on its ancient temple, natural forest, animals and especially the precious stones.

The province is divided into two districts:

- 2401 Pailin
- 2402 Sala Krau

DIAMOND ZONE

Located in Tonle Sap region with and Thailand on its western border, Pailin was a major gem producing and logging areas under the Khmer Rouge’s control until 1997. After integration, Pailin became a municipality and other businesses have developed and the lifestyle has been changed and attracted new prospectors. With its land area of 1,097km² and its population of 40,892, comprising 21,698 males and 19,194 females which compose of 9,768 families. Pailin is entirely urban, it consists of 2 districts, 8 communes and 79villages.

Pailin has an attractive location amide the foothills of Chuor Phnom Kravanh, but the town itself lacks major attractions unless you know a bit about gemstones or like hanging out with geriatrics responsible for mass murder.

This small town near the Thai border has bountiful gem and timber resources, long the economic crutch that kept the Khmer Rouge hobbling along. It was used as a base from which to launch regular dry-season offensive against government positions in and around the province of Battambang. Government forces managed to take Pailin in the summer of 1994, but the Khmer Rouge massed for a counter attack and chased the army all the way up to Phnom Sampeau. However, in August 1996, Ieng Sary, former brother No 3 during the Khmer Rouge regime and Khmer Rouge supreme in these parts, defected to the government side, bringing with him up to 3000 fighters and their dependants. This was critical in bringing about the eventual demise of the Khmer Rouge, as it cut offmuch-needed sources of revenue for fighters in the north and allowed the Royal Cambodian Armed force to concentrate its resource on one front.

Pailin’s fortunes rose dramatically in the late 1990s as gem dealers flocked into town and casinos opened to milk cash from Thai gambler. However, much of this freewheel activity has moved back to the border area where large casinos like the Caesar International are more convenient for the Thais. Today Pailin is a subdued Wild West town in which former leaders of the Khmer Rouge seek haven, avoiding the long arm of International law.

Kbal Autavao Resort
Is the natural resort full of beautiful scenery with clear-water canal, and locates at Sangkat Ou Tavao, Khan Pailin in five-Kilometer distance from Pailin town.

Kbal O Chra
5 km (15mn) From Provincial Town. Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Ouchra Leu Village, Tuol Lwea Commune, Khan Pailin.

Ou Eb Resort
Is the natural and ancient resort with waterfall and many big trees. It locates at Sangkat Ou Chras, Khan Pailin in 10-Kilometer distance from Pailin town by the road to Bo Ya Kha and Bo Tang Sou.

Phnom Keuy Resort
Is the natural resort with beautiful scenery of natural forest and river, and locates at Sangkat Steung Kach, Khan Saha Krau in 20-Kilometer distance from the Pailin town.

Phnom Yat Resort
Description: Is the cultural and historical site with ancient pagoda built as Ko La pagoda’s style. Phnom Yat locates at Pailin City and can be reached by the Road No 10. Phnom Yat, the site worshipped by the local people and the passersby who have very strong abstract belief. It also has most precious stone among other sites in Pailin City.

Archive for Oddar Meancheay

2010-09-14T16:53:00.001+07:00

Oddar Meancheay Province

Oddar Meancheay is a province in the north of Cambodia located along the border with Thailand. The capital is Samraong town.

The province is subdivided into 5 districts.

- 2201 Anlong Veng

- 2202 Banteay Ampil

- 2203 Chong Kal

- 2204 Samraong

- 2205 Trapeang Prasat

The territory of this province is located in the Dângrêk Mountains. There is a serious problem of deforestation in the area. Forest fires are common in the dry forest and there is much illegal logging as a result of economic land concessions and migrant forest encroachment.

History

The mountainous and forested area of Oddar Meancheay Province was used as a base by the Khmer Rouge when they fought against the Khmer Republic led by general Lon Nol 1970-1975.

The Khmer Rouge rebuilt their former bases in the Dangrek mountain range area, along the border with Thailand and made Anlong Veng their main "capital" from 1989 till 1997. Nowadays Oddar Meanchey Province is one of the most landmine-ridden areas in Cambodia.

Anlong Veng

Set near the base of the Dangrek escarpment, and running around the edge of a man-made lake, Anlong Veng feels like the town Cambodia forgot about, and for a long time, that is just what it was.
One of the last redoubts of the Khmer Rouge, the town was for years off limits but today, close to an international border crossing and reached by a slowly improving road, the town is starting to develop and welcome the occasional backpacker that straggles into town.

Within the town itself there is precious little to do as the key attractions all sit atop the Dangrek range in the form of Pol Pot’s grave and house along with Ta Mok’s house — the latter offers spectacular views as far as Phnom Kulen (on a very clear day).

The lake in town was caused by a small dam/spillway constructed under orders of Ta Mok. During construction they never bothered to clear all the trees from the area to be flooded and so the dead trees remain standing, creating a particularly eerie yet very photogenic scene.

Tourism is a pretty new concept in Anlong Veng but there are a few motodops who speak a little English and will happily whiz you around to all the main sites — the best way to see what Anlong Veng has to offer.

If you’re in a rush you could see everything Anlong Veng has to offer in a half day, but if you have time on your hands, you could easily spend day or two here.

Archive for MONDUL KIRI

2010-09-10T18:13:00.001+07:00

MONDUL KIRI

Mondulkiri (literally: "Mountain of the Mandala.") is an eastern provinceof Cambodia. It is the most sparsely populated province in the country despite being the largest in land area. The capital is Senmonorom town. Mondulkiri is known for its forested hills and powerful waterfalls. Mondulkiri is a candidate for eco-tourism in Cambodia.

The province is subdivided into 5 districts, which are further subdivided into 21 communes and 98 villages.

- 1101 Kaev Seima

- 1102 Kaoh Nheaek

- 1103 Ou Reang

- 1104 Pechr Chenda

- 1105 Senmonorom

Minorities/Hill Tribes of Mondulkiri

80 percent of the Mondulkiri's population is made up of ten tribal minorities, with the majority of them being Pnong. The remaining 20 percent are Khmer, Chinese and Muslim Cham. The population lives off the land, planting rice, fruit trees and a variety of vegetables. Others grow strawberries, coffee, rubber and cashew nuts. Although more and more houses are built in 'Khmer style', you still can find the traditional Phnong houses. In the houses you'll find big jars, which are said to be more than a thousand years old, and traditional gongs. There are various sorts of gongs used at different occasions. Jars and gongs are among the most valuable possessions of indigenous communities both in traditional and spiritual as well as material terms. During the times of Pol Pot those objects were burie d in hidden places in the jungle and in many cases they still wait in the ground.

Sen Monorum Waterfall

Locates at Sen Monorum District in five-kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil trail, Along either sides of the trail, there are industrial plantations like rubber, coffee and cashew as well. The local people usually meet each other at Sen Monorum waterfall during the holidays and national festivals because it closed to the provincial town.

Sen Monorum waterfall has three stages:

-First stage: The waterfall has slow speed, one-meter height and 2-4 meter diameter.
-Second stage: During the rainy season, the waterfall has strong speed, 6-7 meter height and 8-meter diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall has 7-9 meter height and 4-5 meter diameter. At the waterfall, there is a large space of resting and enjoying.
-Third stage: Locates at one- kilometer distance from the second stage. The waterfall has 1.5-meter height only.

Boo Sra Waterfall

Locates at Pich Chinda District in 43 kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil road. Boo Sra is the most beautiful waterfall in Modulkiri and shared into three stages:

-First stage: The waterfall has 15-meter diameter and 15-meter to 20-meter height in rainy season, and 20-meter diameter and 18-meter to 25-meter height in dry season. The second stage of waterfall has 150-meter distance from the first stage.

-Second stage: The waterfall has 23-meter diameter and 15-meter to 20-meter height in rainy season, and 20-meter diameter and 18-meter to 25-meter height in dry season. The second stage of waterfall has 150-meter distance from the first stage.

-Third stage: The waterfall has stronger speed than the second stage. This stage can not be reached because it locates in the thick forest, lacks of transporting mean and is dangerous due to having fierce-wild animals.

Rum Near Waterfall

Locates at Sen Monorum District in 10.5 kilometer distance from the provincial town. The waterfall has good location, which is closed to the industrial plantations like rubber, coffee, cashew, mango, Avocado and Pres as well. During the rainy season, the waterfall has five-meter height and 10-meter diameter, and during the dry season. The waterfall has six-meter and eight-meter diameter only. At the waterfall, there are many big trees projecting the cool shadow to the area.

Chrey Thom Waterfall

Locates at Sen Monorum District in 43-kilometer distance from the provincial town. During the dry season, the waterfall has 15-meter height and 2-meter diameter, and during the rainy season, the waterfall has 11-meter height and 8-meter diameter. The waterfall surrounded by the plantation of Sro Lou and there is a big and brandy tree of Chrey. The Provicail Tourist office in cooperation with the territorial authority has arranged this waterfall spot as the tourist site instead of Boo Sra waterfall that unable to be accessible during the rainy season. Riverside:
Locates at Koh Nhek District in 150-kilometer distance from the provincial town. The riverside has red and golden colored sand, and stretches along the Sre Pork River mixing with many small islands. The riverside is the leisure place for the local people of Koh Nhek District.

Plantation of Pine trees

Located at Sen Monorum District in six-kilometer distance from the provincial town by the National Road No 14. The plantation of pine trees located on the highland, which there are many pine trees remain since 1970 and growing on line, these pine trees have the same height. The ground covered by a lot of lollen leaves. It look like the golden colored carpet. Tourists can enjoy and rest on it without matting. The history said that, these pine trees were planted before the Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum time.

Archive for KRATIE

2010-09-10T17:12:00.001+07:00

KRATIE

Kratié or Kracheh (literally "Powder Cosmetic") is a province in northeastern Cambodia. It borders Stung Treng Province to the north, Mondulkiri Province to the east, Kampong Cham Province and Vietnam to the south, and Kampong Thom Provinceto the west. The capital is Kratié town.

The area near Kratié along the Mekong River was one of the most densely populated regions of pre-Angkorian Cambodia.

Lon Nol was the province's governor in 1945.

During foreign incursions into Cambodia and the civil wars, Kratié saw especially heavy fighting. During Operation Menu, Kratié was heavily bombed by the United States. Recovering unexploded ordnance and de-mining has been a major recent initiative.

On December 30, 1978, Vietnamese forces captured Kratié. Civil war continued in Kratie after the defeat of Pol Pot.

It is subdivided into 5 districts:

- 1001 Chhloung

- 1002 Kracheh

- 1003 Preaek Prasab

- 1004 Sambour

- 1005 Snuol

The 100-Column Pagoda

Located at Sam Bor District in 36-Km distance, North of the province town by the National Road No 7. The special features of Sar Sar –100 pagoda are:

- The 100-column pagoda was built on the place where the Royal Palace temple of Sam Phu Borak Capital of the Chen La time located.
- At the area, there are four- Buddist temple facing to directions:

1- Vihear Lao faces to the West
2- Vihear Sar Sar-100 faces to the North
3- Vihear Kork Keut faces to the East
4- Vihear Kork faces to the south (this Buddhist temple has only base and mark remain).

During the khmer new year, the local people who live near the former Sam Phu Bo Rak Capital usually celebrate the four-day festival by starting at Vihear Sar Sar 100 first, then Vihear Kork and Vihear Lao lastly.

Background of Vihear Sar Sar-100 was built in 1860 and the size is 30 meter x 30 meters. In the former time, at the 100th century, was thatched by Preah Ang Chan Reachea II for dedicating to the power of Vihear Sar Sarr-100 to maintain the soul of Preah Neang Varakak, his daughter who swallowed by the crocodile, Nen Thun. Vihear Sar Sar-100 is different to other temples because it face to the north. About 100 years later, the temple was damaged by the strong lightening, which caused 22 columns burnt down and the statues dirtied by smoke. Because of this incident, the temple was pulled down and rebuilt by the local people, but it had only 78 columns. Until 1978, the 100-columns pagoda has once again been renovated with 35-meter length, 18-meter width, 23-meter height and 116 columns; also, the temple has completely been renovated, inaugurated and Sey Ma buried on January 14, 1998.

FEATURES AND HISTORY OF MEKONG DOLPHIN

Mekong dolphin’lrrawaddy dolphin’s, the rare aquatic mammals in the world, live in fresh water. At present, only 80 to 100 dolphin live in the Mekong River between Kratie and Stung Treng and Cambodia-Laos border.Big dolphins are 2 to 2.8 m long with the weight of almost 200 kg. One female dolphin can give birth to only one baby for every 2 to 3 years and raise its baby by nursing like human beings ( They are mammals not fish). Dolphin are clever because they have a special vocal system for mutual interaction and perception while preying on fish.

Their food is fish, especially scale-less fishes, oysters, snails, and clams in the river. Dolphin like swimming cheerfully in small groups of 3 to 5. Dolphin can live up to 20 or 40 years.

Before the civil war, thousands of dolphin lived in the Mekong River, Tonle Sap and along the river leading to Vietnam. In Pol Pot time, a number of dolphins were killed for fat or hunted for pleasure. Using grenades, electrified tools, and fishing with big-hole mesh were the main causes of rapid decrease in dolphin population in the Mekong River.

Since 1998, several international organizations cooperated with the local authorities as well as competent institutions have worked closely in the Mekong River. Now the Royal Government is paying most attention to persevering the Mekong River dolphins.

2010-09-10T16:53:00.001+07:00

PHNOM SAMBOK RESORT

Is a sleepy Mekong River town situated on the east bank of the mighty river? It’s very picturesque with sandbars and big islands out front and bends in the river. Unlike in many towns around Cambodia, the war years were fairly kind to the French architecture and the roads, at least in the town itself. There are some nice-looking homes of French and Khmer style scattered about, adding to the pleasant feel of the place.

The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins make their home in the Mekong River, just north of Kratie. With only around fifteen to twenty remaining, they are worth a visit. Whether you are just on a trip seeing the river towns along the Mekong or taking a full circuit trip around the east and northeast, Kratie is a nice place to spend a night or two.

Is the natural and historical resort, locates at Thmor Kre Commune, Kratie District in 11 – Km distance from the provincial town by the National Road No 7, then turning more 500 Meters to the mountain. Phnom Sam Bok is the cultural and main tourist resort of Kratie province. The resort has good location and assured safety for tourists to visit. Phnom Sam Bok has been arranged as the tourist resort since the Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum time. The special features of Phnom Sam Bok are:

- Closed to the western mountain foot, there is a big pond full of Clearwater and natural plants. The mountain has two peak, adull peak and a pointed peak. On the mountain top, we can view the beautiful scene especially the Mekong River.
- The mountain rich in big trees and birds.
- There is a concrete stair stretching from the mountain foot of Sam Bok very rich in gold. The local people there called the place at the mountain.

The legend said that one upon the time, there was a king named Cha Krey Sara Varman a son of Preah Bat Hathak Athi Reach Varman. After he was on throne instead of his father, he informed officials and high officials to find where having gold mine. The local people there called the place ‘Kan Leng Sam Bo Meas’ means ‘a place very rich in gold’. Long time after that, the word changed to ‘Phnom Sambok Meas’. Then only ‘Phnom Sam Bor’ until now.

The background of Phnom Sam Bok: At the beginning of the 15th century, there was a monk named Neak Voan, the student who has the same teacher to the monk, Neak Sen. Neak Sen is the teacher of crocodile, Nen Thun and he does neditation on the mountaintop of Sam Bok. The monk, Neak Voan has very strong ritual formulas and he is well known to the near and far local people. The local people accompany each other to learn ritual formulas from Neak Voan. Since that, Phnom Sam Bok becomes the worshipping place until now.

Archive for KOMPOT

2010-09-10T14:41:00.002+07:00

KOMPOT

Kampot is the capital of Kampot Province in southern Cambodia, with a population of 39,186.

The city is a quiet riverside town just a few kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand. Before the war, Kampot was best known for its famous black pepper, which is still widely available in Cambodia.

Kampot town is the base for daytrips up the Dâmrei Mountains in general, and BokorMountain in particular, in either a truck or a dirt bike. Stunning panoramic views over Cambodia and Vietnam can be enjoyed from the mountain tops. Waterfalls, boating and rafting on the river can be enjoyed in town, and popular attractions are the Kompong Trach caves with their ancient ruins and the durian and pepper farms. The little island of Koh Tonsay can be visited from Kampot town by boat. Visitors can enjoy long stretches of golden sand and tasty local crab curry

Kampot is an up and coming tourist destination and the town has recently undergone many changes. There are a number of charming hotels, guesthouses and resorts in the towns of Kampot and Kep, while home stays can be found in the rest of the province. The province is connected to the rest of the country and Vietnam by well-maintained road

Bokor Mountain

In the Clouds on Bokor

The road to the summit of Bokor Mountain is pock-marked and strewn with rocks; vehicles crawl up the winding road lined with faded kilometer markers. Through sun-lit gaps in the trees, a glimpse of the sea brightens the weary faces of travelers and when they reach the summit, buttons are pressed and car windows slide down to the smell of wild flowers and the bite of cold air.

Dilapidated buildings with missing doors and windows for eyes—their façades patched with rust-colored-lichen—watch the arrivals through empty frames. In the early twenties, these solemn quiet buildings were once the lively heart of the famed ‘Borei Bokor’ or ‘City of Bokor’. In 1922 King Sisowath agreed to the construction of this settlement. A settlement, with schools, a hospital, a pagoda and a Christian church, hotels, a post office, a power plant and a water-supplying plant. Bokor became a haven for French holiday-makers.

During the Sangkum Reastr Nyum era (1955-1970), led by Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, ‘Borei Bokor’ was famed for its windswept beauty and incomparable scenery. In 1961, King Norodom Sihanouk, ordered the renovation of all public buildings and the construction of additional buildings to beautify the area to entice more visitors.

The French having left, Bokor then became a week-end holiday resort for Cambodian civil servants from Phnom Penh.

Cambodia enjoyed a certain prosperity then, on a par with other Southeast Asian countries. But the civil war of the following two decades almost destroyed ‘Borei Bokor’ and its beauty was forgotten. But slowly, it is emerging from the rubble. The Cambodian government has honored the settlement, and the mountain’s, history. It is now a protected national park.

Director of Bokor National Park Chey Yuthearith says about 10,000 people lived in ‘Borei Bokor’ during the Sangkum Reastr Nyum era. They were civil servants, businessmen and farmers, who grew vegetables, fruit trees and tea. “But now only a group of 50 park rangers live atop Bokor,” Chey says.

“This area is colder than any other place in the whole kingdom. At certain times of the year, in the evenings, the temperature drops to as low as 10-16°C and rises to a mere 22°C during the day.”

“The Bokor summit is 1,079m above sea level. The national park is 42km from Kampot and it is 32km from the junction of National Road 3, at the foot of the mountain, to the peak.” According to a 1993 Royal Decree, Bokor National Park covered an area of 140,000ha including the former City, but Chea says the entire area of the park covers 150,000ha.

The director complains that as there are too few rangers for such a vast area it is difficult to patrol illegal loggers and poachers.

For sightseers, Chea says there is a 60m, three-tiered waterfall in the Park and 20km from the old ‘City of Bokor’, there is a large, flat area of rock with grasses growing between the cracks in lines, like dikes in a rice field. This place is called Veal Srae Muy Roy or Plain of a Hundred Rice Fields.

“There are also many kinds of wild animals in the forest, tigers, elephants, oxen, buffalo, deer all roam here and there are more than 230 species of birds.”

Prum Socheat is a staff member at the Khmer Women’s Voice Center and Sary Nitha works at an organization assisting women in crisis. They are visitors at Bokor

and they offer their impressions of the mountain-top.“I feel as if I were flying or walking in the sky like in my dreams. When I peer down from where I stand, I see clouds floating along the waist of the mountain far away,” Prum says.“Here, you feel the coldness reaching into your heart,” Sary says. “No waterfall is as cold as Bokor waterfall. I will never forget the scenery of the mountain. It is like a daydream in the sky.”

2010-09-10T14:20:00.002+07:00

NATAYA CORAL BAY RESORT

Is the beach rich in white sand, mangrove and coconut trees, and locates at Koh Touch Commune, Kampot District in 18-Kilometer distance, west of the provincial town of Kampot by the National Road No 3. At the resort, we can enjoy the fresh seafood like crabs, cuttlefish, lobster, snail, and varied sea fish.

Kampot's new beach side Bar, Restaurant & Holiday Resort.

International Cuisine all at affordable prices.

Chefs from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Pakistan

Beach side bungalows with all amenities.

Swimming & Kayak rental

Bungalows $50 -a Large Double Bed, with Ensuite, Shower, Bathroom, Cable TV, Internet, Bar Fridge, and use of the swimming pool and free internet for overnight guests.

Located in Prek Ampil Resort. 17KM from Kampot City towards SihanoukVille.

e-mail: natayaresort@yahoo.com
Tel: 012 902 823 / 085 426 225

TEUK CHHU RESORT

Is the natural resort locating at Snom Prampi Village, Mak Prang Commune, Kampot District in eight-Kilometer distance, North of the provincial town. The resort has water flowing from Phnom Dam Rey- Phnom Kam Chay. The water is cool and clear flowing down over the big rocks for year round.

At Teuk Chhu resort, there are valuable and delicious fruit like Durian, Mangostreen, Rambutan, Mak Prang, Pineapple, coconut etc.

KAMPONG TRACH RESORT

Kampong Trach Mountain, Is the rocky mountain having caves and natural wells where arranged and worshipped by the tradition of Cambodia, China and Vietnam. The resort locates at Dam Nak Kan Tuot Khang Tbong Commune, Kampong Trach District in 38-Kilometer distance, East of Kampot town by the National Road No 16. There is a natural well having 30-meter diameter and other small natural wells having four-meter stair and artistic stone look like animal or object shape. From these natural wells, there is a long cave that we can go through to the La Ang Viel Sre 100 and La Ang Thmar Dos.

KAMPONG TRACH MOUNTAIN

, At these natural wells, there are some evidences remain which prove that the wells were the main filming places before the 70th decade.

At the front valley, there is a pagoda of Chinese and Vietnamese. In front of the cave, there is a Cambodian pagoda, which has been now maintained and arranged by the pagoda committee permanently.

Among the above four resorts excepted Teuk Chhu have not been renovated and well organized yet. However there are tourists and researchers visit the resorts.

Archive for KAMPONG THOM

2010-09-10T14:19:00.003+07:00

KAMPONG THOM PROVINCE

Kampong Thom is a province in Cambodia, Its capital is Kampong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Saen river. Kampong Thom is one of the provinces that borders the Tonle Sap Lake and is in Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve.

Kampong Pos Thom was the original name of the present province called Kampong Thom. Originally long time ago, at the dock of the Sen River next to a lake, there was a big cave with a pair of big snakes inside. The people living around this area usually saw these big snakes every Buddhist Holiday. Time after that, the snakes disappeared, and the people of that area called it Kampong Pos Thom. Then, only short words, Kampong Thom came later. During the French colony in Cambodia, the French ruled and divided Cambodian territory into provinces, and named them according to the spoken words of the people.

Kampong Thom was a powerful capital in south-east Asia during the Funan period. Kampong Thom has Prasat Sambour Prey Kok temple that was famous during the Chenla Era.

Kampong Thom is Cambodia's second largest province by area, it touches Preah Vihear to the north, Siem Reap to the northwest, Pursat to the west, Kampong Cham and Kampong Chhnang to the south and Steung Trang to the north east. Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk and Prasat Andet are two of the main Angkorian temples in the province. There are a number of other significant Angkorian sites in the area.

The province is subdivided into 8 districts.

- 0601 Baray

- 0602 Kampong Svay

- 0603 Stueng Saen

- 0604 Prasat Balangk

- 0605 Prasat Sambour

- 0606 Sandaan

- 0607 Santuk

- 0608 Stoung

Phnom Santuk

Since the ancient time to the present, Phnom Santuk Mountain has been called in many names as below:

- Phnom Thom (in history)
- Phnom Arth Santuk (In history)
- Phnom Chorm Chong Kiri
- Phnom Krop Tuk
- Phnom Preah Bat Chann Tuk

The ancient heritages on the top of the mountain:
- Many Buddha statues were carved from great mountain rock including three big Buddha statues reaching Nirvana, each has more than 10-meter length.
- Prasat Touch of pyramid shape, made of sandstone, has three stories and three-meter height, and is located next to the ancient wooden temple (presently, it is made of cement) with a rectangular pond (10m x 4m).
- Preah Bat Chann Tuk statue was carved on the stone shaped as food of a sacred human, and there are many other small sculptures.

By the stories, the construction and the statues were erected during the reign of Preah Ponhea Dharma Reacha (1474-1494) and have been maintained until now.

Phnom Santuk has changed names to Chorn Chong Kiri and Phnom Krop Tuk. Chan Dare or Chan Chare are called two pieces of stone by local people that join all together in marked symbol and made in small hole, the passenger arrived there, they always dropped cash coins (ancient coins) into this small hole. When cash coins was dropped in, it make soft weak voice like a voice of the birds sing or music with happiness. So they did that since ancient period.

Preah Bat Chan Tuk or Buddha statue:

- Was built by King Ang Chan I (16th century).
- King Baksei Chamkrong built a wooden temple on Phnom San Tuk at the same year.
- Sculptures carved on large ancient stone with many scenes of story.
- Buddha statue reaching Nirvanawas carved on larges-stone since 16th century.

2010-09-10T14:11:00.002+07:00

Prasat Sambor Group

Northern sanctuary group comprised 11 sanctuaries separated from each other with the one at the middle, and had two-wall rampart. The sanctuaries were built of brick and limestone and carve in the beautifully real khmer style. These achievements certified the real khmer talent, after received the influence from India. Khmer had prepared her country and developed arts by herself. The every great development was in Angkor civilization period. The sanctuary was built on a rectangular hill (24m 21m or 25,200 square meters or 2.52 hectares).

The sanctuary comprised 14 temples (only 8 remains), and were surrounded by two-wall rampart. These temples were constructed in various plans-square and octagonal shapes. The top of the temple was carved in lotus petals of sandstone, but some parts were cracked down and buried into the ground and the pile of bricks.

Lion Temple Group:
Lion temple group comprise 18 temples with two ramparts closed to the pond. The reasons why the people called Lion Temple because on the tops of all stairs from the four directions, there were sitting lions with forelegs standing up, hind-legs humbling down, its head rose up and its mouse opened to the sanctuary.

The rampart outside made of laterite, had 328-meter length, 310-meter width and 101,650-square-meter surface.

This rampart had Gopura in two-direction (East and West) entrances that are connected by the other laterite ramparts. In between rampart 2 and 1, at the Northeastern side near the rampart 1, there was a rectangular pond (42.10m x 34.20m). The bottom of the pond spread by laterite and surrounded by the stepped stairs. The small stairs of the Southern side are made of sandstone.

Now the pond is empty during the dry season. When we enter from the Eastern Gopura on either side of the road, we see two sanctuary hills were built on high terrace with the tracks of the round column made of laterite lining up in 0.40m height.

Prasat Yeai Poeun Group:
Prasat Yeai Poeun Group comprised a total of 22 sanctuaries (5 have octagonal shapes) with two wall rampart, and was built of brick, masonry, laterite and sandstone in rectangular from in 7th century (600-635) during the reign of Isanavarman I to dedicated to Shiva. They were built on a hill with Gopura from the eastern and western entrances joining to an outside laterite rampart. The inner rampart reached by gateways from the four directions and joined to the brick rampart carved in various clustering figures.

Along the sanctuary contained the eastern and western Gopura joined to the laterite rampart (304m x 274m or 83,296 square-meter surface). Gopura contained framed door with diamond columns and a lintel built of sandstone. Eastern Gopura contained a buried large inscription (size: 2.41m x 0,9m x 0,15) inscribed with 17 lines of script. This inscription was brought to be kept in Kampong Thom Museum.

Kroul Romeas Group:
Behind Kroul Romeas Group, there were four more sanctuaries made of brick and built during the reign King Suryavarman 1(end of 11th century). These sanctuaries were built on a rectangular hill, and faced to the East. One of sanctuaries was not completely built yet, it was likely built in later period. The lintel was carved in the form of bow without the modal. At the southeastern side, there were two temples recognized as the original ancient khmer styles.

2010-09-10T14:09:00.002+07:00

Sambor Prei Kuk

The ancient city where monuments of Sambo Prei Kuk are found today was identified as ISANAPURA, the capital of Chenla in 7th century. Chenla was a former vassal of the Funan kingdom that was one of the first state in Southeast Asia, but it gradually gained its power and eventually King Citrasena Mahendravarman of Funan in the early 7th century.

Main archaeological features in these groups of monuments are said to have been founded by king ISANAVARMAN I, the son of king Citrasena.

Many decorative details in Khmer architecture and sculpture are classified as Sambor style: the name was derived from these monuments dated in the first half of the 7th century. Henceforth this kingdom was the leading state and comprised the whole of Cambodia proper. Furthermore, several successions of kings’ reign might have maintained these monuments as their capital city. The century following the death of JAYAVARMAN I who is the last known king of this kingdom in the second half of the 7th century is a dark period in the history of Chenla. According to a Chinese accounts, in the 8th century, the country of Chenla was divided into land and water Chenlas. The obscurity prevails and this monument might be neglected thereafter. The history. However, is traced again with the accession of JAYAVARMAN II, who founded a new polity that is now referred as Angkor in the beginning of 9th century. Decorative details of Prasat Tao (Central Group) are similar to the style of the remains belong to the period of the king JAYAVARMAN II, Particularly, characteristic lion statues resembles the statues found in Phnom Penh. From these reasons this architectural complex is said to be constructed in this period.

Furthermore some inscriptions in Prasat Sambor (Northern Group) are dated in the 10th century under the reign of the king RAJENDRA VARMANII. And Robang Romeas group that is located about 2km northward from main temple area, contains other inscriptions of the king SURYAVARMAN I period. Some other decorative details and statues belong to the late Angkor period styles were confirmed from these temples. These historical evidences suggest that these monuments must have belonged to the important provincial principle city after Pre Angkor period.

From above historical perspective, this group of monuments is extremely significant not only for Cambodia but also for the entire area of Southeast Asia, for they are the only remaining sound architectural constructions that exemplify the architecture and sculpture of the early period in sizable quantity.

Archive for KAMPONG SPEU

2010-09-10T14:05:00.003+07:00

KAMPONG SPEU

Kampong Speu is a province of Cambodia. Its capital is Kampong Speu town.

It may refer to:

- Kampong Speu Province, a central province of Cambodia

- Kampong Speu (town), the capital of Kampong Speu Province

The province is subdivided into 8 districts.

- 0501 Basedth

- 0502 Chbar Mon

- 0503 Kong Pisei

- 0504 Aoral

- 0505 Oudong

- 0506 Phnom Sruoch

- 0507 Samraong Tong

- 0508 Thpong

KIRIROM RESORT

Located at Phnom Sruoch district in the province of Kampong Speu, Kirirom National Park is established on a seven hundred meters hill covering an area of over thirty five thousand hectares in the Elephant Mountains. The name ‘Kirirom’ meaning Mountain of Joy was given to it by the King of Cambodia. Kirirom National Park, a high altitude plateau, is known for its unique high elevation pine forest, which forms the headwaters for numerous streams feeding Kampong Speu Town. This park is part of the ‘Southwest Cluster Protected Areas’ which include Phnom Bokor, Preah Sihanouk and Kep National Parks.

Attractions at this hill station of Kirirom are its spectacular scenery and its astonishing waterfalls. This park is also the home to many endangered species of animals such as pleated gibbon, sun bear and tiger . You can take a ride in the traditional ox-cart ride or trek along the walking trails among the pine trees. Since this natural resort is located one hundred and twenty kilometers to the west of Phnom Penh, visitors can hire taxis to get here. Traveling along National Road No. 4 will also get you here.

The Kirirom National Park, whose official name is Preah Suramarith Kossmak, is about 80,000 acres of forested land on a rare plateau in southwestern Cambodia. The elevation is about 2,200 feet, high enough to support a large pine forest quite distinct from most of the country’s tropical jungle. Our last stop in the park was a newly renovated visitor’s center which was small but quite impressive. The visitor’s center has some really attractive displays although there are too many for such a small space. Still it was refreshing to see such high standards applied to the center.

Especially rewarding was meeting the woman in the picture, the manager of the center, who obviously was proud of her country, her park, and her job representing it to the public. Next to the visitor’s center are the ruins of a large old mansion. Pictured here is a tall, multi-part chimney on a foundation surrounded by a wooden deck that is falling dangerously apart. The house was a hot-season estate of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk but it was destroyed by the Khmer Rouge who was not finally driven out of this area until 1992.

2010-09-10T13:54:00.002+07:00

Ampe Phnom

Ampe Phnom is a natural and cultural site located in Tang Tonle and Ampe Phnom Village, Soportep and SVAY Kravan communes, Chbarmon district, about 48 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh. The site feature are stream, walking paths and big shade tree. A wobbly, wood-and –cable suspension bridge across the stream links Tang Tonle and Ampe Phnom villages.

On the Ampe Phnom side of the stream sits an old pagoda where Cambodians worship during festivals. Visitors can swim in the stream, traverse the suspension bridge or simply relax in one of the many cottages above the stream. Food and beverages are available for sale, and the surrounding woods are full of monkeys.

2010-09-10T13:53:00.002+07:00

Chambok Ecotourism Site

Chambok ecotourism site is just nest to the Kirirom National Park. Be prepared for some exercise about 4 kilometers trek, interaction with local villagers, and discovery of Cambodia’s unique natural biodiversity, visitors will enjoys with other activities such as: hiking, ox-cart riding, renting bicycle, picnicking, bird watching, bathing at the stream and the waterfall, and visiting a bat-cave. Furthermore, visitors can possibly have a lunch in the villager’s house prepared by local women, including fruit and coconut at the waterfall.

Ecotourism, Asia’s new buzzword, seems at first glance to be the ideal way to ‘save the forest’, although without the support of local communities and a constant stream of visitors, ecotourism remains a pipedream. Phnom Penh based NGO Khmer Community Development (KCD) think they have found the ideal balance.
Phnom Penh based NGO Khmer Community Development (KCD) think they have found the ideal balance.

Chambok Eco-tourism Resort, around 70km from Phnom Penh in Kampong Spue province, is just a few kilometres away from Kirirom Hillside resort. But while Kirirom is an upscale luxury retreat, Chambok is successful and sustainable community project. Unlike many similar schemes, Chambok is run with definite and realistic aims in mind – conservation that benefits local communities through tourism. “Ecotourism is very important for community development,” explained Chan Sokha, KCD’s director. “Chambok is managed by the community, but benefits from it. The project supports families and the community.”

To raise awareness, KCD offers training for would-be guides at $3 per day. The training is popular; around twenty students usually take up the offer. KCD also uses Cambodian volunteers as the unpaid positions are a cheap way to recruit hardworking staff and provide a chance for the unemployed to gain experience and practice speaking English. Twenty-two year-old volunteer Cheam Piseth said “improving language” was his primary concern, though he could easily parrot the ‘NGOese’ associated with the project.

“It’s a project to facilitate commitment to empowerment and prevent deforestation,” Piseth said before talking a long breath. “Sorry about my English,” he added.
The monthly Sunday tour bus, full of eager, bright-eyed urbanites, left at 6.30am on a two hour odyssey of karaoke and high jinks, the mood steadily lightening as the city faded into fields.

Local children handed out elaborate floral crowns upon arrival, much to everyone’s delight; drab city dwellers metamorphosing into children of nature with many a giggle and squeal. An obligatory group photo, that cornerstone of every Cambodian day trip, was taken for posterity.
“It is three kilometres to the third waterfall,” said Piseth, appointed to be translator to the sole foreigner. “It’s the best – forty metres tall. I don’t like the waste [leaves] in the water though.”

Building a trail linking waterfalls to the main entrance is practical, as waterfalls need almost no infrastructure and are attractive to Cambodians, having had a long history as meeting places, washing pools, and sacred sites. Using existing attitudes in practical strategies is an elegantly simple solution; traditional spiritual beliefs can be used to promote the modern concept of conservation.

In the hamlet closest to Chambok a billboard shows a Tevarda (spirit) pleading with an axe-wielding villager not to cut down trees. Nearby, under the shade of spindly saplings, sits a modern concrete pagoda. Here, in addition to their role as venerated religious leaders and teachers, monks educate locals about the importance of conservation. Monks are ideally placed for this role, as their views are widely respected and Buddhist mendicants have strong links to the forest. Even the temple itself serves as a marker; cleared land on one side, forest on the other.

Other measures ensure the co-operation of visiting tourists. Bi-lingual painted signs on the main trail tell visitors to be respectful with simple messages that are easily understood; “Take only memories, only footprints,” one notice reads, “Buddha was born under a tree,” notes another. Local guides, hired from the nine villages that surround Chambok, ensure no-one strays from the path into what is still a dangerous wilderness.
“Anything can disturb wildlife,” said Alan Freesanges, advisor to KCD. “We must have a team of local guides. Our team is always changing and the guides are still developing knowledge.”

To prevent jealously, guides work in rotation so that every family has a chance to earn money. Homestays, the only accommodation available, are also rotated around the villages.

A wide path leads visiotrs to the Chambok Admin office, garishly painted with bright murals. A simple lunch of fried rice in banana leaves is handed out, another service which earns local villagers hard cash. The sandy path weaves on through bamboo groves and tangled secondary forest, still used for small-scale dry rice cultivation.

“Before, the local people used to burn the forest for charcoal,” explained Piseth. “Now they protect it.”
Trees grow tall and thick as the trail rises into the hills, gnarled vines hanging like sleeping serpents beneath the cool canopy. Rock steps, steep and slippery, prompt many to walk barefoot – only the guides seem to find the going easy. Eventually the waterfall peeks through the foliage, its frothing water tumbling like spilt sugar. After an hour’s walk, the relief is palpable; urbanites cool sore their feet in icy limpid pools set amongst moss bearded rocks.
“It is beautiful here,” said one visitor as the fall’s rainbow mist settled on her shoulders. “It is very important people go to natural resorts.”

2010-09-10T13:51:00.001+07:00

Oudong Mountain

Phnom Oudong dates from the early 7th century and was the old capital of Cambodia (1618 – 1866) before the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. It is now the official resting place of the most sacred of Buddha’s bones possessed by Cambodia. Originally stored at the monument in front of the railway station in Phnom Penh and later Wat Phnom, the bone has had a new temple built top the mountain and is now the tallest one of three temples that exist there.

After a 10 to 20 minute climb from the base of the mountain you will be able to witness a wonderful view down to the surrounding Wats, rice fields and floodplains. The music from the Wats often drift upwards from below to add some magic to this place.

You can then stroll between the peaks of the mountain to behold the majestic temples and stupas present there and that are steeped in Cambodian history.

One of the most famous stories is the one which surrounds the old Chinese Buddha temple which now lays in a stage of disrepair on the southern most peak.

This temple contains a large statue of Buddha built by the Chinese. Ordinarily a statue of Buddha is built to face the east to greet the rising sun, in the case of this Buddha it was built to face China. It is thought that this was to move the power of a sleeping dragon that lies within the mountain over to China.

How to get there: From The Independence Monument head north toward Wat Phnom. Go around Wat Phnom and continue north until you reach the roundabout. Turn a sharp right – not to go over the Japanese bridge, but underneath. When you get to the river turn left and head north along National Road No. 5. Head straight for approximately one hour then turn left.

2010-09-10T13:50:00.001+07:00

Phnom Prasith

Phnom Prasith is located In Makak commune. Ang Snoul district and in Chhvian Commune Ponhea Leu district. North of Phnom Penh. To get there, take National Road 5 north about 11 kilometers to Prek Pneuv Market point. From there. Turn left and drive another 13 kilometers along a dirt trail. The total distance is about 24 kilometers from Takmao Provincial town. In the future, one National Road 26 is completed and the trail to Phnom Prasith, and then continue on the Phnom Uodong. Or, they could visit Uodong First ands Phnom Prasith later.

Phnom Prasith Is composed o two hills, the east hill and the West Hill. The West Hill has no stories. The East Hill, however, has stories relating to religion and the Khmer king. It also has a large statue of the reclining Buddha reaching nirvana.

There are not many big tree in Phnom Prasith, and there are no development plans for now. The site attracts few visitors because there is poor organization and management. Nevertheless, this area has beautiful scenery, abundant fresh air and is rich in culture and history.

About 1 kilometer from Phnom Prasith, there is a man-made cultural site called Phnom Reap or Prasat Vihear Suor. Based on the style of Angkor Wat, Phnom Reap was constructed of stone and cement. Between 1996 and 1998 for about 1 million US dollars. The money was raised from local and foreign sources Meas Sarin.

Today, Phnom Reap attracted many Cambodian and foreign tourist. It is often used as the backdrop for Cambodian Videos.

Archive for KAMPONG CHAM

2010-09-10T13:11:00.002+07:00

KAMPONG CHAM

Kampong Cham is a province in the east of Cambodia. TheMekong river bisects the province. Its capital is Kampong Cham city. With a population of over 1.6 million inhabitants, Kampong Cham is Cambodia's most populous province.

The district is subdivided into 16 districts(srok), 173 communes (khum) and 1758 villages (phum).

0301 Batheay
0302 Chamkar Leu
0303 Cheung Prey
0304 Dambae
0305 Kampong Cham
0306 Kampong Siem
0307 Kang Meas
0308 Koh Sotin
0309 Krouch Chhmar
0310 Memot
0311 Ou Reang Ov
0312 Ponhea Kraek
0313 Prey Chhor
0314 Srey Santhor
0315 Stueng Trang
0316 Tbuong Kmoum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kampong Cham Province, a province of Cambodia
Kampong Cham (city), the capital city of Kampong Cham Province
Kampong Cham District, a district in Kampong Cham Province
Kampong Cham (commune), a commune in Kampong Cham District
Kampong Cham Airport, the provincial airport in Kampong Cham Province
Apostolic Prefecture of Kompong Cham, a geographical area used by the Catholic Church in Cambodia

Phnom Han Chey (Phnom Chey Kiri)

Han Chey or Phnom Chey Kiri is located in Han Chey village, Han Chey commune, Kampong Siem district, about 18 kilometers east of Kampong Cham provincial town on the northern part of the Mekong River. The distance by water is 20 kilometers.

The top of the mountain is located by climbing 295 steps. On the top of the mountain there is a pagoda and temple known as South Kuk temple. Constructed of solid brick made of red clay, it is 7 meters square and 12 meters high. South Kuk temple was built in the seventh century during the reign of King Isanavarman I. Much of the temple has collapsed. Next to it is a second temple made of sandstone. It is 2 meters cubic in circumference and has a roof.

At the foot of the mountain, there is another temple made of basalt called Neang Khmao temple or Noth Kuk temple. It is 7 square meters. Today this temple is near collapse, because it has not been maintained.

Phnom Hanchey view

Many tourists visit these sites many foreigners prefer to come by water, and they often travel in groups. Phnom Han Chhey is 63 meters high offers the tourist beautiful views of the countryside and Mekong River from it submit.

2010-09-10T13:10:00.002+07:00

Phnom Pros

Phnom Bros is a dull peak hill about 30 meters high. on the hill is a pagoda named Wat Sovankiri Rattanak Phnom Pros. it has a spot for vehicles to part at the top. the main temple is five peaks, constructed in the style of Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap. another temple on the Phnom Pros has two peaks and was constructed during the Sangkum Reastre Nyum regime of then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk.near the temple is a 15-meter-high stupa, which was constructed by a monk named Keo Suor, who was the first head monk of the pagoda. a Kot is at the foot of the hill.

Phnom Pros in Kampong Cham

From 1975 to 1979, during the Khmer Rouge regime, Phnom Pros was used as a prison and torture center.about 1.000 meters north of Phnom Pros, there is another higher hill with a sharp-pointed called Phnom Srei.there is also several smaller hills at Phnom Srei called Phnom Dangrek, Phnom Ly and Phnom Chhuk. visitors can reach the peak by climbing308 steps. at the top are the remnants of a destroyed temple. no monk live there, however, there is a Daun Chi2 who cares for the site and asks visitors for donation to rebuild the temple.

This site popular with Cambodians during traditional festivals like Khmer New Year and Pchum Bin. the top of the hill affords visitors a beautiful view of Kampong Cham Province.

2010-09-10T13:09:00.002+07:00

Nokor Bachey Temple

Nokor Bachey temple is a cultural and historical site. It is located 2.2 kilometers from Kampong Cham provincial town along National Road 7, about 122 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. Visitors traveling from Phnom Penh will see the gate to the pagoda on right. The temple was built in the middle of the 11th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II and King Ouphey dedicating to Brahmanism. The temple is about 200 meters inside the gate. The site is accessible to almost all type of vehicle. The temple is divided as followed:

Preah Theat Teuk Chhar

Preah Theat Teuk Chhar is a group of Temples in Thmo Da villages, Beung Nay commune and Thmei village, Krouch commune in Prey Chhar district, about 39 kilometers from Kampong Cham provincial town. Visitors can reach Preah Theat Teuk Chhar by taking National Road 7 from Kampong Cham, turn right at the provincial road and drive 13 kilometers before turning right again and driving another 5 kilometers along a canal trail, to the temple site.

The temple were constructed in AD 1005, during the reign of King Suryavarman I. as proposed by King’s adviser Chung Chheal4,the King agreed to build these temples and Leaksintra started construction on the site called Sithiboriya that which owned by the king, who also contributed money. Leaksintra, however, used his salesmanship to encourage the local people to contribute the money as well, until the project was finished.

Once of the temples houses a Shilva lingam named Sreipatresvara and two divinity statues Paramesvara and Sarasvata at both side. another cave like temple believed to house a god is located along a canal, near a waterfall. badly damaged over the years, only one door remains today, and it is overgrown with vegetation.

the architect excavated a large pond on the right side of the temple called Leaksintrada. a golden Silva lingam was kept in the middle of the pond. nearby, a village of wealthy people was formed, in addition, people from nearby villages were invited to live there, too, the village soon became a crowded but cheerful town.

Leaksintra told the king of the new town, and the king went there to celebrate the town’s inauguration in AD 1025. he gave the city numerous gifts, including 29soldiers and a rice field that surrounded the temple. he had pond dug and a huge court built for the festival celebrations, and he gave decorations for the temple. he named the site Leaksintrabot in honor of its architect, Leaksintra.

Later, the site became a place for religious worship. The religious practiced changed from king to king, some king practiced Brahmanism, while some practiced Mahayana Buddhism. Other were Theravada Buddhists, which explains why there are so many small temples at Preah Theat Teuk Chhar. All told, there are 551 small temples which are influenced by Brahmanism and Buddhism. some of the temples contain statues of heroes who gave their lives for the nation.

many of the temple were destroyed by years of war. others were heavily damaged. today, monk and visitors to the site search in hopes of finding the name and foundations of these temples so they might be rebuilt. Some temples have been rebuilt already, their foot and tile roofing replaced with concrete.

Thom temple

The site of an ancient temple is at the top of the hill. it includes three structures built of solid brick. one of the structures is no longer standing , while the other two remain, along with some ancient statues and other subject related to Brahmanism. a relatively new temple site on the same terrace, not far from the ancient structures. Villagers who live near the site believe that the ancient temples are protected by magic objects, and if visitors do not pray to the objects, their photographs will not turn out.

Preah Theat temple

Preah Theat temple is east of Thom Temple. It include six ancient temples. Of this six five were destroyed by war, and the remaining temple has nearby collapsed as a result of thieves digging for treasures. Northeast of Thom Temple is Preak Theat pond. In ancient times this pond was a canal.

Koh Andet Koh Prak

Koh Andet Koh Prak is an island inside a pond, north of Prey Nokor village. It is 30 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is also known as Srah Teum.

The Rampart

the rampart surrounds Prey Nokor Knong-Krau city, it consists of a complex of wild bamboo that was planted to block access to the city. The rampart was originally10 meters high and 15 meters wide. each site is 2,500 meters long. Some part of the rampart have been damaged.
This ancient site is popular among animists and tourists who wish to pray and enjoy traditional games during traditional festival days.

Wat Preah Theat Thma Da Temple

Wat Preah Theat Thma Da Temple is an ancient site located in Preah Theat Thma Da village, Preah Theat commune, O’Reang Oav district, about 38 kilometers southeast of Kampng Cham town. Take National Road 7 form Kampong Cham town, Turn right at National Road 11 and continue on to O’Reang Oav district. The site is 8 kilometers trail down a dirt trail.

Wat Preah Theat Thma Da temple is 190 meters long and 160 meters wide. The temple includes Preah Theat temple and a pond that s 180 meters wide and 950 meters long .The water is in the pond is very clear. It is called Tonle Sa Ngout. along the entrance to the Tonle is another temple called Preah Vihear Preah Chul Nipean. at one time there was a statues of the reclining reaching nirvana, but the statues was stolen.

there are a number of statues in Wat Preah Theat Thma Da that local people worship. they include the statues of Atitap Vero, Kongchak, Hekpous, Srei Krupleak, Tuosmuk and Angkrong Pleung.

Behind the temple there is another hall Meru Mena built during French colonial time. At the front door there is a lintel5 that is sculpted on sandstone. Much of it has been damaged. inside Meru is a sculpture of Haothi Neang Umaparvati, which the Brahmans worshiped. It is believed that if the coconut dropped into the hole inside Meru, the coconut will appear in the middle of the pond. Meru was built was on the site of an old temple.