Located in the center of Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang province is generally landlocked on all sides by other Cambodian provinces, although the northeastern corner of the province features the confluence of the Tonle Sap Lake and River, near which the provincial capital of Kampong Chhnang is located.
The capital city, which shares the same name of the province, sits upon the banks of beautiful marshland that is lined with traditional wooden houses on stilts.
Kampong Chhnang province boasts several interesting attractions, most notably the riverside and floating-villages that occupy the wetlands near the Tonle Sap. Most visitors to Kampong Chhnang stop briefly in Kampong Chhnang town, catching the sights-along-the-riverside, such as the local fish market. Those with their own transportation and a little time to spare may enjoy visiting a pottery-village.
Those spending additional time in the province may enjoy the hilltop resorts of Phnom Roap Bat (12km from town) and Phnom San Touch, which respectively feature a pagoda related to a local legend and panoramic views of the Tonle Sap. For those interested in appreciating the region’s natural attractions, Phnom Ta Ind and Phnom Da In have been designated wildlife preserves; the former is only 3km from Kampong Chhnang Town, while the latter is a 1-2 hour, 28km drive along rugged rural roads.
Luring limited tourists, Kampong Chhnang offers only a handful of guesthouse options in the provincial capital, while home stay options are available elsewhere. Kampong Chhnang is connected to Phnom Penh by railway, which runs through Romeas, at the center of the province; by National Road 5, which parallels the Tonle Sap River and connects Kampong Chhnang town with Phnom Penh and Batdambang; and by the Tonle Sap River, which is no longer a popular travel route for passenger ferries as the road has all but replaced it as a transportation option.
Where to Go
- Kampong Chhnang: A charming riverside town in Cambodia known for its traditional pottery villages, floating houses, and scenic countryside.