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» OTHER PLACES

OUDUNG

About an hour west of Phnom Penh, just off Route #5, lay the hills of the abandoned royal city of Oudong. Oudong was the capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until 1866 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Several temples, stupas and other structures cover three hills. The walk up the hill provides an excellent countryside view. The hill is crowned with stupas containing the remains of several Cambodian kings including King Monivong (1927-1941) and King Ang Duong (1845-1859). The earliest structure is from the 13th century. These hills were also the site of some of the Khmer Rouge’s most prolonged resistance against the encroaching Vietnamese army in 1979. Several new temples and shrines have recently been installed on the hill. For something completely different, take a side trip to ‘Prasat Nokor Vimean Sour’, a concrete, unduly ornate, semi-replica of Angkor Wat built circa 1998. Take a Kampong Chhnang/Oudong bound bus. Get off at the billboard in Oudong town and take a motodup the rest of the way to the site.

TAKEO

Takeo is one of the oldest provinces found in the Southern part of Cambodia. It is where the ancient Kingdom of Funan was established around the 1st Century AD. Funan is Chinese which means wealth of the south. Takeo has a few temples including the famous Phnom De temple, which dates back to around 5th century and is the most interesting province to visit for those interested in understanding the roots of the Khmer civilization.

Tonle Bati

Tonle Bati is a small lake and popular picnic spot for the locals - bamboo picnic stands and mats by the water. On the road to Tonle Bati there are two Angkorian era temples, Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau. Both temples were built under Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century during the same period that Bayon and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap were constructed. Ta Prohm is the more extensive and impressive of the two, displaying a number of very well-preserved carvings. Yeay Peau is a single sandstone tower situated next to an active pagoda displaying some carvings. The area has been occupied since the pre-Angkorian Funan period and Ta Prohm was modified and extended as late as the 16th century.
BUS: Buses depart for Takeo every hour from the Phnom Penh Sorya Transport bus station. Get off at at Tonle Bati at the 35km road marker and take a motodup to the base of the temples.

Chiso Mountain

At the top of Phnom Chisor sit some very nicely preserved 10th/11th century AD Angkorian era ruins. The temple was constructed under King Suryavarman I during a period when Angkorian Empire was powerful and on the rise. As most Angkorian temples of the period, this temple is Hindu, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Scenes including Brahma, Shiva and Visnu are still visible, carved on some lintels and pediments. The 503 steps to the temple on top of the hill make for a fairly vigorous climb but the quality of the ruins and the amazing view of the countryside make the effort well worth it.
BUS: Buses depart for Takeo every hour from the Phnom Penh Sorya Transport bus station. Get off at at the turnoff marked by a big ‘Phnom Chisor’ sign (52km road marker) and take a motodup to the base of the hill.

Phnom Da (Angkor Borei)

Angkor Borei is a town in Takeo province in the area of several ruins and archaeological digs. The area has been continuously inhabited for at least 2500 years and has yielded artifacts dating from the Neolithic period, the Funan period (4th/5th century AD) and Chenla (8th century AD) as well as the later Angkorian period (9th-15th century AD.) There are no significant temple ruins at Angkor Borei but there is a very interesting little museum displaying artifacts from the area and providing information on recentarchaeological digs. About 20km from Angkor Borei is the hill of Phnom Da, crowned by an impressive 11th century Angkorian-era prasat (tower) with some carvings in good condition. The temple was constructed under King Rudravarman and dedicated to Shiva. Further down the hill is the unique little temple ruin Ashram Maha Rosei, quite unlike other Khmer monuments in both design and adornment. The design is reminiscent of Prasat Ashram Isay in the Sambor Prey Kuk group in Kampong Thom. Ashram Maha Rosei was constructed in the late 7th-early 8th century, during the pre-Angkorian Chenla period, under Bahavavarman and shows signs of non-Khmer influence. Note the unusual north-facing entrance.
Getting there: During the dry season, Phnom Da can be reached by road or boat. In the wet season, it can only be reached by boat. By road: Take the Takeo bound bus to the Phnom Chisor turnoff (52km from Phnom Penh.) Take a motodup or taxi to Phnom Chisor and then on to Phnom Da. Two hours on a rough road. By boat, take the bus to Takeo town. Pick up a boat to Angkor Borei and Phnom Da. USD 25 for the whole boat. During the dry season you will stop well short of the hill and will have to hike a ways.

Prasat Neang Khmau

Standing next to an active pagoda, Prasat Neang Khmau consists of two deteriorating brick prasats (towers) built in the Angorian-era in the 10th century A.D. under King Jayavarman IV. There was probably at least one more ancient prasat where the modern pagoda now sits. Prasat Neang Khmau was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple complex is named after Neang Khmau, ‘Black Lady’, a modern-era statue located in front of the temples.
BUS: Buses depart for Takeo every hour from the Phnom Penh Sorya Transport bus station. Get off at at the 51km road marker. The temples are on a small hill right next to the road.

Phnom Tamao

The Phnom Tamao area is a popular destination for weekend holidayers from Phnom Penh, offering picnicking, a zoo and some minor Angkorian-era ruins. The Ta Khmau Zoological Gardens is Cambodia’s newest and best zoo displaying a variety of animals including lions, tigers, bears, birds and more. An 11th century, Suryavarman I temple ruin in very poor condition (Prasat Tamao) sits at the top of Phnom Tamao.

Mekong Island

For those with an interest in silk weaving or rural Cambodia, set aside a half-day for a boat trip to one of the nearby islands in the Mekong River. ‘Mekong Island’ (Koh Okhna Tey) is set up for visitors with silk weaving on display, demonstrations of other traditional crafts and a few local restaurants. The nearby but much more rural ‘Silk Weaving Island’ (Koh Dach) has a small village where there is a loom at every house and silk weaving is their mainstay. Arrange a visit through a travel agent (who will often combine it with other local destinations.) To do-it-yourself, contact one of the tourist boats that sit along the riverfront near Street 136.

KAMPOT

Kampot shares border with Vietnam to the east and extends into the Gulf of Siam to the south. Because of abundance in limestone, the province produces cement. The paradise here comes in the form of a 1040 meters high Bokor Mountain. Bokor Hill station used to be one of the most popular recreational places during the French colonial period. The resort was established in the 1920s. On top of the mountain, an old Catholic Church built in French colonial style, hotel and a casino all abandoned to the wind, leaving evident of pas glory to the place. There are holiday villas and a Buddhist monastery built on a verge of the mountain cliff. A magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Siam can be seen from up here. The trip up the mountain provides a completely different travel experience.

Kep Beach

Kep beach located in Kampot Province is a famous seaside resort with twelve months of sunshine which is 1,000 meters long. The beach is different from the beach of Sihanouk Ville because it has black sand. The beach here is sandy and the open sea breathes a welcoming breeze quit difficult for the sea-loving tourist to resist.
Visitors can see attractive Rocky Mountains and winding lanes towards the beach. A sightseeing tour of the city is very popular with them. Additionally, they can sunbath, swim, and picnic there. From Kep, it takes 30 minutes to reach the nine other islands located on its opposite side by boat. Over there, one can enjoy splendid mountainous scenery and beautiful sea birds. There is a regular crab market that itself serves well as a tour-attraction as fishermen come onto the beach with baskets after baskets of freshly caught crabs attracting a huge gathering of interested buyers.

Teuk Chhu

Teuk Chhu is the natural resort locating at Snom Prompi 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, Grape fruit, Custard apple, coconut etc.

SIHANOUK VILLE

Sihanouk Ville is a coasted city that is located 235 km southwest of Phnom Penh. The Cambodian seaside paradise can be visited all year round. It is Cambodian finest beach resort and it offers an exceptionally well preserved natural environment. This tropical beach with pristine clear water and glittering white sand is naturally decorated by splendid rock formations.

The warm and tranquil water is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing after tiring sightseeing. Besides the good beaches, the air in Sihanouk Ville is fresh and the place is famous for the seafood restaurants dishing out fresh and mouth-watering seafood cuisines. There are also many secluded islands where one can hire a boat to visit and perhaps practice diving in lovely underwater environment. Its charm results from a harmonious combination of undulating mountains, tropical islands, translucent seawater, glittering sand, swaying palms, tourist spots, and an international seaport, along with a mild climate.

Sokha Beach

For years, Sokha Beach was the most popular public beach in Sihanoukville. These days the Sokha Beach Resort occupies most of the beach. The beach is still open to the public, but no vendors are allowed. Sokha Beach Resort has installed a number of comfortable thatch roofed kiosks along the beach, interspersed with mini-beach bar offered luxury accommodation, restaurants, bars, water sports, and more. The beach is about 1 kilometer long and comparatively wide so that there is plenty of sand left during high tide. The fine, white sand is perfectly groomed these days, but the beach is fairly quiet by comparison to nearby Ochheuteal and Serendipity.

Ochheuteal and Serendipity Beaches

Ochheuteal Beach, known as ‘UNTAC Beach’ in the early 1990s, is the most popular in Sihanouk Ville with little shack-style seafood restaurants and bars lining the almost 2km of the sand’s edge from ‘Serendipity Beach’ to the development area. Ochheuteal has the full spectrum of beach venues including mid-range hotels and budget guesthouses, beachfront seafood restaurants, all-night party bars and bungalows right on the sand. The beach is long, sandy and narrow, with ‘Serendipity Beach’ at the northern end, a development project at the southern half, and a cluster of mid-range hotels and restaurants near the middle.

The mid-section of Ochheuteal Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Sihanouk Ville. The area used to cater primarily to upper range tourists, but these days offers a pretty even mix of middle/upper range and budget hotels and guesthouses. Golden Sand and the Seaside Hotel are two of the nicest hotels in this area and Holiday Hotel is an old favorite of many. Bungalows and guesthouses in the area include GST Guesthouse, Susaday Guesthouse, Romny Family Bungalows and a bit farther up the road, the popular Orchideé Guesthouse.

At Ochheuteal’s extreme northern end, the area commonly known as ‘Serendipity Beach’ is the only beach in Sihanouk Ville to offer bungalows and guesthouse rooms right on the sand. ‘Serendipity’s’ popularity continues to grow, particularly amongst budget and independent travelers. Beach bars and restaurants line the beach and there are often beach parties late into the evening. Serendipity offers several budget and mid-range places including the stylish Malibu Bungalows, Rega Guesthouse and Leng Meng; Cloud 9’s well-known bungalows; the good cooking and beachside rooms at Serenity; and Eden Bar’s budget and mid-range rooms and beachfront bar. There are also now several places between ‘Serendipity’ and the Golden Lion Traffic Circle such as Reef Resort, Monkey Republic and Mick & Craig’s Sanctuary Bar and Guesthouse. To get to ‘Serendipity Beach’ follow Ekareach Street straight through the Golden Lion Traffic Circle, and up and over the hill.

Independence Beach

Independence Beach gets its name from the the 7-storey The Independence Boutique Resort and Spa (formerly the Independence Hotel) at the north end. Locals call this beach ‘otel bram-pul chann (hotel 7-storeys). It is labeled ‘7-Chann Beach’ on the in-town street sign. Independence Beach is, in general, less frequented than other beaches, and sees few foreign visitors. It’s a good beach to escape some of the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the tourist beaches while still having access to beach bars and seafood shacks.
Independence Beach is more than a kilometer long, but the sandy area is quite narrow, making the beach best when the tide is low. Grass umbrellas and drink vendors dot the beach from end to end but it is more touristed toward the southern end, near the beach’s only hotel, Sea Breeze. At the other end is a small fresh water lake (which is the source of the town’s fresh water and is rumored to contain crocodiles).

Victory Beach

Victory Beach is really two beaches divided by a rocky point and a small hill. The southern section is known as ‘Hawaii Beach.’ The northern section near Weather Station Hill is known as ‘Victory Beach’ and a bit further north, 'Port Beach'.

‘Victory Beach’ sits at the base of the very popular Weather Station Hill near the Vietnam-Cambodia Monument (‘Victory Monument’). At time of printing, this section of beach was undergoing a development project. The beach was still open beach-goers, but most all of the beach umbrellas and restaurants in this section had been removed. Things are changing fast. Watch for developments. A bit further north along Victory Beach, there are a couple of upscale oceanside seafood restaurants and the Holiday Palace Casino and Resort.

Above Victory Beach, Weather Station Hill (a.k.a. Victory Hill, Port Hill, The Hill) is a thriving budget traveler and bar/nightlife area that offers a real variety of places. Budget and backpacker places dominate the side of the Hill overlooking the ocean and there are several tourist-oriented business on top as well - budget and mid-range guesthouses and hotels, a variety of restaurants and bars, internet, CD shops, and lots more. The top of the Hill also has one of the fastest growing bar and nightlife scenes in town. The main entrance road to the hilltop from Ekareach Street sports several hostess bars and other drinking venues, many staying open into the early morning hours.

Hawaii Beach is also known as ‘King’s Beach,’ ‘South Channel Beach’ and ‘Lamherkay Beach.’ Like the other major beaches, Hawaii Beach is lined with umbrellas and chairs and little beach shack bars and seafood restaurants, though no where near as densely as Ochheuteal. Like Independence Beach, Hawaii is much less touisted than Ochheuteal and ‘Serendipity.’ Access the beach from the small road at the southern end.

Otres Beach

Otres is the next beach south of Ochheuteal and in many way resembles Ochheuteal - a 3 kilometer crescent of near white sand - but far less touristed than Ochheuteal and almost completely undeveloped by comparison. There are scattered grass umbrellas along the beach and a few thatch roof beach bars and restaurants clustered toward the near end including the Star Bar offering beachfront bungalows, bar and restaurant, and Otres Nautica offering water sports equipment - boats, Hobie Waves, kayaks, etc. The Queen Hill Resort bungalows sits on the hill side at the near end, overlooking the ocean and beach. Otres village and pagoda sit about 1km off the beach. To get there: The road over the hill from Ochheuteal (through Queen Hill Resort on top of the hill) allows easy motorcycle access to Otres but is blocked to cars. By car from Ochheuteal Beach: follow 1 Kanda Street to the end and turn left, cross the bridge and proceed about 1km to the next right turn. Turn and follow the road about 1km to the beach. From downtown, take Omui Street east about 4km to a fork and bear right. At the next opportunity take a left. It is 2km to the beach. It’s a dirt road much of the way.

Ream Beach

Located in the Ream National Park. Though not untouristed, the Ream Beaches see far fewer visitors than Sihanoukville beaches. Take Route 4 to the Airport road 18km north of town. Turn right, go 9km to the ocean. The beach to the right is long and narrow and frequented more by fishermen than tourists. Behind the beach is a mangrove swamp, which attracts a wide variety of tropical birds. The beaches to the left nearer the Naval Base now have a few vendors selling drinks and renting tubes. There is a small $5 per night guesthouse run by the National Park. Check at the park HQ opposite the entrance to the airport.

Prek Treng Beach

Also known as the ‘Hun Sen Beach,’ the Prek Treng Beach a few kilometers north of town is a long, narrow crescent of sand, a bit rocky in parts, offering comparatively warm shallow waters. Due to Prek Treng’s distance from town and complete lack of services (no guesthouses, restaurants, beach chairs, etc.,) the beach is usually deserted. There is a nearby development project promising a busy future for Prek Treng, but at the moment you can have the beach pretty much to yourself. Just remember to bring drinks and snacks as there are very rarely beach vendors available. To get there follow Hun Sen Beach Drive north a few kilometers past the port area. The beach is on the left just past the first bridge and before you reach the oil port.

Sun Set Points

Sihanoukville offers several excellent spots to watch sunset. Most people opt for the beaches. Victory is the most ideally oriented beach for sunset. The view from the other beaches is sometimes partially obstructed depending on the time of year. Of the restaurants, Bungalow Village, Chez Claude, Chez Mari-yan, Nika Guesthouse and Mealy Chenda offer the best vistas. My favorite beach spot is the fishing camp at the base of the hill between north and south Victory beaches. The fishing boats in the foreground and Snake Island on the horizon can be quite photogenic. Perhaps the best sunset point is at the top of Sihanouk Ville Mountain. The rocks at the top face west offer a beautiful view of the town, port, ocean and islands.

KOH KONG

Koh Kong is located about 277 km from Phnom Penh and it shares border with Thailand in the west. Much of its area is covered by mountains and forests (70%) and 20 percent is the coast line with 273 km length and 20 islands. Only a small percentage of the province is float surface. However, Koh Kong is enjoying quite a few tourism development projects. The newly built National Road 48 provides visitors yet another option to access the province by road. Although some effort has been made to improve the conditions of the road, the journey to Koh Kong can still be quite a breathtaking experience. It is highly recommend only to those who love nature and looking for something really adventurous. For the adventurous, the natural scenery along this road is absolutely stunning. Tall green mountain that touched the cloud. Amidst thick forest, streams and charming waterfalls make interesting sites for stopovers and photography. There are many attractive places in Koh Kong as the White Sand Beach, Islands, Rain Forest, Waterfalls, Mangrove Habitat, and Fishing.

RATANAKIRI

Rattanakiri province is located 636 km northeast of Phnom Penh. This Northeastern province had left isolated from the rest of the country for many decades due to poor road conditions in the past. Conditions today have improved though certain sectors may require some careful maneuvering. The province boasts some of the mostbeautifull and scapes and is home to several settlements of ethnic hill tribes. It has also many interesting natural sites that are unique to the territory. There is an incredibly beautiful waterfall, a tranquil volcanic lake and a dense rain forest rich in a variety of flora and fauna. A distinct contrast from 21st century opulence, this province remains largely uncorrupted as the majority of the population here is made up of ethnic minority groups all living harmoniously to the complement the natural ambience that makes the province very attractive to urban dwellers. Each tribe has its own territory and town structure, some of these are hidden deep in the jungle making it even more interesting for the tourist since getting there means trekking and this can be done on elephant rides as well. Early at dawn, men are usually out hunting for food while women stay at the village picking fruit or working in the rice the fields. Goods and services are paid for through an exchange process or bartering system so money is sometimes considered worthless in these communities. Experiencing these people’s way of life can certainly be a rewarding experience for visitors to the Northeast.

Banlung is the provincial town of Ratanakiri. There are many interesting places in Rattanakiri to welcome all tourists as Yaklaom Lake - a beautiful and perfectly-round stretch of water, surrounded by forest, for a late afternoon swim; Voeune Sai Village - which can cross by bamboo forest, located on the left bank of the Sé San River with the view of the Chinese Village on the other side of the river is quite pretty. Upstream of the Sé San is a certain number of Tampoun Villages that practice funeral statuary. Ka Choan can be reached by boat has superb totems.

MONDULKIRI

Mondulkiri Province is located 543 km northeast of Phnom Penh. Traveling eastward from Kompong Cham, we come to Sen Momorm, the capital of Mondulkiri, one of the largest provinces of Cambodia. The hill top town is surrounded by many scenes of natural beauty - dense forests, lush green hills and beautiful waterfalls such as Sen Monorom Waterfall, Boo Sra Waterfall, Chrey Thom Waterfall and Rum Near Waterfall.

Mondulkiri means "Meeting of the Hills". It really is another Cambodia with scenery and a climate quite unlike anywhere else in the country. In the dry season it is a little like Wales with sunshine; in the wet season, like Tasmania with dreadful roads. Ten different ethnic hill tribes are found to be setting here; the majority is the Phnong minority peoples. They live off the land, planting rice, fruit trees and a variety of vegetables. Others grow strawberries and maintain small plots of coffee, rubber, cashew and avocado trees. The province is proving to be an ideal eco- tourism destination and satisfies travelers who are out for adventure. Recommended activities are elephant trekking, mountain biking, fishing and swimming. At the moment, the only way to access this town is by road from Kampong Cham, which is now passable all year round.

KRATIE

Kratie Province located on east bank of the Mekong River is rich logging and fishery. This section of the Mekong River that runs through this province brings fertile soil and diversified marine life. Fishes harvested in this part of the river are said to be of high quality and are ideally good for export. The province is also home to an endangered species of freshwater dolphin- the pink dolphins. They live in this part of Mekong River and Cambodia is proud to conserve them.

The fresh water Irrawaddy dolphin is an endangered species in Cambodia and some experts believe there may be as few as 60 left or stretches of the Mekong River north of Kratie. It is possible to see them about 15 km north of the town on the road to Stung Treng, particularly during the dry season when the water levels drop significantly - early in the morning or late afternoon seem to be the best times.

Phnom Sambok

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.

Kampy

Is the great natural resort where is home to Dolphins. When we travel along the National Road No. 7 to the North about 15Km from the provincial town, we will arrive at abridge of Prek Kam Py where we have seen a very novel view of the Mekong River consisting of thousands of islands full of green water plants. Usually from January to May, there are local and international visitors, who call on the Kam Py resort for swimming, especially during the Khmer New Year. Kam Py resort has special features such as:

- The resort is closed to the National Road, assured safety and has large parking site for motorcycles and cars.- The riverbank is full of sand, and there are many islands assuring the visit of thousands of visitors.
- The water is clear as mirror, has 0.5-1.30 meter depth and flows with undangerous speed.
Kam Py resort has not only the good natural manner, but also been provided the good services for visitors such as the crossing bridge, floating cottages, soft-drink shops, restaurants, emergency agency, guards and security as well. Nowadays, the provincial tourist office has endeavored to upgrade arranging the resort to be better and more attractive.

BATTAMBANG

Battambang is located on the upper western region of Tonle Sap Lake. It is famous for its rich natural resources and fertile soil on which virtually anything can be grown with incredibly productive results. Battambang alone has the potential to feed the entire country with good quality rice. Rubies and garnets are among some of the precious stones mined in this province. The province’s wealth of natural resources complemented by their legacy of cultural richness makes it even more attractive not only to the tourists, but Cambodians as well. Battambang is the home to many ancient temples dating back to between the 10th and 13th Centuries. These are certainly worth as visit as part of an interesting cultural excursion.

Battambang means "Disappearing Stick", and is named after a powerful stick used by a legendary Khmer king to achieve and maintain power in the Battambang area. There are many temples to visit in Battambang such as Ek Phnom - an 11th century Angkorian ruin built as a Hindu temple under Suryavarman I, Phnom Banan - very old (150 years+) included L'Ang But Meas cave, Phnom Sampeou - Mountain stepped in legend and a group of caves used a "Killing Caves" by the Khmer Rouge.

Ban Nan Temple

Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by King, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and was built finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400 meter heighten mountain at Koh Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District in 15 kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural well, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.

PREAH VIHEAR

In the 6th century , king Yasovarmamn I ( 889-900) began work on the original dedicated to Shisa as result of spiritual development, increased political prestige and economic growth was naturally reflected in the Temple undergoing more than 300 years of consultation with deal of remodeling under subsequent King Suryavarman II ( 1113 – 1150) this increased prestige naturally changed the original small sanctuary into one of the greatest Khmer temples of all times. This ranking was the result of the finest in situ carving that depicted the highest standards of unique Khmer architecture.

Under the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and 1907, the line of frontier between Cambodia and Thai along the Dongrak Mountains followed justice at the Hague officially found that the Preah Vihear Temple situated inside the Cambodia territory.
The important temple complex of Preah Vihear built on a crest of Dang Rek Mountains at an altitude of 730m dated from the reign of Suryavarman II (Ruled 1002-49). This is probably the most dramatic location of any temple in Cambodia. The main drawback is that it is almost inaccessible from Cambodia unless you have the funds to charter a helicopter or willing to spend a few tough days getting there.

Preah Vihear Temple is located in a pleasant environment with an attractive countryside slightly east of the mid section of the Dongrek Mountains.  It is perched on the edge of a giant cliff, about 625 meters above sea level in Preah Vihear Province, Northern part of Cambodia, 625km from the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is also situated close to the Cambodia-Thai border.

KAMPONG THOM

Kampong Thom is a small town located 162 Km north of Phnom Penh Capital along National Road No 6 to Siem Reap-Angkor. It is one of the five provinces located on the lower part of eastern side of the Tonle Sap Lake. Rice, fishery production and forest products are the major resources of the province. It is also rich in historical sites with countless temples from the pre Angkorian era. The famous Sambor Prei Kuk is also found here. This ancient city has almost two hundred clay brick temples in it. It was built built in 7th century during the time of King Isanavarman when he successfully united the territory (Chenla Kork) and the Khmer water territory (Chenla Toek). Sambo Prei Kuk was used as the capital of the Khmer Empire for centuries. It is interesting to visit Sambor Prei Kuk before visiting the splendid Angkor complex, as its design and style are the foundation that inspired the Angkor civilization.

KAMPONG CHAM

This is one of the most population provinces in Cambodia. Its red-soil land makes it the most fertile land in the country and perhaps resulted in it getting the richest province in Cambodia. Tobacco, Soya-beans, Rubber and other tropical products are planted and exported from here. The Kizonal, the longest bridge in Cambodia across the Mekong River was built and completed in 2002. This bridge connects the country’s northeastern regions. Kampong Cham is also the home to a number of amazing 12th century temples such as the Nokor Ba Chey, Nokor Han Chey and Phnom Pros-Phnom Srei which are the fascinating places to visit.

Wat Sasa Mouy Roy

Wat Sasa Mouy Roy (100 column temple) left is a nice excursion up the Mekong from Kracheh (Kratie on many maps) Getting to Kratcheh is easy by boat from Kampong Cham. Kratcheh is also the viewing point for the endangered Irawaddy fresh water dolphins that make their home in the Mekong. There is a viewpoint and boats to take visitors to see the dolphins. Relaxing Kratcheh also has some very nicely preserved French colonial architecture.

KAMPONG CHHNANG

This is a province well known for its fine clay pottery, as the name of the province says it all in Khmer. Kampong Chhnag in Cambodian means “Port of Pottery”. The people in this province enjoy making pots, vases and various others types of ceramics during the season when they are neither planting nor harvesting rice. While visiting this charming little town, it is a good idea to try a boat tour to the floating village where hundreds of floating homes can be seen.

PAILIN

Pailin is a small town which is about 25 kilometers from the Thai Border. It is about 80 kilimeters from Battambang by road, and it takes approximately an hour and forty-five minutes. In Pailin, there are a few interesting sites for the tourist too. Wat Rattanak Sorphorn, at 570 years of age. This beautiful pagoda has Burmese characters inscribed on its gate at the entrance. This is evident of early Burmese colonists in this area. Indeed, the Burmese were the first people to discover Pailin town. Pailin is a precious gem-mining goldmine and it became the largest mining center for sapphires and rubies in Indochina. Phnom Yat is one of a good number of places where visitors could still see the gem-mining activities today. Pailin is also not denied of her fair share of natural beauties and while visiting, it may be worth the while to visit the famous waterfalls at Ou Cheur Krom (8km from town. There are beautiful sceneries of mountains and lush bamboo forest.

BANTEAY MEAN CHEY

Banteay Mean Chey is located in the northwest of Cambodia. It leads to one of the most important border check points of Cambodia and Thailand. The Capital of this province is Serei Sophon (also known as Sisophon). There are two ancient temples in this province, the 12th century temple Banteay Chhmar and the Prasat Banteay Torp, a small temple on top of a little hill enclosed by a 2km long wall. It was built in the same period as Banteay Chhmar.

Prasat Banteay Chhmar

The Temple of Banteay Chmar displays the Bayon Head on its structures. This temple like Preah Khan was hit pretty hard by looters but still has long walls of relief work depicting the Khmer Empire's past. Prasat Mebon also located in Banteay Chmar boast an enormous man made baray. There is a Silk Weaving Center, School to the left as you arrive to Banteay Chmar. Good quality silk and a good cause.

KAMPONG SPEU - Kirirom National Park

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.

STEUNG TRENG

Steung Treng is a nice little province on the border with Laos. The provincial capital sits on the Sekong River and nearby Mekong River. A boat trip across the Mekong takes the visitor to the Thalabarivat, a pre-Angkorian temple made of bricks. This quiet river town is only 40 km away from Laos. The border between Cambodia and Laos is now open and this is the only gateway to get to Laos by boat. The journey to Laos by boat is only possible during the rainy season when the water level is high enough to allow boats to pass easily through the upper Mekong sector.

ODOR MEAN CHAEY

Odor Mean Chey is the province where the former Khmer Rouge made their last stand. The town of Anlong Veng is located here. The Royal Cambodian Government has earmarked this location a historical site as it is the last home town of Pol Pot and it is also where Pol Pot died and buried. Plans are underway to promote this as a tourist destination and there are now signs showing where Pol Pot house was, his opinions headquarters and network of command posts etc.

PURSAT

Pursat is located on the western side of Tonle Sap Lake. It has a mountainous forest covering much of the region. Although the province does not have many ancient temples like the rest of Cambodia, the highlight of this province is the interesting history of the war between Siamese and the Khmers that took place just before the French Colonial era in Cambodia. Interesting historical sites include the Tomb of the Cambodian hero known as Oknha Klang Meung, who led the war against Siamese. Much of Cambodian history evolves here.