Within the village surrounding Wat Kor (Wat Kor Village) many homes that were built during the turn of the 20th century are still standing (and being lived in) roughly 100 years later.
The owners of these beautiful and historical homes (whose design is unique to Batdambang) have literally opened their doors to visitors for a small admission. Known as khor song, these homes feature distinctive two-tiered roofs and have survived more than a century because of their construction from the hardwood of the Pchek tree.
Several homes can be visited (there are signs indicating which ones are open to the public in front of those houses that lie just beside the road to Phnom Banan), and some feature antique furnishings and tools, as well as histories of the home displayed in English.
On the road just south of Wat Kor, the temple in the village of Kompong Seyma contains sacred stones (seyma) whose magical powers are believed to provide protection for Batdambang. A community-based tourism initiative there offers ox-cart rides that pass through through scenic countryside, including expansive rice fields.
When to Go
During daylight hours, when home-owners are present and accepting visitors.
Getting There
Wat Kor Village is located about a mile downstream (south) of Batdambang, along the road skirting the western bank of the Sangke River. The village lies just beyond the convergence of the dirt river road and the paved “bypass” (Route 155) that comes from Batdambang and continues toward phnom-banan. Look for signs for “Ancient House”, or hire a tuk-tuk or tour guide to help you find the way.
Need to Know
- What is it?: A number of charming, 100 year-old wooden houses in the village of Wat Kor.
- Nearest Town: Roughly 1 mile south of Batdambang, 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).
- Opening hours: During the day, when the families are willing to let you in for a look.
- Entrance fees: $1-2 dollars