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Visiting Kampong Cham Province

Big Buddha Statue, Kampong Cham

Big Buddha Statue, Kampong Cham

The Kampong Cham province is located in the south-east of Cambodia, and has a rich history. The capital city of the province also follows the same name: Kampong Cham City. This city lies on the banks of the Mekong River, and it is so popular with tourists for its extravagant forests, rubber plantations and crops, and its historic temples. The province is made up of the following 16 districts:

Prey Chhor, Stueng Trang, Tbuong Kmoum, Memot, Srey Santhor, Ponhea Kraek, Krouch Chhmar, Ou Reang Ov, Khong Meas, Kampong Siem, Koh Suothin, Kampong Cham, Bateay, Dambaer, Chamkar Leu, and Cheung Prey.

The province itself spans almost 10,000 square kilometers, but its biggest city is by far the capital, being the third largest in the whole of Cambodia, with almost 2,000,000 residents as at 2007.

Mekong River

Mekong River

As it is located on the Mekong river, inhabitants of the area have thrived on the produce and basic materials that are naturally endowed to the area and its surroundings.

In order to capitalize on its rich rubber plantations, the province has devised an economically stimulating plan for foreign investors. By offering business concessions, tax breaks and credits, and an inviting regulatory framework, foreign direct investment in the area continues to clock in at higher levels than most other provinces. As for the main product of the area itself, the province’s nutrient rich red soil and natural irrigation mechanism give growers a combination of some of the best growing conditions available in Cambodia.
Aside from the obvious comparative advantage that the area has in rubber production, a number of other industries thrive here also. These include the fishing industry- heavily assisted by the geographical setup of the region, the cashew nut plantations – which again thrive on the nutrient soils of the east, and finally orchard fruits – including rambutans, lychees, and durian. All in all, these products allow for a prosperous local trade, whilst at the same time supporting the international trade relationship between Cambodia and other countries to the south and the east.
A wild and quiet road to Kampong Cham

A wild and quiet road to Kampong Cham

There are a number of entry methods to the Kampong Cham province, with a mode of transport to fit every style and budget. Firstly roads are generally well developed in and out of the region, but as with most of the Cambodian rural roads, the upkeep and maintenance is sometimes not performed in a timely manner, and hence problems can develop with these routes, often slowing travel time or even halting it altogether. To avoid this issue whilst sticking with the publicly provided infrastructures, visitors can take a motorbike, which will eliminate the delay factor completely. If this is not your style, a bus service operated daily, and for a small cost, the bus will take you directly to your final destination, or at least somewhere very close. In the capital city Kampong Cham City, the bus arrives and departs from the Kampong Cham market. Bus schedules are available in print from travel agencies or bus offices, and also on the Internet.

If none of these options suit you, the Mekong river provides for an excellent transport route in and out of the area. Many boating options are available, however the most common route is from Phnom Penh, and takes around two hours. The cost of this service is slightly more than the other options mentioned, but the speed and service is certainly worth the cost. Another service operates from Kratie, taking a little longer than the service from Phnom Penh. Travelling by boat from both destinations is around the same price as taking the bus, which leaves you with the choice at the end of the day.
Once you have found your way into the province, a number of exciting and fascinating attractions await you. The first to be recommended is the Man made resort at Teuk Chha in Kampong Cham City. The area consists of an ancient temple, along with  a canal which is filled with water throughout the entire year. This means that regardless of your chosen travel time, you will be able to enjoy aquatic activities in the area. This includes sailing, swimming, and bird watching, as the canal features native bush on either side. There is also a dam to control water flow in and out of the canal, which doubles as another tourist attraction – a major, artificial waterfall, which is safe to swim next to.
If you enjoy the historic aspect of travel, you are bound to appreciate the Nokor Bacjey Temple, also located in the Kampong Cham capital. A drive of approximately 2 kilometers is required to visit the site, but it will be well worth the taxi fare. Once you reach the location, you will find that the temple is divided in to many parts. These include: Tonle Om, at the east end of the temple, the First Long building, the Six Lions, the Eight Dragons, the Two Devils, the Two Statues of Te Cho Dam Din, the Two Ponds, and the Third and Fourth long buildings. Each of the buildings is made of sandstone, and all are significant symbols of Buddhism in the area.
Phnom Pros, Kampong Cham

Phnom Pros, Kampong Cham

A long stair up to Phnom Srei, Kampong Cham

A long stair up to Phnom Srei, Kampong Cham

As a final recommendation, the Han Chey Mountain, which is sometimes referred to by its official name: Chey Kiri Mountain, is located approximately 18 kilometers to the east of the Kampong Cham province. For those tourists who enjoy an adventure, the mountain features a 300 step track, with a pagoda and temple at the top. For those who are pressed for time, or not up for the mountain climb, another temple lies in the valley created by the bordering mountain. This is definitely a must see attraction for tourists who enjoy nature and the wilderness and don’t forget to stop by Phnom Srei and Phnom Pros too.

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