Tags: What to See

Koh Kong province

- Friday, December 5, 2014 No Comments

Koh Kong Province
Cambodia's far southwestern province, vast and sparsely populated, boasts deserted beaches, offshore islands and lush rain-forests with ecotourism potential as vast as their mountains, streams and hamlets are remote.
Once Cambodia's Wild West, its frontier economy dominated by smuggling, prostitution and gambling, Koh Kong is striding towards respectability as ecotourists scare the sleaze away. The town serves as the gateway to the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor.

Sights & Activities
Koh Kong's main draw is seeking adventure in and around the Cardamom Mountains and the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor.

Wat Neang Kok
A rocky promontory on the right (western) back of the estuary is decorated with life-size statues demonstrating the violent punishments that await sinners in the Buddhist hell. This graphic tableau belongs to Wat Neang Kok, a Buddhist temple. To get there, cross the bridge and turn right about 600m past the toll booth. The statues are 150m beyond the temple.

Peam Krasaop Wildlife
Anchored to alluvial islands - some no larger than a house - the millions of magnificent mangroves of this 250-sq-km sanctuary's protect the coast from erosion, serve as a vital breeding and feeding ground for fish, shrimp and shellfish, and provide a home to myriad birds (www.ramsar.org). The area, which is part of the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, is all the more valuable from an ecological standpoint because similar forests in Thailand have been trashed by short-sighted development.
To get a feel for the delicate mangrove ecosystem - and to understand how mangrove roots can stop a tsunami dead in its tracks - head to the 600m-long concreted mangrove walk (6:30am to 6 pm), which wend its way above the briny waters to a 15m observation tower. The walk begins at the sanctuary entrance, about 5.5km southeast of the city centre. A moto/remork costs US$5/10 return.

Koh Kong Conservation Corridor
Stretching along both sides of NH48 from Koh Kong to the Goulf of Kompong Som (the bay north of Sihanoukville), the Koh Kong Conservation Conrridor encompasses many of Cambodia's most outstanding natural sites, including the most extensive mangrove forests on mainland Southeast Asia and the southern reaches of the fabled Cardamom Mountains, an area of breathtaking beauty and astonishing biodiversity.
While forests and coastlines elsewhere i Southeast Asia were dramatically altered by developers and well-connected logging companies, the Cardamom forests were protected from much of this due to their sheer remoteness and, at least in part, by Cambodia's long civil war. As a result, much of the area is still in pretty good shape, ecologically speaking.

Koh Kong Island
Cambodia's largest island towers over seas so crystal clear you can make out individual grains of sand in a couple of meters of water. Its west coast shelters seven pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms and lush vegetation, just as you'd expect in a tropical paradise. At the sixth beach from the north, a narrow channel leads to a Gilligan's Island-style lagoon.
The island, about 25km south of Koh Kong City, is not part of any national park and thus has few protections against rampant development, which may soon arrive.

Tatai River & Waterfall
Tatai is located about 18 km east of Koh Kong on NH48, the Phun Daung (Tatai) Bridge spans the Tatai River. Nestled in a lushly forested gorge up stream from the bridge is the Tatai Waterfall, a thundering set of rapids in the wet season, plunging over a 4m rock shelf. Water levels drop in the dry season but you can swim year-round in refreshing pools around the waterfall.
A short kayak away from the waterfall is the supremely tranquil Rainbow Low (www.rainbowlodgecambodia.com)
About 6 km downriver from the bridge is a more upscale rain-forest retreat, the Four Rivers Floating Ecolodge (www.ecolodges.asia)

You can access Tatai Waterfall by car or motorbike. The clearly marked turn-off is about 15 km southeast of Koh Kong, or 2.8 km northwest of the Tatai Bridge. From Koh Kong, a half-day moto/remork excursion to Tatai to go one-way to the bridge. If traveling from Phnom Penh to one of the resorts, tell the driver to let you off at the bridge.

BOTUM SAKOR NATIONAL PARK
Occupying almost the entirety of a 35 km wide peninsula, this 1834-sq-km national park, encircled by mangroves and beaches, is home to a profusion of wildlife, including elephants, deer, leopards and sun bears.
It's not yet geared up for tourism, but at the sleepy park headquarters, on NH48 about 3;5 km west of Angdoung Tuek, it should be possible to arrange a hike with a ranger (US$5 a day). Long-tail boat excursions from Angdoung Teuk or Sihanoukville are also possible.
Grandiose tourist development is on the cards for the park's beach-lined west coast and a 12-island archipelago offshore: in 2009 a Chinese company broke ground on a US$5 billion project, but it may take decades to complete. A few islands - namely Koh Sdach - have resorts, accessible by boat from Sihanoukville.

Tags: What to See

Kampong Cham Province

- Sunday, November 23, 2014 No Comments

KOMPONG CHAM
Gateway to the northeast , Kompong Cham is a land of picturesque village and quiet Mekong meanders. Some of Cambodia's finest silk is woven here.

Kompong Cham
This quiet Mekong city, an important trading post during the French period, serves as the gateway to Cambodia's northeast thanks to a vast bridge spanning the Mekong here.

Ph Preah Bat Sihanouk, home to serveral hotels and eateries, runs along the river-front. Psar Thmei (New Market) is a few blocks inland (west) ; Preah Monivong Blvd is one block further west.

Sights & Activities
Koh Paen
For a supremely relaxing bike ride, it's hard to beat Koh Paen, a rural, traffic-free island that's connected to the mainland about 600 m south of the Mekong bridge by a motorised ferry in the wet season and an elaborate bamboo toll bridge - totally rebuilt from scratch each December - in the dry season.

Wat Nokor
The ultimate fusion temple, Wat Nokor is a modern Buddhist pagoda squeezed into the walls of an 11th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine of sandstone and laterite. Located about 1 km west of town.

Around Kompong Cham
Phnom Pros & Phnom Srei
'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill', the subject of a rich variety of local legends, offer fine views of the countryside, especially during the wet season, and a very stroke-able statue of the sacred bull Nandin (Shiva's mount).
Phnom Pros is a good place for a cold drink among the inquisitive monkeys that populate the trees.
The hills are about 7 km northwest of town (towards Phnom Penh) and can be visited by moto/remork for about US$5/10 return (depending on wait time), including a stop at Wat Nokor

Wat Maha Leap
More than a century old, Wat Maha Leap is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Cambodia because it's one of the few wooden wats to have survived the destruction wrought by the Khmer Rouge, as they converted it into a hospital. Look for the 20m-long  racing boat, which competes in Phnom Penh's annual Water festival.
The Wat is about 20 km south of Kompong Cham (aross the Mekong) bu is hard to find without a guide or some knowledge of Khmer. A moto should cost about US$10 return. It may also be possible to take a minibus from near the western en of Kompong Cham's Mekong bridge.

Weaving Village
Kompong Cham Province is famous for its high-guality silk. In tiny villages such as Dom Na Prin, 4.5km west of Wat Maha leap, and Prey Chung Kran, a few kilometres further south, the women and men of nearly every household turn raw silk into exquisite bolts of hand-woven silk. under the cool shade provided by their stilted homes, they work deftly to produce sampots (sarong-like garments worn on important occasions) and traditional kramas (chequered scarves). It's fascinating to watch the painstaking dyeing process - the traditional diamond and dot tessellation are formed by tying off precise lengths of silk and dyeing them various colors.
Getting to these villages by moto from Kompong Cham should cost about US$12 return, including a stop at Wat Maha Leap.

Rubber Plantation
The rubber industry has bounced back in recent year, and Kompong Cham is the heart-land of Cambodian rubber country. About 20 km east of Kompong Cham (around Chup, aka Chob), you can turn off NH7 or NH11 and find yourself in deep, refreshing shade, surrounded by neat rows of rubber trees, a backbone of the regional economy since the 1920s.

Where to sleep in Kampong Cham
The best hotels are strung out along the riverfront.

Monorom 2 VIP Hotel
Ph Preah Bat Sihanouk;
Currently the smartest hotel in town, rooms include heavy wood furnishings and inviting bathtubs.
Most include a balcony with a Mekong river view
Price: US$15 - US$25
Tel: (855) 092 777102

Mekong Hotel
Preah Bat Sihanouk;
This old-timer has been around for years and is still popular thanks to renovated room on the riverfront.
The corridors wide enough for an ultimate Frisbee tournament
Price: US$7 - US$15
Tel: (855) 042 941 536
Fax:(855) 042 941 465

Mittapheap Hotel
Tel: (855) 042 941 545
Fax: (855) 042 941 465

Tags: What to See

Kampongthom - cambodia tourism site

- Friday, June 20, 2014 No Comments

Kampong Thom Province
An easy stopover if you have travelling over land between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom is starting to draw more visitors thanks to several unique sites, including the pre-Angkorian temple of Sambor Prei Kuk and the extraordinary hilltop shrines of Santuk Mountain (Phnom Santuk).

Kampong Thom located about 146 km east of Siem Reap on the road to Capital City of Phnom Penh. Kampong Thom is one of five Provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap lake. It is another sleepy provincial capital, but the ruins of nearby Sambor Prei Kuk Temple do make it a more rewarding stop than many others.If you are travelling on the road between Siem Reap and Phnom Penhit is a pleasant place to stop, and is a good base from with to explore the pre-Angkorian Tchen-la capital of Sambor Prei Kuk.

Getting To The Ruin Temple
The road between Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk Temple is greatly improved.The 35km ride takes about 1 hour. There are two routes, beither of which is straightforward. It is best to take a guide from Kampong Thom even if you have our own transport. Arrange a moto driver for the day and expect to pay $6 to $8. The cheapest way to get here is by remorque-moto, but it will take closer to 3 hours to get there. Locals often refer to the temple themselves as Prasat Prei Kuk.

Sambor Prei Kuk Temple
Sambor Prei Kuk Temple located in Sam Bor Village, 37km from Kampong Thom Province on National Highway No.6. Sambor Prei Kuk is a former capital, and was previously named Ey San Borak. A religious center dedicated to Shiva, Sambor Prey Kuk temple is made of solid brick and some laterite stone, and is decorated with sculptures.
The artistic front of Sar Sar Pich and the door frames are made of sandstone. Sambor Prei Kuk temple was built during the reign of King Isanavarman I in the 7th century. The temple was abandoned in 1971 and restored in 1980. A further 140 sites have been found in the forest near by and two others, known to exist, have yet to be discovered.

Getting There & Around
Kampong Thom is on NH6 165km orth of Phnom Penh and 150km southeast of Siem Reap.
Dozens of buses on the  Phnom Penh to Siem reap (both US$5) route pass through kampong Thom and can easily be flagged down near the Arunas Hotel. Share Taxis, which leave from the taxi park (one block east of the Arunras Hotel)

Where To Stay in Kampong Thom
There is a range of accommodation available in Kampong Thom, tailored to every budget. At the inexpensive end, there are several guesthouses  which double as brothels and make more money from this oldest of trades than from tourism. These are down a side road off Highway No. 6, opposite the market.

Sambor Village Hotel
This atmospheric place brings boutique to Kampong Thom. Room are set in spacious bungalows and the verdant gardens include an inviting pool.
Democrat Street (Brochea Thebatey)
Kampong thom-Cambodia
Tel: (855) 062 961 391
H/P:(855) 017 924 612
E-mail: info@samborvillage.com

STUNG SEN HOTEL
Stung Sen Hotel is the most expensive hotel in town has fully furnished air-con rooms for US$20  or US$25 if you want something slightly bigger.
Tel/Fax: (855) 062 961 228
Tel: (855) 012 309 495

NEAK MEAS HOTEL:
On national Road 6.  has Aircon double rooms with TV, fridge and bathroom for US$15 (US$10 if you are prepared to walk to the top floor.)

ARUNRAS HOTEL
Fax: (855) 062 961
Tel: (855) 062 961 294 238

KOMPONG THOM VILLAGE
Tel: (855) 062 962 911

Where to Eat & Drink in Kampong Thom
In Kampong thom there are many restaurants , and most restaurants  are more like nightclubs. There is little food available , but beer flows like a river, next door to the 7 Makara Nightclub. The location and the atmosphear is very similar to the Khmer restaurant beyond the Japanese bridge in Phnom Penh. It is raised up on stilts, and is home to a good number of Khmer regular at night. The Arunras Restaurant is another reputable place with good food, and is located in the center of kampong Thom Town.

Tags: What to See

Kirirom Resort - cambodia visit

- No Comments

KIRIROM National Park
Kirirom National Park, one of the most popular monument of Cambodia located in Phnom Sruoch district of Kampong Speu Province. Kirirom National Park covering an area of over 35 thousand hectares in the Elephant Mountains was established on a seven hundred meters hill . 'Kirirom' mean Mountain of Joy and this name was given by the King of Cambodia. Kirirom National Park is known for its unique high elevation pine forest has  a high altitude plateau, which forms the headwaters for numerous streams feeding in Kampong Speu Town.

Attracted a lot of local and international tourists every day Kirirom National Park  is part of the 'Southwest Cluster Protected Areas' that include Kep National Parks, Phnom Bokor and Preah Sihanouk .
Kirirom has beautiful natural waterfall, it can attract a lot of tourists to visit there.
Attractions at this hill station of Kirirom are its spectacular scenery and its astonishing waterfalls.

Due to Kirirom Resort has a lot of forest so many endangered species of animals such as Pleated gibbon, sun bear and tiger live there . 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.

KIRIROM RESORT
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.

Kirirom National Park is established on a hill covering an area of over thirty five thousand hectares in the Elephant Mountains. The name ‘Kirirom’ meaning Mountain of Joy was given to 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.

Kirirom Hillside Resort offers visitors a wide variety of leisure activities and facilities such as restaurants, a zoo, waterfalls, family shopping mart, children's playground, beautiful Dino park, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, biking and rope sliding. Visitors can also play sports such as tennis and basketball at the resort. In addition, stream, sauna, spa, swimming pool and fitness center are available beside conference and banquet facilities.

Tags: What to See

Preah Vihear Temple - cambodia visit

- No Comments

Date:   Built from late 9th century to early 12th century
Religion:   Hinduism

Preah Vihear Temple Khmer is a Hindu temple built during the reign of Khmer Empire, that is situated atop a 525-metre (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. In 1962, following a lengthy dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over ownership, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague awarded the temple to Cambodia.

Affording a view for many kilometers across a plain, Prasat Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries-long Khmer Empire. As a key edifice of the empire's spiritual life, it was supported and modified by successive kings and so bears elements of several architectural styles. Preah Vihear is unusual among Khmer temples in being constructed along a long north-south axis, rather than having the conventional rectangular plan with orientation toward the east. The temple gives its name to Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, in which it is now located, as well as the Khao Phra Wihan National Park which borders it in Thailand's Sisaket province and through which the temple is most easily accessible. On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is 140 km from Angkor Wat and 320 km from Phnom Penh.

Construction of the first temple on the site began in the early 9th century; both then and in the following centuries it was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as the mountain gods Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. The earliest surviving parts of the temple, however, date from the Koh Ker period in the early 10th century, when the empire's capital was at the city of that name. Today, elements of the Banteay Srei style of the late 10th century can be seen, but most of the temple was constructed during the reigns of the Khmer kings Suryavarman I (1002 -1050) and Suryavarman II (1113 -1150). An inscription found at the temple provides a detailed account of Suryavarman II studying sacred rituals, celebrating religious festivals and making gifts, including white parasols, golden bowls and elephants, to his spiritual advisor, the aged Brahmin Divakarapandita. The Brahmin himself took an interest in the temple, according to the inscription, donating to it a golden statue of a dancing Shiva known as "Nataraja". In the wake of the decline of Hinduism in the region the site was converted to use by Buddhists.

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 Cambodiaterritory.
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 VihearProvince, Northern part of Cambodia, 625km from the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is also situated close to the Cambodia-Thai border.

What can seen in Preah Vihear Temple
The temple has four levels and four courtyards which comprise of five Gopuras ( entrance pavilions some times surmounted by tower )
Palace Building or Gopuras on the third level.
This group of building was the King’s residence when he came to pay homage to the mighty God, and the two wings were the shelters for the pilgrims. The main temple are used for the high-ranking supreme divinities, this mighty group of building is considered as the center of the whole temple complex.
The front stone stairway: this main passage is on the North side. The stairway is 8 meters wide and 78 meters long,. The fist flight has 162 steps. At the first landing is a large stone singa statue on stone block. Another 54 flight of steps 4 meters wide and 27 meters long leads up to the second landing also decorated with stone signa statue.

The Nagaraj Courtyard: this stone-paved is 7 meters wide by 31.8 meters long. From here the stairway leads up to the first-level Gropura. The Stairheads are in the form of seven-headed snakes called "Ngu Suang " facing North towards the Prasat. The heads and tails of nagas on both sides look like ordinary snakes, characterizing and early example of this type of animal figures. The head portion of the naga on the west side looks very impressive because it is made from a single solid stone.
The first level Gopura: this is a pavilion in Greek architecture style with cross plan on an elevated, rebates angle base on each of the roof doorway . Stone lions are placed on each of the roofs doorway.

Accessibility to the Temple
The temple can be reached by crossing the Cambodia-Thai gateway border from the Ubon Ratchantani Province of Thailand. Currently the visits are from 8.00 till 16.00 hours.

Disputes over ownership since 2008
Main article: Cambodian–Thai border dispute.
The ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand over the site has led to periodic outbreaks of violence.

A military clash occurred in October of 2008.In April of 2009, 66 stones at the temple allegedly were damaged by Thai soldiers firing across the border.In February 2010, the Cambodian government filed a formal letter of complaint with Google Maps for depicting the natural watershed as the international border instead of the line depicted on the 1907 map used by the International Court of Justice in 1962.

In February 2011, whilst Thai officials were in Cambodia negotiating the dispute, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed, resulting in injuries and deaths on both sides.
Since February 4, both sides have used artillery against each other, and both blame the other for starting the violence. On February 5, Cambodia had formally complained in a letter to the U.N. "The recent Thai military actions violate the 1991 Paris Peace Accord, U.N. Charter and a 1962 judgment from the International Court of Justice", the letter claims. On February 6, the Cambodian government claimed that the temple had been damaged. Cambodia's military commander said: "A wing of our Preah Vihear temple has collapsed as a direct result of the Thai artillery bombardment". However, Thai sources spoke only of minor damage, claiming that Cambodian sources had fired from within the temple.

ASEAN, to which both states belong, has offered to mediate over the issue. However, Thailand has insisted that bilateral discussions could better solve the issue. On February 5, the rightwing People's Alliance for Democracy called for the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for "failing to defend the nation's sovereignty".

Tags: What to See

Battambang cambodia visit

- No Comments

BATTAMBANG
Battambang Province is a vital agricultural area, and is famous for the fertile soil which allow almost any produce to be grown in spectacular yields. In 2003 over 500 000 tones of rice were produced in Battambang province. Battambang is capable of feeding the entire country and rice from here is of the highest quality. The province is bordered by the Tonle Sap lake, Pursat, and Bantey Meanchey. Said by proud locals to produce Cambodia's finest rice, tastiest oranges and sweetest coconuts, Battambang (Bat Dambang) has a long border with Thailand and a short stretch of the Tonlé Sap shoreline. Thailand controlled the area from 1795 to 1907 and 1941 to 1946.


Cambodia’s second largest city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country. Battambang did not give way to the Khmer Rouge movement until after the fall of Phnom Penh, but it’s been in the center of the ongoing government Khmer Rouge conflict ever since the Vietnamese invasion in 1979 pushed the genocidal regime out of Phnom Penh and to the Northwest.

Until the surrender deal of Ieng Sary (Khmer Rouge number three man based in Pailin),Battambang was the Khmer Rouge in the region. Earlier history saw Battambang flip-flopping back and forth between Thailand (called Siam before their 20th-century renaming) and Cambodia.
Battambang is the main hub of the Northwest connecting the entire region with Phnom Penh and Thailand, and as such it’s a vital link for Cambodia. Battambang city is a peaceful and pleasant place these days.

The main parts of the city are situated closed to the Sangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province. It is a nice, picturesque setting. As with much of Cambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus of the city.

Around Battambang
Before setting out, try to link up with an English-speaking moto driver, as it really adds to the experience. Possible itineraries include a loop along the river to Phnom Banan and back to town vial Phnom Sampeau.
Admission to Phnom Banan , Phnom Sampeau and Wat Ek Phnom is US$2. If you buy a ticket - sold by the tourist police, which have a booth at each site - at one of the three Phnom (hills), it's valid all day at the other two.
Getting Around
A moto ride in town costs 1000r to 3000r, plus a bit more at night. Hire a moto driver who speak English or French costs US$6 to US$8 for a half-day in and around town and US$12 foran all-day trip out of the city.

Barseat Temple
Barsaet Temple locates 15km to the east of Battambang Provincial town. The temple was built in early 11th century between AD 1036 and 1042, during the reign of king Suryavarman I (AD 1002-1050). This temple was seriously damaged. There is an ancient pond that is 20 meters long, 12 meters wide and 10 meters deep. It holds water all year round.

Wat Ek Temple
This atmospheric, partly collapsed, 11th century temple (admission US$3) is 11 Km north of Battambang. This temple was built in AD 1027, during the reign of king Suryavarman I. There are 18 Banyan trees around the temple. Outside the temple to the south, there was a moat that is now a pond.

Ba Nan Temple
Banan Temple locates atop a 400-meter-high mountaintop which is 25km to the south of the provincial town. This sandstone and laterite temple was built between mid 11th century and late 12th century.
Its construction project was started by king Udayadityavarman II (AD1050-1066) and ultimately finished by king Jayavarman VII (AD 1181-1221). The temple has five towers similar to Angkor Wat, but here they were constructed separately. At the foot of the mountain, there is a moat and two natural wells, Bet Meas and Chhoung.

Prasat Snung
The Sneung Temples are divided into two parts-East Sneung and West Sneung Temple. The East Sneung Temple locates in Sneung Pagoda, about 22km southwest of the provincial town. This temple was constructed with brick on the hill which is 30m by 20m. Its features three separate shrines and is similar in style to other temples built during the 12th century. Behind the temple, there is a new temple.
The West Sneung temple is constructed of sandstone and locates near National Road 57 (former National Road 10).

Phnom Sam Pov Resort
Phnom Sampov is a natural and historical site located along National Road 57 about 12km from the provincial town. Atop 100-meter-high mountain stands a pagoda and three natural carves: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is full of uprooted stones and is considered important because it is where Phnom Sampov residents come to celebrate after a marriage.

Next to the mountain are several important mountain clusters, including Kdaong mountain, Krapeu mountain, Trung Moan mountain, Trung Tear mountain and Neang Romsay Sok. These mountains are related to Khmer folktale titled Reachkol Neang Romsay Sok.

Boeng Kam Pinh Puoy Resort
Komping Pouy Basin locates between two mountains-Ta Ngen and Kamping Pouy, about 35kmwest of the provincial town. Kamping Pouy Basin is 6km by 1.9km. During the rainy season, the basin holds 110 million cubic meters of water, which is used primarily for agriculture. Kamping Pouy Basin is vital to this area. Local people come here to relax and fish in the basin for Domrei Fish.

Sek Sak Resort
Is the natural resort, which has been popular since before the civil war time. Sek Sak stretches along the river bank full of plant, trees and bamboo-green nature in 500 meter length. As long as visiting Sek Sak, tourists can also visit other attractive sites like Po Pus Pich Chen Da Dong Tong and Sa Ang speak, the pre-history site in five kilometer to six kilometer distance from each other. Sek Sak located Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul District in 50 kilometer distance from the provincial town of Battambang along the National Road No 57, the former National Road No 10.

Getting To Battambang
Boat
Boat from Battambang to Siem Reap  through Tonle sap lake (pass floating village on Tonle sap) (boat ticket US$20, five to nine or more hours, departure at 7 am) squeezes through narrow waterways and passes by protected wetlands. It's a bird watcher's paradise.

BUS
Battambang does not have a central bus station. Rather, bus companies have offices and stops on or near NH 5. All companies serve Phnom Penh (US$5 to US$8, five hours, 293km), Pursat (US$2.50, two hours), Sisophon (US$2 to US$3, one hour) and Poipet (US$3 to US$4, three hours). Capitol Tour and Neak Kror Horm have buses to Bangkok (US$13 to US$15) and Siem Reap (US$5); Paramount Angkor Express also goes to Siem Reap (US$5). Phnom Penh Sorya has a service to Kompong Cham (US$9)

Where to stay in Battambang
There are many Hotels and Guesthouse in Battambang.
Chhaya Hotel & Apartments
Chhaya Hotel is one of the longest-running budget hotels in Battambang, it has the cheapest beds in town , if you do not mind a dorm. The new serviced apartments are incredible value, offering tasteful decoration, acres of space and a kitchen for self-catering.
Tel + 855 -0- 53 952 170
H/P: 012 882 500 / 012 733 204
Mail: chhaya.best@yahoo.com
Address: 118, Street 3, Svaypor, Battambang
Website: www.chhayahotel.com/

Royal Hotel
Deservedly popular with independent travelers, the 45-room Royal is clean, friendly and very central
For reservation and inquiries
(855) 16 912 034 / (855) 12 894 862
E-mail: asrhotel@yahoo.com
Address: West of Central Market,
Website: www.royalhotelbattambang.com/
Battambang, Cambodia.

Bambu Hotel
Bambu Hotel is one of the newest boutique hotels in Battambang, Bambu is designed in Franco-Khmer style with spacious and stylish rooms. As well as the pool, there is a well-regarded restaurant here and bar that simply invites lingering.
Phum Romchek 5 , Sangkat Rottanak ,KO Street
Battambang, Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: +855 (0) 53 953 900
Fax: +855 (0) 53 953951
Email: bookings@bambuhotel.com
website: www.bambuhotel.com/

Where to eat & drink
In Battambang there are many small cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Cold Night Restaurant, Riverside Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and Da Nine Market Pkay Proek.

Tags: What to See

Kratie (Kra Cheh) - Cambodia visit

- No Comments

KRATIE PROVINCE
Kratie is one of the most popular place attracted a lot of foreign tourists, kratie (pronounced Kra Cheh).
In this pretty province spanning the Mekong, much of Kratie's population makes its living from the mother river's waters. Away from the river, though, it's a remote and wild land that sees few outsiders.
Kratie is a lively riverside town with a rich legacy of French-era architecture and some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. A thriving travel hub, it's the natural place to break the overland journey between Kampong Cham and Laos, or to pick up the Mekong discovery Trail.

Sights & Activities of Kratie Province
Dolphin viewing
Approximately 75 critically endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins (Mekong River dolphin; Latin Orcaella brevirostris; Khmer trey pisaut), recognisable by their bulbous foreheads and puny dorsal fins, live in the Mekong between Kratie and the Lao border. In the last few years, an alarming number of calves have been dying for reasons that are not clear to scientists. Groups working to ensure the survival of this rare creature and to promote sustainable dolphin-watching include the WWF (www.panda.org). These gentle mammals can be seen at Kampi, about 15km north of Kratie (on the road to Sambor). A return moto/remork ride costs about US$5/10, depending on how long the driver has to wait and whether you stop off at Phnom Sombok, a 70m-high hill with an active wat and fine Mekong views. Cycling is also an option.

Motorboats shuttle visitors out to the middle of the river to view the dolphins at close quarters. It costs US$9 per person for one to two persons and US$7 per person for groups of three or more. Encourage boat driver to use the engine as little as possible. once near the dolphins, as the noise is sure to disturb them. The best viewing times are in the morning and late afternoon.

Wat Roka Kandal
Serene little Wat Roka Kandal, 2km south of Kratie on the road to Chhlong, was built about two centuries ago and is the only extant Khmer Pagoda of its type. To see the beautifully restored interior, which serves as a showroom for local wicker handicrafts, ask around for someone with the key.
The riverside road heading south from here towards Chhlong makes for a nice bicycle ride.

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.

Phnom Sambok Resort
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.
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.

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

Kampi Resort
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.

Where to sleep in Kratie
As well as the guesthouses and hotels covered here, there are also home-stays and an up-markets lodge on the island of Koh Trong opposite Kratie town

You Hong II Guesthouse
You Hong II , a great little shoes-off guesthouse between the market and river-front, As well as a good mix of rooms, there's a lively little bar-restaurant plastered wall-to-wall with travel info, and internet access.
Tell: (855) 085 88 51 68
Email: youhong_kratie@yahoo.com
Price: US$5 to US$13

Balcony Guesthouse
The sign proclaims it a guest House, but do not be put off by the windbags, as this place attracts some bright you thinks to good-value rooms, a gay friendly vibe and impressive food. Wifi connetion.
Rue Preh Suramarit
Price: US$7 to US$15
Tell: (855) 016 60 40 36
Email:balcony@y7mail.com

Where to Eat & Drink in Kratie
Along the riverfront, food stalls (Rue Preah Suramarit) sell two famous Kratie' specialities : Krolan (sticky rice, beans and coconut milk steamed inside a bamboo tube), displayed on tables that look like miniature church organs; and nehm (tangy, raw, spiced river fish wrapped in edibles fresh leaves that are in turn wrapped in a cube of banana leaves).

Red Sun Falling
One of the liveliest spots in town, with a relaxed cafe ambiance, used books for sale and Asian and Western meals, including home-made brownies. By night it's a bar.
Rue Preah Suramarit, mains 6000r - 14000r

Tags: Cambodia Sights / What to See

Kampot is one of attracting site in Cambodia

- Tuesday, June 17, 2014 No Comments

Kampot attracted site in Cambodia
Kampot , bordered by Vietnam to the east and the Gulf Thailand to the south is endowed with an alluring combination of old colonial towns, abundant natural attractions and easy intro regional transport. It produces cement due to an abundances of limestone. Beyond Kom pot the small resort of Krong Kep is popular with Cambodians. Kampot produces some of the world's finest pepper , www.kampotpepper.biz/

Kampot 
More and more independent travelers are discovering this charming riverside town, with its relawed atmosphere and a run-down French architectural legacy. It makes an excellent base for exploring the area between Bokor National Park and Kep, or for just lazing by the river for a few days. The most enjoyable activity is strolling along the riverside promenade and along streets lined with decrepit French -era shop-house. Some of the best colonial architecture can be found in the triangle delineated by 7 Ph Makara, the entral Durian Roundabout and the post office.

To the south near the river is the GPO and telecommunications building. At the north end of town, about 1.5 km away, is the Central Market, with foodstalls. All Kampot transportation is concentrated within range of the market-cycle, motors, taxis, trucks, and buses. The railway station lies farther north.
KampotThere’s zero of interest in Kampot except to walk around town and look at crumbling French-built blue-shuttered shop fronts. Previously Kampot was a stepping-stone to Bokor and Kep. You can reach Kampot by irregular plane service from Phnom Penh. It’s not advisable to get there by car. It takes about 5 hours to cover the 150 km from Phnom Penh to Kampot.

From Sihanoukville it’s 105 km to Kampot by a jumping and dirt road. The train from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes seven hours. It used to be a frequent target of the Khmer Rouge - in a 1994 ambush, three foreigners were captured by them.

Travel To & From Kompot
Car
From Sihanoukville, the road to Kampot is in reasonable condition. Taxis from Sihanoukville to Kampot around US$18 to US$20 for a private taxi. Taxis from Phnom Penh near Phsar Thmei cost US$15 to US$20 per person , and it take 3 hours.

TEUK CHHU RESORT
Is the natural resort locating at Snom PrompiVillage, 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.

PREK AMPIL RESORT
Is the beach rich in white sand, mangrove and coconut trees, and locates at Koh Touch Commune, 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.

BOKOR RESPORT
Locates at 42Km distance from the provincial town of Kampot, and was found by a French people 1922 during the reign of the King, Sisovath Before, Bokor was a leisure place for French colonists who need to exchange atmosphere from the plain area to the mountain area at seaside.
The Mountain of Bokor has 1,075-meter height, good weather and beautiful natural view with big trees and rocks shaping up as animal figure. In Sang Kum Reas Ni Yum, there were public buildings, which look like a city there.

At seven-kilometer distance from the mountain, there is a swimming spot locating the water ‘Po Pok Vil’. On the top of the mountain, we can view the beautiful scenery of Kampot town, Kep, Sihanouk Ville and blue water of the sea.

KAMPONG TRACH RESORT
Is the rocky mountain having caves and natural wells where arranged and worshipped by the tradition of Cambodia, China and Vietnam. The resort locates in 38Km distance, East of Kampot town by the National Road No 16. There is a natural well having 30m 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 along cave that we can go through to the La Ang Viel Sre 100 and La Ang Thmar Dos.

At these natural wells, there are some evidences remain which prove that the wells were the main filming place 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.

Phnom Slap Taaun Caves
Phnom Slap Taaun Caves are very accessible,lying only 8km from Kampot town. Take the Kep road out of town for only 7 km to the village of Kbal Meas (Golden Head). At the garuda statue at the crossroads, turn left, and go out to the small hill. It is the only hill in the area so it is hard to miss. The cave exteriors are not very photogenic because the locals have turned the place into a small limestone quarry. However, the interiors are spectacular with a vast complex of passageways, amphitheaters, stalactites and strange formations. Take a flashlight with you. In many places the caves are lit by sunlight filtering through fissures in the rock. Between these, it's a bit dark, but it is this low, mysterious lighting that gives the caves their charm.

Banking:
Canadia Bank: Exchange services and Money Gram with no commission