Phim Hay 360s

Located some 867 km south of Bangkok , Phuket is the largest island of Thailand , is shaped like an irregular pearl and about 21km in circumference . Trade with the mainland by road between the islands and long coastline with white sandy beaches and quiet coves , immersed in the blue waters of the Andaman Sea and nestled in the green hills , the pines coconut and rubber plantations .
Statue of Phuket 's most famous memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thao Thep Krasattri and Sisunthon , who spent the island in 1785 after troops repel Burmese invaders .
Blessed and the friendly hospitality of the people , together with excellent facilities for tourists , Phuket is today one of the leading resorts in the world's tropical regions . Palm Beach radiates filled ball , an island with wonderful sea surrounded , fresh seafood , the kind of rich sports entertainment , and of course , filled with sunshine all year round , all create a perfect recipe for a truly memorable holiday .

Sea and Gulf of Phuket has two main seasons : the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April . The best months to come here is November to February. The average temperature fluctuates between 22 and 34 degrees C.

Sea and Gulf

Hat Kamala is a beach with white sand stretches . Located north end of Phuket , which is partially covered by casuarinas , very suitable for swimming.
Hat Patong beach is Phuket's most developed , providing various types of rich sports entertainment , shopping and other forms of entertainment throughout within 3 km of the crescent-shaped beach . In addition to the sights by day , Patong is also known for vibrant nightlife including the seafood restaurant with fresh food .
Hat Karon & Kata : both impressive beaches , gentle and very suitable for swimming, snorkeling , surfing and sunbathing .
There are many beaches and bays around Phuket waiting for you to discover .



Ko Si Re
Small island separated from the mainland due to the Tha Chin channel , located 4km north-east of the town . It has a Gypsy village is considered the biggest in Phuket .

Laem Panwa
Headland south of the center position of marine biological research and Phuket Aquarium , where visitors can see hundreds of exotic marine life and colorful .

Laem Phromthep
Southernmost point of Phuket is the perfect place to watch the picturesque sunset .

Wat Phra Thong

Located in Hat Nai Yang , the famous temple with Buddha statues partially buried . Local legend has it that a boy was forced into his buffalo statues , thinking it was a rock jutting out of the ground . Then this boy was sick and buffalo and buffalo mysteriously dropped . Villagers suspect and statues excavated and found that it is a symbol Halibut decorate Buddha statue buried . They were excavated on the area where the temple now being built. When the army tried to invade Burma statues destroyed in the 18th century , they were attacked by a swarm of wasps .


Wat Chalong
Ao Chalong way a few kilometers , this temple statue of keeping two most revered monks in Phuket : Care and Luang Pho Luang Pho Chuang .

Mueang Phuket
The provincial capital is seen as a small commercial center and shopping somewhere though still traces of ancient architecture particularly Portugal .

Phuket Fantasea
Inspired by the rich heritage and exotic Thailand , Phuket Fantasea not only introduce the charm and beauty of Thailand , but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of Thailand great lighting technology and special effects . The result is the sum of 140 monitors on subjects with extremely magnificent spectacle includes a multitude of activities and entertainment : a festival village with festivals , games , handicrafts and shopping ; restaurant with a capacity of 4,000 seats with buffet Thailand's largest and the world stage manner brings breath of modern Las Vegas , fountain art technology and special effects seem to honor beauty myths, mysteries and magic of Thailand as a certain magical music to please all travelers .


The Thai Village
Located on Thep Krasattri , this village serves typical specialties of southern Thailand for lunch and dinner , as well as cultural shows staged with Thai dancing , fencing , Muay Thai , elephants and local customs . Goods handicrafts are also on display here .

Rumors on the island called a sea of tropical fruit , Coconut Island , always make visitors want to go portable backpack and explore destinations on earth Thailand which is gradually crowded by tourists .

Coconut Island is the center of Phuket beach about 300 m , is becoming one of the ideal tourist destination to visitors to the land of the Golden Temple . Driving on the highway segment along the east coast , you will not be what many observers . The path is quite flat and smoked smoking , the trees and only a few small roadside shop selling some of ripe pineapple .

If you are not the person they would persevere extremely anxious to keep open the road so far untouched . Not to mention that Aaron was a bit like living in a horror films " exploring " something . At the end of the road , ferries had appeared , the first bright spot on the trip . From here you can look out to sea , saw green coconut on white sand untouched .

Cultural Tourism:

* Exploring Khmer ancient temples in Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kandal, and Takeo;

* Tracing frescos and murals of the ancient temples in Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kandal, and Takeo;

* Visiting Buddhist pagodas and museums in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh;

* Visiting the Independence Monument and other monuments in Phnom Penh and its surroundings;

* Watching kites flown in Phnom Penh;

* Joining the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Water Festival in Phnom Penh;

* Participating in Khmer traditional games and dancing during the Khmer New Year’s and during the other ceremonies/ festivals; and

* Visiting the indigenous peoples of the rural areas.

Natural Tourism:

* Visiting floating villages of the Kampong Phluk Commune in Siem Reap Province;

* Watching birds at the Prèk Toal ground in Siem Reap Province;

* Watching wildlife sanctuaries in Siem Reap Province;

* Taking boat trips along the Tonlé Sap Lake and Mekong River;

* Watching fishing activities on the Tonlé Sap Lake and Mekong River;

* Canoeing among the flooded forest at the Tonlé Sap Lake;

* Exploring the jungle in the northeast of the Angkor area;

* Cycling around the countryside of Siem Reap Province;

* Exploring mountain caves/ caverns in Kampot Province;

* Trekking at the Bokor National Park in Kampot Province;

* Relaxing on the Tonsay Island in Kèp City;

* Visiting waterfalls in Kampot Province and Kampong Speu Province;

* Swimming and diving in Sihanouk Ville, Koh Kong Province, and Kèp City;

* Enjoying the pristine beaches of the Rong Island in Sihanouk Ville;

* Boating among the mangrove forest at the Ream National Park in Sihanouk Ville;

* Spotting sea dolphins at the Ream National Park in Sihanouk Ville;

* Scuba-diving and exploring coral reefs at the bottom of the sea of Sihanouk Ville;

* Sailing in Sihanouk Ville;

* Paragliding in Sihanouk Ville;

* Discovering islands of Koh Kong Province;

* Hiking to the Chambok Waterfall at Kirirom National Park in Kampong Speu Province;

* Cruising down the river from the Andong Toek to the Village Chi Phat in the southern Mountain Range of the Cardamom;

* Trekking in the jungles of the Mountain Range of the Cardamom;

* Camping in the jungles of the Mountain Range of the Cardamom; and

* Visiting the Pong Roul Waterfall on the Srè Ambel River.

Eco-tourism:

* Visiting the Ramsar wetland in Stung Treng;

* Cruising down the Mekong River from Stung Treng to Kratie;

* Spotting Mekong River dolphins at the Kampi resort in Kratie;

* Trekking at the Virachey National Park in Rattanak Kiri;

* Swimming in the Yeak Laom Lake, Rattanak Kiri;

* Visiting the Bousra Waterfall in Mondul Kiri;

* Visiting the Srè Pok Wilderness Area in Mondul Kiri;

* Elephant riding in Rattanak Kiri and Mondul Kiri;

* Meeting the indigenous peoples of Rattanak Kiri and Mondul Kiri provinces; and

* Discovering the trails of the Mekong.

Check this link for information about the seasons in Cambodia.

Siem Reap covers 10299 square kilometers, It consists of 12 districts, 100 communes and 875 villages.

# Angkor Chum District Total Communes: 7 Totals Villages: 84

# Angkor Thom District Total Communes: 4 Totals Villages: 25

# Banteay Srei District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 27

# Chi Kreng District Total Communes: 12 Totals Villages: 147

# Krolanh District Total Communes: 10 Totals Villages: 97

# Puk District Total Communes: 16 Totals Villages: 154

# Prasat Bakong District Total Communes: 9 Totals Villages: 67

# Siem Reap District Total Communes: 10 Totals Villages: 76

# Sot Nikum District Total Communes: 10 Totals Villages: 113

# Srei Snom District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 39

# Svay Lea District Total Communes: 5 Totals Villages: 21

# Varin District Total Communes: 5 Totals Villages: 25

# How to get there! Distance from Phnom Penh: 314 Km

# Using National Road No: 6

# Favourite Transportation: Car

Tourism Attractions

SIEM REAP ANGKOR

The Siem Reap province is the cradle of Angkorean civilization and it is a province that offers plenty of opportunity to tourism enthralled by the cultural patrimony. Siem Reap Angkor is the most attractive landmark in Cambodia in terms of cultural tourism in the Southeast Asia.

The Siem Reap province is conveniently situated 314 km northwest of Phnom Penh, along Nation Road No 6. It can be reached all year round by Nation No 6 from Phnom Penh Capital, Poipet Border Checkpoint, Banteay Meanchey Province, Kampong Cham Province and Kampong Chhnang Province Pursat Province and Battambang Province.

The Siem Reap province is accessible on direct flights from many major cities in the region including Bangkok, Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Pakse Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kunming, Taipei, etc. Today there are around 16-20 direct flights per day to Siem Reap and more direct international flights planned for the near future. It can also be reached on domestic flights from Phnom Penh (forty-minutes flying time) by different types of aircrafts. There are seven daily flights between Phnom Penh Capital and Siem Reap Province operated by two domestic airline companies.

The Siem Reap province can also be reached by speedboats along the Tonle Sap River and its Laka from Phnom Penh Capital and Battambang Province.

Angkor

In the Angkorean era, the ancient Khmer Kingdom dominated most of present Southeast Asia from 800 to 1430 AD.

The Angkor complex is the soul of Khmer people (90% of Cambodian population). Angkor accurately represents Khmer art, great civilization, spiritual heart, national identity, and political power.

The Angkor complex consists of 200 monuments, which spread over an area of 400 square kilometers. Angkor Wat declared a World Heritage site is the largest famous ancient temple of Cambodia. The Khmer temples were built between 7th and 13th centuries by Khmer kings whenthe Khmer civilization was at its height of the extraordinary creativity. The Angkor architecture serves as the evidence of the strong Khmer religious beliefs – Hinduism and Buddhism. King Jayavarman VII was one of the powerful Khmer kings in that period.

The most popular temples in the Angkor area are Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Prè Roup, East Mebon, Kravan, Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Saom, Banteay Srei, Roluos Group, etc.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, was a fortified city enclosing residences of priests, officials of the palace and military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom. These structures were built of wood and have perished but the remaining stone monuments testify that Angkor Thom was indeed a ‘Great City’, as its name implies. Temples inside the walls of the city described are Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay, Tep Pranam and Prasat Suor Prat.

The Royal Palace situated within the city of Angkor Thom is of an earlier date and belonged to kings of the tenth and first half of the eleventh centuries. Although the foundations and an enclosing wall around the palace with entry towers have been identified, little evidence remains of the layout of the royal building inside the enclosure. This absence of archaeological evidence of the royal buildings suggests that they were constructed of wood and have perished. The French ascertained a general plan of the Royal Palace. It included the temple-mountain of Phimeanakas and surrounding pools together with residences and buildings for administering the capital, which were probably at the back of the enclosure. Jayavarman VII reconstructed the original site of the Royal Palace to erect the city of Angkor Thom, which was centered on the temple of Bayon and surrounded by a wall.

PRASAT KRAVAN

ConsultingBuilt by King Harshavarman I in the early 10th century and dedicated to Hindusim.

PRASAT TAKEO

ConsultingBuild by King Jayavarman V and Suryavarman I from the late 10th century to the early 11th century and dedicated to Hinduism.

SRAH SRANG (Royal bath)

ConsultingIt was perhaps a chapel to Kama, God of Love. The spot would suit the temper of the strange power, terribly strong and yet terribly tender, of that passion which carries away kingdoms, empires, whole worlds, and inhabits also the humblest dwellings. Love could occupy this quiet nest embedded in water, which gave the impression that love has come one day and had left there, when he went away, a part of his spirit.

PRASAT KOH KER

ConsultingBuilt by King Jayavarman IV in the 10th century, Koh Ker was the third ancient capital of Khmer Empire. It may have been the capital for just 15 year. King Jayavarman IV was determined to legitimize his rule through an extensive building program, and left behind 30 major temples and some gargantuan sculpture seen today in Phnom Penh.

Koh Ker is located 80km north of the Kulen Mount.

PRASAT PREAH KHAN

ConsultingPreah Khan, for the beguiler the romancer and the artist, is an entrancing mystery deep in the jungle, soft and alluring in the twilight made by heavy verdure. It had been accessible only to the ardent lover of past days who was gifted with agility. They may have been courtyards where high priests gathered and guardians slept, but now they are walled bowers over which the trees extend to heaven’s blue. It all seems a wondrous mass of beauty tossed together in superb confusion.

LOCATION: Preah Khan is north of Angkor Thom and west of Neak Pean.

ACCESS: Enter and leave the temple from the west entrance (the description, however, begins at the east, the principal entrance) It is recommended you allow plenty of times for seeing this monument for there are delicious spots in which to stay still. The World Monument Fund is in process of clearing and repairing this temple to give visitors a better understanding of its original form.

Tip: when visiting Preah Khan, follow the central artery on a westeast axis.

DATE: Second half of the 12th century (1191).

KING: Jayavarman IV.

RELIGION: Buddhist (dedicated to the father of the king)

ART STYLE: Bayon.

PRASAT BANTEAY KDEI

In the ruin and confusion of Banteay Kdei the carvings take one’s interest. They are piquant, exquisite, and not too frequent. They seem meant to make adorable a human habitation.

PRASAT BANTEAY SREI

Banteay Srei, “the citadel of woman“ is an exquisite miniature; a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest ; the very thing that Grimm delighted to imagine, and that every child’s heart has yearned after, but which mature years have sadly proved too lovely to be true. And here it is, in the Cambodia forest at Banteay Srei, carves not out of the stuff that dreams are made of, but of solid sandstone.

KULEN MOUNT

ConsultingIt is located between Svay Leu District and Va Rin District in Siem Reap by a short cut or in 48-kilometer distance from the provincial town of Siem Reap by a short cut or in 50- kilometer distance from the provincial town of Siem Reap Via Sal Deu Gol Road, small circle, big circle, Preah Dak, Road A66, and then turning to the Malaysian-Developed Road.

ConsultingIt was established during the Angkorean period by King Jayavarman II in the 9th century. It was named then as Mahendraparvata: a dedication to Mahendraparvata became a worshipping place for the Theravada Buddhism. It is well known as a sacred place of the Khmer people. During the constructional period of the ancient temples, sandy stones were brought from this sacred mountain. The means of transport were bamboo-rafting and elephant-towing. The main attraction of this resort is the River of One Thousand Lingas or Kulen Waterfall.

Recently, the resort has become not only a place of worship, but also a historical, cultural, and natural tourist resort.

KBAL SPEAN

This holy place must have been favored during the great Angkorean epoch when its waters, after having washed gods and lingas, continued on to the wondrous royal city with its growing monumental temples.

RIVER OF ONE THOUSAND LINGAS

It is located at the foot of the mountain, along the stream of Siem Reap, There are a lot of figures of Yoni and Lingas spreading out at its bottom

Bantey Meanchey covers 6679 square kilometers, It consists of 8 districts, 64 communes and 623 villages.

# Mondul Borei District Total Communes: 13 Totals Villages: 156

# Svay Chek District Total Communes: 8 Totals Villages: 69

# Serei Sophon District Total Communes: 8 Totals Villages: 58

# Ou Chhreuv District Total Communes: 9 Totals Villages: 82

# Phnom Srok District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 54

# Preah Net Preah District Total Communes: 8 Totals Villages: 101

# Thamor Puk District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 65

# Malai District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 38

# How to get there! Distance from Phnom Penh: 359 Km

# Using National Road No: 5

# Favourite Transportation: Car

Tourism Attractions

Consulting Banteay Meanchey is a Cambodian province in the northwest of the country, and its capital is named Sisophon. The town of Sisophorn is

today a charming, quiet place that only gives hints to its turbulent past upon closer examination. Like Siem Reap and Battambang Provinces, control of the province has changed hands many times between the Thais and the Khmers in the more distant past, and the Khmer Rouge and central Phnom Penh government in recent decades.

With the final demise of the Khmer Rouge (locals, however, firmly believe the Present national reconciliation only the Khmer Rouge trick), the province and towns are striving to rebuild their culture and economy.

It's very friendly place with the locals genuinely happy to see foreign faces and the stability that it implies. Normally just a passing-through spot on the way to the border, or between Battambang and Siem Reap, the area has a few sights that warrant a visit, such the Banteay Chhmar temple ruins, the only other Khmer temple ruins besides the Bayon (Angkor) and Preah Khan ( Preah Vihear Province ) that features the famous four-faced monuments. This area was part of the extensive Khmer empire, with its most notable remains the Banteay Chhmar temple (built in 12th and 13th century) in the north of the province. In the 17th century the Siam took control over Cambodia, and made the area of the modern province part of Sisophon Province. In the year 1907 the Siam had to cede control to the French, and the area was then included into Battambang Province. In 1988 the province Banteay Meanchey was split off from Battambang.

Banteay Chhmar Temple in Banteay Meanchey

Is the historical site which was built between 12th and 13th centuries during the reign of King, Jar Varman VII. The temple is located at Thmar Puok District, along the National Road No 59ª.

Nowadays, the temple is damaged because of war and gangs of offendees who have stolen statues and the temple stone for selling them to Thailand.

In addition, there are some other temples in Ban Teay Mean Chey province such as Pra Sat Preah Chhor and Pra Sat Pram as well that have mostly been abandoned and not arranged.

At Present, Ban Teay Chhmar temple is the main tourist attractive site of the province in luring foreign tourists to visit.

Ang Teuk Kanh Va in Banteay Meanchey

Is the natural resort locating at Se Rey Sa Phoan District, along the National Road No 69A in four-kilometer distance from the provincial town or 364 kilometer distance from Phnom Penh?

Visitors who visit the resort are usually interested in: Abundance of fresh air. Beautiful scenary with blowing winds of Ang Teuk Kang Va. Leisure activities such as swimming, fishing and boating.

Banteay Neang in Banteay Meanchey

It is about 11 km From Provincial Town. It takes 20mns by car to reach there. There are several historical sites and colonial buildings. It is located in Road No. 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Tmar Puok District.

Banteay Torp in Banteay Meanchey

It is called in Khmer Banteay Torp, it means the army base. It is about 55 km from the provincial town. It was the bigest army base during the civil war since 1970.

It is located in Road No. 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Tmar Puok District. Today, it becomes a historical war places to the tourist to visit.

Cheung Krouh in Banteay Meanchey

Cheung Krouh is about 63 km from the provincial town. It takes about 2 hours to reach there. There are many natural wildlife are preserved by the WWF organization.

It is located in road 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Tmar Puok District.

La Ang Phnom Touch in Banteay Meanchey

Description: Is the natural and cultural resort locating at Se Rey Sa Phoan District, along the National Road No 5 in 65-kilometer distance from Phnom Penh or five-kilometer distance from the provincial town, then turning right more 500 Meters.

The resort consists of two mountains closed to each other and big-stand rocks which look like wall. On the top of the mountains, there are new buildings constructed in ancient style for local tourists who spend their visit and leisure there during the festival days.

Phnom Bak and Phnom Chen Chung in Banteay Meanchey

Is the natural and cultural resort locating at Se Rey Sa Phoan District, along the National Road No 5 in 65-kilometer distance from Phnom Penh or five-kilometer distance from the provincial town, then turning right more 500 Meters.

The resort consists of two mountains closed to each other and big-stand rocks which look like wall. On the top of the mountains, there are new buildings constructed in ancient style for local tourists who spend their visit and leisure there during the festival days.

Phnom Chuncheang in Banteay Meanchey

3 km (6mn) from Provincial Town. Nature Wildlife Preserves, Location: Road No. 5, Toek Tla Village, Toek Tla Commune, Serey Sophorn District.

Phnom Svay in Banteay Meanchey

1 km (2mn) from Provincial Town. Location: Nature Wildlife Preserves, Road No. 5, Kortan Village, O' Ormpel Commune, Serey Sophorn District.

Sculpture Handicraft in Banteay Meanchey

24 km (48mn) From Provincial Town. Location: Road No.6, Chungcheang Village, Phnom Chungcheang Commune, Preahnet Preah District.

Tra Peang Thmar in Banteay Meanchey

Is the natural resort, similar to Ang Teuk Kang Va, but bigger. It has less tourist activity than Kang Va because it locates far from the provinial town. The resort locates at Phnom Srok District in 56-kilometer distance from the provincial town or 416-kilometer distance from Phnom Penh.

Weaving Handicraft in Banteay Meanchey

51 km (1h: 42mn) From Provincial Town. Location: Road No. 6, Srah Chik Village, Poy Char Commune, Phnom Srok District.

Battambang covers 11702 square kilometers, It consists of 13 districts, 96 communes and 733 villages.

# Battambang District Total Communes: 10 Totals Villages: 62

# Banon District Total Communes: 8 Totals Villages: 75

# Thamor Kol District Total Communes: 10 Totals Villages: 70

# Bor Vel District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 83

# Ek Phnom District Total Communes: 7 Totals Villages: 45

# Mong Rusei District Total Communes: 11 Totals Villages: 101

# Rattanak Mondul District Total Communes: 4 Totals Villages: 37

# Sangke District Total Communes: 10 Totals Villages: 63

# Sampeou Lun District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 26

# Phnom Prik District Total Communes: 5 Totals Villages: 24

# Kamreang District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 47

# Salot District Total Communes: 7 Totals Villages: 49

# Kos Kralor District Total Communes: 6 Totals Villages: 51

# How to get there! Distance from Phnom Penh: 291 Km

# Using National Road No: 5

# Favourite Transportation: Car

Tourism Attractions

ConsultingThe Battambang province of Cambodia lies in the far north-west of the country, with a capital city going by the same name. The region has an interesting history. Originally, during the Angkor period, the area was split in to many territories, namely Amogha Boreak and Bhima Boreak. Throughout this period, the region prospered due to the hospitable environment for growing fruit, vegetables, and other produce. In the 15th century however, when the Siamese army began to invade the regions to the northwest, the provinces’ locals were driven out of their homes, and land was confiscated. Three centuries later, until the 20th century, Battambang was under the rule of the Siamese. At the start of the 1900’s however, descendants of the people who once occupied the region demanded that land, which had been previously confiscated, should be returned to the rightful owners. These claims were based on the French Siamese Treaty of 1907. Indeed, the land was returned, and in the same year, the entire province was split in to three separate provinces, namely Battambang, Siem Reap, and Serei Sophorn. The areas then underwent a number of further alterations, both in geographical and textual terms, until the 1940’s. At this time, the province of Battambang was made up of 7 separate districts. In the following 40 years, the province underwent an excruciating ordeal of killings, torture, and other human rights abuses. This was conducted under the administration of Poi Pet. This period is now referred to as the period of the Killing Fields.

ConsultingFinally in 1979, genocide was halted in the region, and the historic first election in the area was held in 1993. Between this period, and the current time, further changes were made to the districts which comprised Battambang. As it stands today, the province has 13 districts”: Banan, Thma Koul, Bat Dambang, Bavel, Ek Phnom, Moung Ruessei, Rotanak Mondol, Sangkae, Samlout, Sampov Loun, Phnum Proek, Kamrieng, and Koas Krala. The entire Battambang province spans over 11,500 square kilometers, and has a population of approximately 180,000 people.

Fresh Fruit and Food, selling along the road

The area is known locally and internationally as the “Rice Bowl” of Cambodia. This is because the economy of Battambang is extremely efficient in the production of rice, and additionally because of the comparative advantage and local endowments in the region. An estimated 2,400 square kilometers of land is used in rice production, with the figure growing consistently each year. This abundance of land results in over 500,000 tonnes of rice being produced annually, with around 300,000 of that being traded locally and internationally. Other successful industries include sweet potatoes, cassava, normal and red corn, a chillies. Indeed, industrial crops took up approximately 500 square kilometers of land - a far cry from the rice production fields, but nevertheless a significant proportion. Inflation in the area is a modest 1.6 percent in 2002, with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. This is unsurprising given the amount of produce required to be harvested, and the variations of growing seasons leading to consistent, year long employment.

Cow cart is popular for local resident to transport or travel

As far as travel in and out of the province is concerned, a number of options are available. Roading is in place from Battambang to neighboring provinces, however the infrastructure lacks modern development, and can therefore take some time to travel in some parts. Movement by road will require the use of your own vehicle, or a shared taxi - which can be an excellent idea if you are on a budget. During the rainy season, which is typically in effect from June to October, an interesting method of travel is speed boat. The boat leaves from Siem Reap, and arrives a number of hours later in Battambang. Additionally, the cost is very reasonable, at around $15 USD. A service also runs from Phnom Penh, another neighboring province, and takes the best part of half a day. Prices for this service are around $20 USD. For those who wish to save their money and just want to enjoy the great and wild view should consider the train service between Phnom Penh and Battambang, taking 13 or so hours.

Temple in Battambang

Once you arrive in the province, there are a number of attractions for tourists to see. The area is home to some spectacular scenery, which makes walking, tramping, and sightseeing a must for any visitor. Numerous historic ruins are open to the public, including Wat Ek Phnom, which was constructed during the Bayon period. The temple and ruins lie 10 kilometers north of the Cobra River, and are at the bottom of a hill, hence only limited exercise is required to reach them. For a more enduring experience, Phnom Banan is a mountaintop temple built in the Angkor period. The temple is still in relatively good condition, however pillaging and looting was once rife in the area, and the effects of this are noticeable. Nevertheless, this is an excellent sight to see, and any tourists to the area should be sure to check out at least a few of the many temples, as they certainly build a cultural and historical awareness. Other attractions worth a note are the Phnom Sampeou Mountain, the Kamping Puoy Reservoir - an incredible engineering project, Wat Pee-Pahd - an important symbol of Buddihsm in Battambang, and the Gold Buddah Hill. As you can see, a tourist will not be lost for things to do in the province.

Finally, the climate is unlikely to provide any major impact on your activities. Any tourist should be sure of their travel dates, and know the corresponding season in which they will be visiting. As mentioned previously, the rainy season is from June to October, the cool season takes place between November and February, and the hot season runs from March to May.

As with any area in Cambodia, but in particular relation to Battambang due to the popularity of bush and mountain walks, you should never venture off the set trail, as land mines are still actives in some areas. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Banan Temple in Battambang

Banan Temple How to go: Location: Description: Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by king, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and then was finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400-meter heighten mountain at Kon Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District in 25-kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.

Banteay Sat in Battambang

Banteay Sat How to go: 105 km (2h) From Provincial Town. Location: Description: Historical Sites and Buildings, Location: Koh Village, Kaoh Chiveang Commune, Aek Phnom District.

Barsat Temple in Battambang

Barsaet Temple How to go: Location: Description: Was built during the reign of King, Soriyak Varman I (1002-1050) and located on a hill at Ba Set village, Ta Pun commune in 15-kilometer distance from the provincial town. Ba Set temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is 20 meters by12 meter and 10 meter depth pond. The pond is never dried, though in the dry season. In rainy season, the water level is higher than usual.

Dang Tung

Dang Tung How to go: 54 Km (3H:20mn) From Provincial Town. Location: Description: Nature wildlife and Preserves, Location: Danng Tung Village, Phlov Meas Commune, Rattanakmundul District.

Gold Buddha Hill

This one is for your journey to Sisophan if you are heading that way (60 km or so from Battambang ). It’s easy to spot from the road. See the Sisophan section for more details.

Kamping Puoy Reservoir

This gigantic civil-engineering project was central to the Khmer Rouge’s plan to irrigate the countryside around Battambang. Tragically, the construction of the Kamping Puoy Reservoir resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Unlike the victims of S21 and Choeung Ek most of the deaths o­n the Kamping Puoy project were caused by malnutrition, disease, overwork or mistreatment. The deaths were in short, preventable. A gripping, visceral and painfully honest account of life in Battambang under the Khmer Rouge was written by Haing S. Ngor, the Cambodian doctor, actor and community worker who won an oscar for the film The Killing Fields. His book Survival in Cambodia's Killing Fields is perhaps the most eloquent account of day-to-day life during the Pol Pot period. It is laced with insights into the Khmer psyche and is ultimately a heartbreaking read. The Kamping Puoy Reservoir itself runs between two hills: Phnom Kol (or Phnom Ta Ngel) and Phnom Kamping Puoy Mountain. It is now a popular picnic site for residents of Pailin and Battambang because of its fresh air. Lotus flowers grow in the water and nearby you can buy lotus seeds to eat (they are delicious and taste a bit like sweet, uncooked peas). Takream Commune in Banan District is the nearest settlement.

Phnom Banan

This Angkor-era mountaintop temple is definitely worth a look. At the top are beautiful views of the winding Sangker River set amidst sugar palm trees, rice fields and small villages. To the south you will see a mountain range that features a crocodile shaped mountain.

The temple itself is beautiful looking from the ground as well as the top. The structures are pretty much intact, but unfortunately like so many Khmer ruins, they have fallen victim to massive looting. Still, there are some interesting works to see. There are five temple structures, like Angkor, with the middle being the largest. (Use caution around the entrance to the center structure-there is a large hanging block-a headache-in-waiting for some poor soul). As with Preah Vihear Temple (close to the Thai border in the province of the same name), there are a couple of big guns on the mountaintop next to the ruins. The guns are still pointing down at the surrounding area as they were during the more recent years of the government-Khmer Rouge skirmishes.

It’s part of the sad irony of Cambodia that a place built for worship, harmony and tranquility was utilized as a place for making war. Looking down the hillside to the southwest you can see more of the ruins. As always, if you go looking around, STAY ON THE WORN PATHWAYS AND TRAILS- there may still be undiscovered landmines.

Phnom Kdoung

Phnom Kdoung How to go: 14 km (1h) From Provincial Town. Location: Description: Nature wildlife and Preserves, Location: Kdong Village, Phnom Sampov Commune. Banann District.

Phnom Sampeou Mountain

Definitely worth a visit, it’s about 15 km outside of Battambang city on the way to Pailin (Rt. 10). Since it’s closer to Battambang than Pailin, we’ll include it in this section, as it’s a trip that a lot of locals take from here. However, if you are going to Pailin just save it for a stop on the way. It’s easy to do if you have your own motorcycle; if not you can negotiate a bit higher price and have the share taxi stop there an extra 100 baht should do it, but don’t pay until you get to Pailin. Phnom Sampeu features an Angkor-era Baray-style pool; cave shrines with skulls and bones of Khmer Rouge victims and about seven hundred steps leading up to the main temple area, with its dynamite views. The mountaintop temple was built in 1964 and is a mix of old and new styles. As you approach the top, take the dirt path that you will see forking off to the right. It leads to another hilltop temple area about 400 meters away. In the back of that, away from the view side, is a stairway leading down to a cave. Inside are some of the skulls and bones from this area’s killing fields. Locals have brought them up here and set up a couple of shrines in caves for the spirits of the victims in the hope that they can finally rest in peace. It’s another sobering place in Cambodia. A bit further down is a cave with some small stalagmites and stalactites. Continuing the cave circuit, there is another cave area off from these areas that has a reclining Buddha and more skulls and bones nearby. It’s not a bad idea to bring a flashlight, although ladies working the temple have candles for a small donation. The stairway and the areas on the top are packed with Cambodians on holidays as they make the pilgrimage with family and friends to see this mix of the old, new and a part of the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge era. Also easy to get to (I don’t mean to imply that the road is good), just head out of Battambang on the road to Pailin about 15 km. As you approach, you’ll see the mountain and temple at the top and think that you are going to run right into it. The town next to the mountain has the same name. As you get into town you go by a school and small stands until you see a sign in Khmer and English (amazing) on the left for Phnom Sampeu. Turn left here and as you go toward the stairs you will note some bits of ruins on the left. Figure around 160 baht for the round trip moto-taxi.

Phnom Trong Morn Trong Tea

15 KM (40mn) From Provincial Town. Nature wildlife and Preserves, Location: Samnagn Village, Phnom Sampov Commune, Banann District.

Pich Chenda

Pich Chenda How to go: 44 km (2h) From Provincial Town. Location: Description: Nature wildlife and Preserves, Location: Treng Commune, Rattanakmundul District.

Prasat Sneng

22 km (1h:30mn) From Provincial Town. Historical Sites and Buildings, Location: Sneng Village, Sneng Commune, Banan District.

Prasat Snung

Characterizes as three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill having 30-meter length and 20-meter width, in Snung pagoda’s area, Snung commune, Ba Nan District in 22-kilometer distance from the provincail town. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12th century. Behind the temple, there is another new constructing temple.

River Sightseeing & Boat Rentals

Just north of the Cobra Bridge, on the west bank, you will see a lot of boats hugging he riverbank. You can hire a non-motorized small wooden boat for around 4,000 riel, and a motorized boat (if available) for around US$ 5 an hour. It’s a pleasant way to wee the river life around Battambang town. There is also a boat you can take to Siem Reap for a smooth alternative to the lousy highway (see Coming and Going section).

Sek Sak

Is the natural resort, which has been popular since before the civil war time. Sek Sak stretches along the river bank full of plant, trees and bamboo-green nature in 500-meter length. Regarding to Sek Sak, tourists can also visit other attractive sites like Po Pus Pich Chen Da Dong Tong and Sa Ang speak, the pre-history site in five-kilometer to six-kilometer distance from each other. Sek Sak located in Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul District in 50-kilometer distance from the provincial town of Batambang along the National Road No 57, the former National Road No 10.

Wat Ek Phnom

Situated about 10 km north of the Cobra Bridge are the ruins of Ek Phnom. It was built during the Bayon period and unfortunately is much worse for the wear than Phnom Banan.It’s an interesting place, however, because there is a freshly constructed working temple right in front of the ruins. This temple, along with the temple ruins, is the center of holiday festivities for the people of the nearby village. They dress up in their Sunday best and have a celebration between the old and the new temples and climb all around the ruins with their families.

The ruins are on a very small hill so there is no workout involved in viewing them much of the temple is in shambles and was heavily looted. There are still some sitting Buddha images intact higher up on the walls. On the inside is a carving of a tug-of-war with participants tugging away on a serpent. The participants on the left have lost their heads to looters (they lost face), with the guys on the right still having their heads intact.

Ek Phnom is also easy to get to-just head north on the River Road (Road 1) a bit over 10 km (the road north of the Cobra Bridge snakes around a bit, but goes back to the river). As you are getting close to the temple, you will pass over a small concrete bridge. The road beyond will veer off to the right, but the modern temple is there to the left. Enter the new temple grounds and the ruins are located to the rear. Again, a round-trip moto-taxi is about 120 baht from Battambang.

Wat Gahndahl

Located on the east bank of the Sanker River, the temple is a simple and run down place. There is an unusual wall mural on the outside of the temple that features a progressing story of a bad dude that apparently killed his own mother and finally had to board a boat bound for hell. Strange, indeed.

The interesting feature of this wat is the Angkor replica about 110 meters sown a dirt path from the rear area of the temple. It was built in 1969 over a small concrete pool and is the pride of the monks staying there. They say spirits and relics of deceased monks are housed inside. Battambang is not short on temples and you will see many more around town and on the way to the sights outside of town.

Wat Pee-Pahd

Located between River Road 1 and Road 2, this temple is set amidst pleasant grounds and is an important spiritual center for Buddhism in Battambang.

Wat Tahm-rai-saw (White Elephant Pagoda)

Situated between Roads 2 and 3, this ornate temple is worth a look, especially during the Khmer New Year festivities when it becomes the happening place in town for festivities. Entertainment, classical dancing and plenty of water and powder being thrown by the masses in search of fun and good luck for the coming year.