Wednesday, November 25, 2009

ខេត្ត កោះកុង

Koh Kong Province



Koh Kong is the most southwestern province of Cambodia. It is one of the biggest provinces in the whole country with a long undeveloped coastline and a mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior, which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains, the biggest coherent rainforest of Southeast Asia. Its tourist attractions include abundant wildlife; big waterfalls and casinos on the border to Thailand, while an Export Processing Zone and new port facilities are being developed for international trade.

The province is an increasingly popular gateway to Cambodia from Hat Lek in southern Thailand, in part of the reasonably direct access to the port and beach resort town of Sihanoukville. While this was previously a gruelling journey by boat and pickup on rough bumpy roads using small ferries at river crossings, the donation by the Thai government of new road infrastructure is improving access greatly.

The name means " Kòng Island Province". Its capital is Krong Koh Kong, which is located in the West of the province right next to the Thai border. The city is surrounded with a large forested area connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. It's generally a quiet town, but there are many reasons to stay in Koh Kong for more than one night such as the nearby islands, rivers, tours into the nature and the buzzing nightlife. The people of Koh Kong speak mainly Khmer, and most speak some Thai as well. You can also find many Chinese and Vietnamese speakers as well as a lot of broken English.

Your stay here will be economical as lodging, food and transportation is relatively cheap here. Please make this place a stop on your travels through S.E. Asia and you won't be disappointed.



Located at Mondul Sey Ma District, near the Cambodia-Thailand, border 8km from Koh Kong. Cham Yeam is a natural and man-made resort founded by Neak Ouk Nka Li Yung Phat in 1997. Nowadays, Cham Yeam has become an international tourist resort with five-star hotels, guesthouses, casinos and various other entertainments.


Kbal Chhay E91 Waterfall
Nature and Wildlife Reserve near Nengkok Village, Bakclong Commune, Mundol Seyma District, 24km (2h:15mn) from the Provincial Town.



Kbal Chhay Prek Koh Waterfall

Nature and Wildlife Reserve near Neng Kok Village, Bakclong Commune, Mundol Seyma District, 22km (15mn) from the Provincial Town.


Khun Chhang Khun Phen Resort

Is a historical seaside resort located 1km from Koh Kong? It has a stupa set o¬n a rock some distance from the shoreline.

Koh Kong Krov Weach
Recreational area with parks and beaches in Koh Kapie Commune, Koh Kong District, 35km (3h: 15mn) from the Provincial Town.
Koh Mool Resort (Koh Kong Krau)
Is the biggest island in Cambodia? It’s located off the coast of Koh Kong District about 24km from Koh Kong town. There are many hills o¬n Koh Mool and 10 waterfalls ranging from 6m to 25m in height. In the afternoon, black and white dolphins are visible from all six of Koh Mool’s beaches.

Lam Da Beach
Recreational area with parks and beaches at Lam Da Village, Koh Kapi Commune, Koh Kong District 20km (1h: 45mn) from the Provincial Town.

Prek Chik O'srey Sranash
Nature and Wildlife Reserve o¬n road 48, Chhmarbak Village, Bakclong Commune, Smach Mean Chey District, 6km (10min) from the Provincial Town.

Sner Beach
Recreational area: parks and beaches. Road 48, Dong Tung Commune, Smachmean chey District. 17 km (25mn) From Provincial Town.
Tatay Waterfall

Nature and Wildlife Reserve located near Tropham Roung Commune, Koh Kong District, 50km (1h:45mn) from the Provincial Town.


Veal Achaut Waterfall
Nature and Wildlife Reserve o¬n road 48, Dong Tung Commune, Smachmean chey District. 45km (1h) from the Provincial Town.













ខេត្ត ឧត្តមានជ័យ - Oddor MeanChey Province


Oddor Meanchey Province

Border Check

BORDER CHECK-PINT OF OU SMACH Located at the cmmen border of Cambodia-Thailand in 41-kilometer distance from the provincial town by Road No 68. Ou Smach is the man-made tourist site, which has been invested by Royal Group Company and VTP shop Group Company on Casino, five-star hotel and restaurants. The site has been organized as the entertainment spot in international standard. Most tourists who go there are Thai tourists.

The Cultural Site of Khmer Rouge (Tamu House) in Oddor Meanchey

THE CULTURAL SITE OF KHMER ROUGE (TAMU HOUSE) The place displayed statues depicting the lifestyle and troop arrangement of Khmer Rouge during the period of their struggle against the Royal Government. This area had been organized and controlled by Khmer Rouge since 1979 to the end of 1997. The cultural site of Khmer Rouge is located at the center of An Lung Veng Districial in 100-kilometer distance from the provicial town by Road No 68. At present, there are many tourists who visit the area and take picture of Khmer Rouge activities remain.

ខេត្ត ពោធិសាត់​ - PurSat Province



Pursat covers 12692 square kilometers, It consists of 6 districts, 49 communes and 501 villages.



Pursat Province

Pursat is the fourth biggest province of Cambodia. The province is located in the western part of the country and borders clockwise from the north with Battambang, the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Chhnang, Kompong Speu, Koh Kong, and Thailand. Pursat offers a perfect access to both the Tonle Sap (just 35km far) and the Cardamom Mountains (right to the West). The name of Pursat refers to a type of tree.

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.
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.
Leach Village
This village serves as a processing center for sandalwood oil, which in turn is used in perfume. The wood comes from the nearby forests of the Cardamom Mountains. Leach is around 27 km southwest of Pursat town.
Floating Village of Lake Tonle Sap
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 around for 4,000 riel per hour.
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.
Wat Preh S’dai and Pursat River
This is the temple that you can see from National Hwy 5 looking south toward the river bend. There is a new wat under construction on the temple grounds as well. It’s a nice setting with the river nearby. Just across the river road from the temple is a wooden bridge crossing the Pursat River. Just north of the bridge is a sandy beach.
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.


Bak Tra Resort
Is the natural resort locates at 16-Kilomater distances from the provincial town of PurSat by Road N.56 to Kra Vanh District. The resort consists of: - Small Mountain having 50-meter height. - Forest riches in Thlong trees. - Big rocks throughout the forest. - Canal and natural well containing water permanently.

Kam Pheng
Locates at Pro Ngil village, Pro Ngil commune, Kra Vanh District in 20 -Kilometer distance from the provincial.

Kam Pong Luong Resort
Is the natural resort locating at the bank of Tonle Sap richingin white sand and clear water-suitable for swimming during the dry season. In addition, there are many other attractive sites under the projects to develop as the tourist spots like:
Koh Sam Pov Meas
It locates at the middle of Koh Pur Sat, in front of the Provincial Hall.
Luaing Trach
Luaing Trach How to go: 49 km (1h: 30mn) From Provincial Town. Location: Description: Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Lang Trach village, Svay Sa Commun .
Neak Ta Khleang Moeang
Is the main historical site in Cambodia and located at Snam Preah Commune, Ba Kan District in Six-Kilometer. 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 and put at the right place because the ancient statue is completely damaged by the civil war.
Phnom Dak Preah
locates at Ro Leap village, Ro Leap commune, Pur Sat District in 10-Kilometer distance from the provincial.
Phnom Baykhlor Resort
Is the natural and cultural resort.? It locates at Thuaut Chum village, Thnaut Chum commune, Ko Kor District in 20-Kilometer distance from the provincial town of Pur Sat 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.
Preah Theat
Located at Sre Sdok village, Sre Sdok commune, Kan Deang District in 20-kilometer distance from the provincial town.

ខេត្ត ប៉ៃលិន - Pailin Province

Pailin City Province Info





Wat Phnom Yaht



Wat Phnom Yaht This is the hilltop temple next to Wat Gohng-kahng. The temple is a good example of how things have changed in Pailin since the surrender deal. A number of moths after the deal a friend and I had a conversation with the head monk of the temple and he said that he still felt very intimidated by the local authorities, all ex- Khmer Rouge. He was strongly discouraged from giving Buddhist instruction to the townspeople. With the influx of Cambodians from other parts of the country and a change of heart for some of the ex-KR, the temple has seen a rebirth. There is a beautiful new decorative stairway leading to the hilltop temple area, where a new temple is under construction and the monks openly teach the faith. Obviously, respect for monks has risen, and temple projects are receiving a lot of donations. Great views of the Pailin area and the dynamite sunsets over the Border Mountains can be had from the hilltop.


Bah Hoi Village

Bah Hoi Village You will pass through an internal refugee camp from different areas of the country that were formerly under khmer Rouge control and are now in the hands of the government. The people feel more safe around their own kind (ex-Khmer Rouge) and with the Pailin faction of the Khmer Rouge still having effective control of the area; they don’t worry about government soldiers hassling them. The people are quite friendly and don’t mind a chat.


Border Crossing & Casino Area

Border Crossing & Casino Area the locals refer to this area as simply Pbrohm. This was a main lifeline of the Khmer Rouge during the years of fighting with the government. Food, supplies and weaponry were brought over from Thailand here. The action today is of the gaming type with the Flamingo Casino open for business and another under construction. The casino sees a lot more business than the one in town, as the Thai people that represent the vast majority of customers like the idea of staying within spitting distance of Thailand. So if you like tossing money away, you have several choices in Pailin. There are also a few seedy looking karaoke bars with ladies working near the casinos and border. As for using Pailin as a border crossing to and from Thailand: The Thais have no problem with it and will issue you a Thai visa or stamp you out between 7 am and 5 pm. The problem is on the Cambodian side as the immigration police say that it’s not an officially sanctioned crossing and there is no way that a foreigner can cross here. So for now it’s best to sticks with Poipet and Koh Kong for land crossings. Getting to the border is the interesting part. About 5 km on the way from Pailin is a small wooden bridge going over the Oh-chah-rah River. The water coming down from the mountains is clean, so a swim here is an inviting prospect. You also pass by the bombed shell of a tank, reminding you which side of the border you are on. Tank bodies just sit where they die in Cambodia and simply become another part of the landscape. The border is easy to get to –just the one turn on the map. It takes just under a half hour and is around 180 baht for roundtrip moto-taxi.

Ceasar Casino
The casino and pub located in the same complex are open off and on these days. As mentioned earlier, the Thais prefer the Flamingo Casino with its border location. If they book a group of Thais to come to town they open the casino.


Goh-Ay Mountain

Goh-Ay Mountain The destination here is a river that’s great for a swim. Definitely for the dry season if you want to be a bit more adventurous and see more of the area. Your best bet is to talk to the guys’ at the English school next to the Hotel Sang Phi Run if you want to venture out this way, as they can help with direction or take you out there. Definitely stay on the worn trails by the river area. There are landmines around.


Kbal Autavao Resort
Kbal Autavao Resort How to go: Location: Description: 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

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


Ou Eb Resort
Ou Eb Resort How to go: Location: Description: 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
Phnom Keuy Resort How to go: Location: Description: 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

Phnom Yat Resort How to go: Location: 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.


Steng Kuy
Steng Kuy How to go: 20 km (1h) From Provincial Town. Location: Description: Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Phnom Kuy Village, Sangkat Sala Krau, Sala Krau District.

Waterfall in Pailin City
Waterfall Like all waterfalls, the rainy season is the best time to go with the water flowing best then. But there are still pools of clean water to cool off in during the dry season and the heavily forested hills provide nice scenery. Locals and folks on holiday from Battambang come here on weekends and holidays and the well-worn pathways and picnic spots are safe for your use. Hiking to the upper level brings you to more pools. Your best bet for getting out here is to take a moto-taxi or have one lead the way, as there are several turns on unmarked small roads. For the round trip, 120 baht should do it.

ខេត្តស្វាយរៀង - Svay Rieng Province


Svay Rieng town sits just 58km from the Moch Bai border crossing and has become fairly prosperous as a result. Svay Rieng is densely populated - over 580,000 live in its 3000km and most earn at least part of their lving from haulage.

Svay (pronounced Swai) Rieng is one of the smallest and sleepiest Cambodian provinces that just happen to have one of the country’s busiest highways running straight through - National Highway No 1, which links Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam just after you cross the Mekong River by way of the Neak Loeung Ferry. It is also one of the poorest provinces of Cambodia due to the poor quality of the land. Most of the provincial population takes out a subsistence living based on farming and fishing.

Vrey Ba Sak

Prey Ba Sake Located in Svay Rieng District at the Southeast of the provincial town in the distance of 8.5 kilometres from the provincial town. The area of Prey Ba Sak has 84 square meters and borders river of Vag Ko at the North and the East, village of local people at the west and the South. The resort of Prey Ba Sak can provide income to the state and attracts local visitors to spend their visit and pleasure there. So, the resort is trending to develop for local visitors in Svay Rieng province due to their tradition, and for international tourists due to the real Cambodian culture and civilization. Prey Ba Sak located on the hill, the former place of ancient temple, which was completely damaged by war. Nowadays, in order to change this place to be the attractive site for local and international tourists, the provincial tourist office should initially rearrange the place and statues for local visitors to worship during festival days or their travel. Prey Ba Sak is the place, which has the most complex forest among others in Svay Rieng province.

Bavet Market




Bavet Market 40 km (45mn) From Provincial Town. Operation of Sporting Facilities, Location: Ta Boeb Village, Bavet Commune, Chan Trea District.

Brasoh Center

Brasoth Center 1.5km (10mn) From Provincial Town. Operation of Sporting Facilities, Location: Prasout Commune, Svay Teab District.

Prey Veng Province

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. 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 temples 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.

Ba Ray An Det Resort

Ba Ray An Det Resort Located at Ba Ray village, Ba Ray commune, Prey Veng District in three-Kilometer distance west of the provincial town of Prey Veng. This resort has a plain hill and big trees surrounded. The people believe that Ba Ray An Det is the powerful and sacred place for swearing and wishing. The music of Pin Piet is usually concerted for offering to Neak Ta on every Buddhist holiday, festival day or Sunday for asking for happiness and rain.

Fish Growing Center

Fish Growing Center 23 km (40mn) From Provincial Town. Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Bati Village, Peam Ror Commune, Peam Ror District.

Kampong Sne Damp

Kampong Sne Damp 16 km (40mn) From Provincial Town. Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Sné Village, Theay Commune, Baphnom District.

Nokor Phnom

Nokor Phnom 45 km (1h: 30mn) From Provincial Town. Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Roung Dam Rei Village, Cheung Phnom Commune, Bar Phnom District.

Prey Chong Srok Temple

Prey Chong Srok Temple 50km (2h) From Provincial Town. Historical Sites & Buildings, Location: Boeng Chor Village, Prey TorToeng Commune, Sithorkandal District.

Viel Brang (Veal Brang)in the City in Prey Veng

Viel Brang (Veal Brang)In the City. Nature & Wildlife Preserves, Location: Kampong Leav Commune, Kampung Leav District.

Vihear Chan Temple

Vihear Chan Temple 30km (1h) from Provincial Town. Historical Sites & Buildings, Location: Rong Dam Rey VillageCheungPhnom Commune, Bar Phnom District.

Weaving Handicraf Center

Weaving Handicraf Center 55 km (2h:30mn) From Provincial Town.Location: Prék Chorngkran Village, Prék Chorngkran Commune, Sithorkandal District.

Kompong Speu Province

Kompong Speu Province