Dubbed ‘the cradle of the Khmer civilization’, Takeo province, just south of Phnom Penh, may currently be one of the poorest areas in Cambodia, but it was once the center of ancient kingdoms that left behind a number of pre-Angkorian archeological sites.
Located in day trip distance of Phnom Penh, Takeo features a number of attractions that are worthy of visiting if you have time to explore outside the Cambodian capital, but not enough time to make a trip to the temples of Angkor.
The capital of the province is Takeo city, a quiet town with natural beauty that includes a scenic river and a nearby lake. From Takeo town, canals and waterways criss-cross a beautiful countryside, and enjoyable boat trips lead to the pleasant town of Angkor Borei, which features a museum full of statuary from the temples of nearby Phnom Da.
Other highlights of the province consist mainly of historical sites, including Phnom Chissor temple and Ba Yang temple (7th century), located at the top of Ba Yang Mountain.
Also of note are Tonle Bati (Lake Bati), which features some ancient and well preserved ruins, and Prasat Neang Khmao, a temple built in the 10th century near modern-day Ro Vieng town (26kms/16 miles from Takeo City).
Finally, Phnom Tamao offers beautiful scenery, features two temples (Ta Mao and Thmor Dos), and contains a nice wildlife sanctuary Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest in Cambodia.
The province is easily accessed from Phnom Penh thanks to National Highway 2 and is therefore close to the capital’s international airport. Getting around in the province is possible by bus, shared taxi or motorbike. While few visitors need to (or wish to) spend a night in Takeo city, basic accommodation is available for a nice overnight stop.
Where to Go
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary: The largest and nicest zoo in Cambodia.
- Takeo: A gateway to Cambodia’s ancient history, known for its proximity to early Khmer archaeological sites.
- Angkor Borei: This is another place that is fairly close to Takeo and has a handful of interesting temples to explore.
- Phnom Chisor: An Angkor-era ruin atop a hill with a stunning, panoramic view.
- Prasat Neang Khmau: An easy to visit, Angkor-era temple beside a small school.
- Tonle Bati: A picturesque lake with a pair of charming Angkor-era temples.
- Phnom Da: Home to a collection of remarkable temples from the 6th and 7th centuries as well as some artificial caves.
- Phnom Bayong: A 1,000 foot tall hill with an ancient temple and spectacular views.
When to Go
November to February when it’s cooler, March and April for those who don’t mind heat. Avoid September and October; it’s too wet.
Need to Know
- What to do: Visit nearby temples, a wildlife sanctuary, and a lake that serves as a popular local picnic site.
- How long: A good day trip or two.
- Trivia: Takeo is known for producing krama, the iconic Cambodian scarf.