Chan Thai Chhoeung Winery (formerly Amatak Prasat Phnom Banorn) , is one of Cambodia’s only vineyard. The winery is located just south of Batdambang, along the western bank of the Sangke River.
The Chan Thai Chhoeung Winery is a unique attraction in Battambang Province, Cambodia, known for being one of the few wineries in the country. Set amidst scenic countryside, the winery produces a variety of local wines, most notably from shiraz grapes and tropical fruits like starfruit and dragon fruit.
Visitors to the winery can enjoy guided tours through the vineyard, learning about the wine-making process from vine to bottle, and even taste some of the distinctive Cambodian wines. Though the climate in Cambodia is not traditionally suited to wine production, the Chan Thai Chhoeung Winery has managed to create a niche for itself, offering a different perspective on Cambodian agriculture beyond rice fields and fruit plantations.
The winery also produces a local brandy, giving visitors a chance to sample a wider range of flavors.
While the new varietal of grape produces a drier red than the sweeter one that was formerly produced, the wine is arguably more of a souvenir than a bottle for your wine cellar, though the vineyard is a great place to stop for lunch (when open) or a drink before or after visiting the temples to the south of Batdambang town.
When to Go
More likely open just after the rainy season in November and December, but less likely once it gets too hot and dry in March and April.
Getting There
Chan Thai Chhoeung Winery, is located just south of Batdambang. There is a sign indicating the winery along Route 155, the road skirting the western bank of the river, though it may be easier to find if you hire the services of a tuk-tuk or a tour guide from your hotel or the tourist-information-office.
Need to Know
- What is It?: Cambodia’s first vineyard and winery.
- Nearest Town: The winery is about 5 miles (9km) south/2miles (3km) of Batdambang town, which can be reached by bus from Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours, from Siem Reap (bus: 3 hours or boat: 7-10 hours), or from the Poipet and the Thai border (2 hours).
- Don’t Miss: Sampling some local wine
- Trivia: Chan Thai Chhoeung is the only vineyard in Cambodia.
- Opening hours: Hours are 6am- 6pm daily. More likely open just after the rainy season in November and December, but less likely once it gets too hot and dry in March and April.