KANDAL PROVINCE

Introduction

Kandal is one of the smaller provinces of Cambodia. This province completely surrounds, but does not include, the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. It’s capital is Ta Khmau (lit. Black Grandfather) and is around 20km south of Phnom Penh. The province is re-known for its ancient history. One of the major attractions is Udong, which served as the former capital of Cambodia under several sovereigns between 1618 and 1866. A number of kings, including King Norodom, were crowned here. The most interesting things to see there, are:

several Stupas, some of them recently renewed, a huge 8m high reclining Buddha and the battered Ta San Mosque on the smaller ridge.

As Kandal province isn’t far from Phnom Penh it is easily and quickly to enter, even if it’s just a day trip. There is quite a bunch of places of interest such as Ang Kor Chey Pagoda, which is located at Ban Tey Dek commune, Kean Svay District with a total distance of 29km from Phnom Penh or 32,6km from Ta Khmao by the National Road N0 1 (Phnom Penh-Svay Rieng province). You have to travel along the National Road N0 1 from Phnom Penh or Ta Khmao to Kilometre 29 then exceed about 50 meters, there is a gate at the right with a handwritten sign: “Ang Kor Chey Pagoda”. If we enter by trail about 1,600m, we will reach the entertainment centre. The pagoda is constructed with five peaks as the temple’s peaks. Before reaching the pagoda, we need to pass over a 100-meter wooden bridge; under the bridge, there is a big pond for keeping water during the dry season. Behind the pagoda you’ll see an artificial site located on the black hill characterized as resident of Neak Mean Bon or King. It is said that the black hill is a former palace, because they found ancient objects and equipment like bowls and pots characterizing ancient features. Now, the black hill has been organized and maintained by guards, because it relates to the belief in sacred objects there. Nowadays, Angkor Chey pagoda has a lot of local visitors, especially those, who cling to abstract belief; they go there to have themselves sacredly watered. In addition, Ang Kor Chey pagoda is surrounded with beautiful scenery offering cool shadows from the trees and a pleasant environment.

Geography

Kandal province is 3,568 square kilometres big. It’s located in the middle-south of the country and is bordering to the North with Kampong Chhnang and Kamponf Cham, in the East with Prey Veng, in the West with Kampong Speu and Takeo and to the South with Vietnam. The province consists of the typical plain wet area for Cambodia, covering rice fields and other agricultural plantations. The average altitude of the province is supposedly not more than 10m above see level. The province also features two of the biggest rivers of the country (actually they symbolize the provincial borders) the Tonle Bassac and the mighty Mekong.

Population

The current population in this province is about 1,280,781 people or 9% of the country’s total population (14,363,519 person in Cambodia, 2007, provincial government data), with 621,948 male and 658,833 female. The population density is therefore 359 people per square kilometre.

Climate

The country has a tropical climate - warm and humid. In the monsoon season, abundant rain allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. This year-round tropical climate makes Cambodia ideal for developing tourism. Travellers need not to fear natural disasters such as erupting volcanoes or earthquakes, and the country is not directly affected by tropical storms.

Climate: Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. However, those plans to travel extensively by road should be avoided the last two months of the rainy season when some countryside roads may be impassable. The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius; the minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, whereas the hottest is April. General information about the provincial climate:

-Cool season: November- March (22-28c)

- Hot season: March- May (28c -36c)

- Rainy season: May - October (24-32c, with humidity up to 90%.)

Economy

As Kandal province is around Phnom Penh it serves as an economic belt of the capital. For instance Cambodia has become the sixth largest garment exporter in the world in 2007 (most of these factories are in Kandal province). The industry created job opportunities for about 0.5 million Cambodians and generated some 0.3 billion U.S. dollars of monthly payment for the employees. Also agricultural exports flourished in 2007, as palm oil, peanuts, rice, pepper and other rural products became ever more popular in the international markets.Finally, luxury real estate project like the Longing Resort in Kandal province was demolished on July 31, as it expanded its land illegally and in effect constituted menace to the safety of the capital city. The Asia Development Bank put Cambodia's economic growth rate for the past year at 9.5 percent and nine percent in 2008, while the Cambodian government gave a conservative estimation of seven percent both in 2007 and 2008.

How to get there

Bus (general information): As the Kandal province is very closed to Phnom Penh there is several options to go there depending in which direction you would like to go. Irrespective where you would like to go you’ll find a vehicle at the central bus station southwest from the Central Market. Many buses go to the other provinces so they always have to pass Kandal province. If you would like to go to the provincial capital Ta Khmau there is Sorya buses going to the provincial capital of Takeo every day at 7am, 8am, 12am and 1pm. It shouldn’t cost you more than US$0.5-1.

Share Taxis: Lots of share taxis leave unscheduled every day to Ta Khmau opposite from the central bus station. The prices are around US$1-2.

Motorbike Info: Almost every Highway around Phnom Penh is in best condition, so no worries. Riding your motorbike to Ta Khmau you have to take National Highway No 2 to the South. If you would like to hit the road to the North you have to take the National Highways No 4 or 5, depending on your destination.

Where to eat

General Information: There are numerous restaurants and bars in Kandal. You can enjoy an authentic dinning experience at the restaurants and bars in Kandal province. Restaurants offer you a cuisine which is quite light on the stomach. And what’s more, the dishes come at reasonable rates. Mostly the dishes come teemed with rice or sometimes noodles. You will also get both Thai and Vietnamese characteristics in Khmer food. The people of Kandal (also all over Cambodia) prefer a stronger sour taste in their dishes. The dishes become spicier with the addition of Prahok. If you are yearning for some Chinese cuisine in Kandal, you won’t be disappointed. A large number of Chinese restaurants are scattered all across Kandal.You have to take a few sips of the famous Palm wine and rice wine in exotic bars in Kandal. At least the golden muscle wine offers you an authentic Khmer experience. The reputed restaurants and bars in Kandal include the L’ Eléphant Blanc Resort, Srey Touch Restaurant, Club Evergreen Co Ltd, Say Sabok Restaurant and Bar, Villa 777 Restaurant, Ses Sor Restaurant, Restaurant Sountepheap Water Park and Samros Bopha Boeung Taben Guesthouse & Restaurant among others.

Say Sabok Restaurant & Bar: Located in Kandal province closed to the Riverside. Restaurant with Khmer and international cuisine. Big Bar. Also rooms to stay overnight.

Ses Sor Restaurant: Located at the National Road No N°2 , No 068 in Takhmao. They have a huge range of Khmer and Chinese dishes.

L’ Eléphant Blanc Resort: Located on the National Road No 1, 7 Km after the Monivong Bridge, in front of Prek Eng Commune. A big resort offering almost everything you need, whether it’s a comfortable room or an exquisite dish.

Restaurant Sountepheap Water Park: Located on the National Road No 1 near Mittapheap Village, Prek Eng Commune, Kien Svay District, (on the right).

Shopping

As it is quite common in Cambodia even small cities, such as Ta Khmau have at least one big market. You may also find a market in Ta Khmau centre, which are very busy areas with local shops dealing the local daily consumer products, like fish, fruits, vegetables, meats and packed products. Most of the food and drink shops are surrounding the market. To take something special from this province along, buy some famous palm, rice or muscle wine.

Points of interested Site in Kandal Province:

-Phnom Athareus/ Phnom Odong

-Phnom Prasith

-Wat Phnom Thon Mond

-Sa Ang Mountain

-Tum Pek Pagoda

-Ang Kor Chey Pagoda

-Kean Svay Krau Pagoda

-Handicdraft Centre ( Mekong Island)

Phnom Athareus/ Phnom Odong

Phnom Edtharoes Phnom Edtharoes located at the Communes of Psardek and Phnom Bat in Ponhea Leu District. The mountain of Edtharoes has three nemes called Phnom Udong or Phnom Preah Reachtrop or Phnom Edtharoes, which can be accessed by National Road No 5 "Phnom Penh-Battambang " ie from Phnom Penh to the turning road at Kilomet 37 and turn left about 3.50 Kilometers by red soil Road.

The total distance from Phnom Penh to the mountain is 40.50 Kilometers. If we go from Ta Khmao to the mountain, the distance is 51.50 Kilometers.

The mountain of Edtharoes lasts from the North to the South in a length of 1,500 Meters and its width of 700 Meters.

The mountain surrounded by roads including the eastern and western roads. At the North of the mountain, there is Phnom village and at the South, there is Porane village.

The mountain has five peaks: The one-stupa peak has equal height to the Tri Treng peak, the mountain peak, the four-stupas peak, The peak of Preah Ang Chol Nipean and the peak of Ariya Kasbak.

In addition, this site has natural beauty with the beautiful scenery and fresh air, which can attracts visitors especially by the history concerning the building of the Royal Palace from 17th-19th century (1620-1866) during the reign of King Chey Chetha II.

This region has 18 ancient stupas.

Phnom Prasith

Phnom Prasith Located at the communes of Ma Kak, Phnom Penh District and Chhving, Ponhea Leu District. To get there “By the document of Khmer Table Part 6 “ explains that tourists should travel along the National Road N0 5 (Phnom Penh-Battambang) until they reach the Kilometer 38 closed to Udong market, turn left about 16 Kilometers by the National Road N0 26 until they reach the turning road, turn left as long as they reach the Prasith Mountain. Nowadays, visitor do not like to go along the National Road N0 26 which is not in good condition and 100% safe. This road is also the common border of Kandal and Kampong Speu. The popular road to reach the Prasith Mountain is the National Road N0 5, when we reach the turning road at Pred Pnov market in Kilometre 11, turn left about 13 kilometres. The total distance from Phnom Penh to Prasith Mountain is 24 km and from Ta Khmao to Prasith mountain is 35 km. In the future, if the National Road N0 26 and other roads to Prasith mountain are in good condition and assuring security, the transporting of tourists can go around the Prasith mountain, firstly exit by the trail to the National Road N0 26 then proceed to the Idtharoes mountain. The Prasith Mountain related to the both mountains bordered by the valley in Kandal Province. Amongst the two mountains, the mountain at the west has no many stories. Whereas the mountain at the East has stories related religion with a big Buddhist statue achieved Nirvana and stories related to the history Khmer’s King. Nowadays, the Prasith Mountain has no many big trees and decoration. There are few visitors visit there because of bad arrangement and management. How ever, this attractive site has beautiful scenery and fresh air. The Prasith Mountain is the cultural, historical and natural site.

Wat Phnom Thon Mond

Wat Phnom Thon Mond is located in Prek Koy commune, Sa Ang district, about 24 kilometers from Takmao provincial town and about 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh. To reach this site, visitors should travel along National Road the Prek Toch Market (also known as Saang district m until they reach Svay zany Primary School, about 20 kilo-meters from Takmao. Turn right and drive another meters to Wat Phnom Thon Mond. The site can also be reached by traveling along the Bassac River. Wat Phnom Thon Mond was built in 1954 by a monk named Rath Phan. Today, thanks to the contributions of many generous people, the pagoda has become a tourist attract Kandal Province. And since Cambodian people are superstitious, this pagoda attracts many local tourists, who pry happiness and other wishes. It is particularly popular among locals on Silas Day, a Buddhist holiday. There are many trees at Wat Phnom T horn Mond, stretching from the base of the hill to the peak. At the peak, visitors will find abundant fresh air and beautiful scenery. In accordance with the wishes of local visitors, the provincial tourism services, working. with the focal authority and the monastery committee has enlarged the yard, planted more trees and arranged for parking. A number of statues have also been added that deal with the history of Phnom Thom Mond.

Sa Ang Mountain

Sa Ang Mounain Located at Sa Ang commune in distance of 23 km from Ta Khmao or 34 km from Phnom Penh and can be accessible by the New National Road N0 21 (constructed during the Pol Pot time stretching over the plain area of Toul Kra Sang); from Ta Khmao to meet the Old National Road N0 21 at Chhouk Leap Pagoda, Roka Kpos Commune in 12-kilometre distance; from Chhouk Leak Pagoda to the market of Sa Ang District in 5-kilometre distance, turn right 2.5 km by a trail, will reach a gate of a pagoda, then turn right 2.5 km by a trail, will reach the mountain of Sa Ang. The mountain of Sa Ang is a type of natural and cultural site, there is a pagoda constructed at the highest peak of mountain where we can view the beautiful scenery of the surrounding. Sa Ang Mountain does not have many trees as Thon Mon Mountain; but around the pagoda, there is a big lake riches in fish, flowers of Rum Chong and ProLit; besides boating, tourists can enjoy fishing. During rainy season, Sa Ang Mountain seems to be an island surrounded by a vast water with fresh air and forest around the mountain providing beautiful view to the area. Sa Ang Mountain has a lot of national visitors during the public holidays and traditional festivals. Nowadays, the Tourist office in cooperation with the Local Authority has planted trees and assured order, sanitation and security at the area for visitors.

Tum Pek Pagoda

Tum Pek Pagoda Located at Krang Yau Commune, Sa ang District, Kandal province. Kandal province has 8,000-hectar landarea and 12,700 people. Krang Yau is the developed region of Samdach Hun Sen having projects on development and agricultural product processing; in this region, there are vast rice fields, canal network and good red soil roads connecting from village to village. In Krang Yau pagoda, there are three pagodas, namely: An Det, Kong Nea Ream and Tum Pek pagoda. Among the three pagodas, only Tum Pek pagoda that has been arranged as tourist-attractive site which has eight artificial temples constructed by the supreme dead of the pagoda in the purpose of changing the area as the tourist attractive site by making roads around the pagoda, planting trees along the mountain valley and excavating ponds. In addition the pagoda has arranged one-hectar wedding part for new couple to plant trees as their remembrance; in the eight temples, the pagoda has display the beautiful ancient objects for tourists.

Ang Kor Chey Pagoda

Ang Kor Chey Pagoda How to go: Location: Description: Ang Kor Chey Pagoda is located at Ban Tey Dek commune, Kean Svay District in total distance of 29,000 km from Phnom Penh or 32,600 km from Ta Khmao by the National Road N0 1 (Phnom Penh-Svay Rieng province). We travel along the National Road N0 1 from Phnom Penh or Ta Khmao to Kilometre 29 then exceed about 50 metres, there is a gate at the right hand side written “Ang Kor Chey Pagoda”. If we enter by trail about 1,600 meter, we will reach the entertainment center. The pagoda constructed with having five peaks as the temple’s peaks. Before reaching the pagoda, we need to pass over a 100-meter wooden bridge; under the bridge, there is a big pond for keeping water during the dry season. Behind the pagoda, three is an artificial site located on the black hill characterized as resident of Neak Mean Bon or King. It is said that the black hill is a former palace because we found ancient objects and equipment like bowls and pot characterizing the ancient feature.Now, the black hill has been organized and maintained by guards because it relates to the belief in sacred objects there. Nowadays, Angkor Chey pagoda has a lot of local visitors especially those who cling to abstract belief; they go there to have sacredly watered. In addition, Ang Kor Chey pagoda has the beautiful scenery with cool shadow from the trees and pleasant environment.

Kean Svay Krau Pagoda

Kean Svay Krau Pagoda How to go: Location: Description: Kean Svay Krau Pagoda is located at Phum Thum commune, Kean Svay District in total distance of 19 km from Phnom Penh or 20 km from Ta Khmao. To get there, we travel along the National Road N0 1 (Phnom Penh Svay Rieng), pass over Preak Monivong bridge (the Kbal Thnol bridge) to kilometer 19, then turn left by a trail into the gate of Kean Svay Krau pagoda in 300-metre distance will reach the entertainment center. The resort of Kean Svay Krau pagoda is located at Kean Svay District and has 10-kilometre distance from Phnom Penh along the National Road N0 1. The resort has the natural beauty decorated by small and big high trees, crop and fruit trees giving cool shadow with green scenery. Long ago it was not a resort; it occurred after 1979 and has main point at Kean Svay Krau pagoda. In additional, the resort is stretched over by an excellent river of Ktob shared from Mekong River flowing across the fertile area with abundant crop farms. The river of Ktob seems to exclusively provide itself to the local people there in planting and living with hope. At either side of Ktob River, there are many small and big fruit trees growing and spreading out their branches to the river enchanting tourists to visit the resort. We found that the river of Ktob is the main point in attracting local and international tourists to visit as there are fresh air and natural beauty. Also, the river of Ktob is the communicating mean from the resort to the village of Ko Am which also has the natural beauty, Most tourists who visit the resort are from Phnom Penh and from surrounding there. On the other word, the resort attracts visitors due to floating houses, can teens, various entertainment, and delicious food like grill chicken, grill fish and fruit such as jack fruit, mango, banana, coconut…etc. Due to natural beauty, the tourist site of Kean Svay can attract many tourists to visit; so the Provincial Tourist office and territory authority as well as the village committee should arrange, develop and improve the area by implementing like:

- To arrange order for parking of bikes, motorcycles and cars in order to avoid - messiness and losing beauty at the area.

- To arrange sanitation by putting dustbins to the area in order to avoid throwing litter everywhere from tourists.

- To arrange order for sellers and to set up a proper pricing policy for them. To assure security for tourists.

Handicdraft Centre ( Mekong Island)

Handicraft Centre How to go: Location: Description: Handicraft center is located at Koh Dach Commune, Muk Kampool District at the middle of Mekong River. The commune of Koh Dach has 12-kilometer length and width from 100m to 2,500 Metres, borders Prek Luong commune at the East and Uk Nha Tey commune, Koh Dach district at the west, and faces with the communes of Prek Leap and Bak Kheng, Muk Kanpool District. The commune of Koh Dach has five villages, namely: Koh Dach, Kbal Koh, Lvea, Chong Koh and Neah village. The commune’s Hall is located at Kbal Koh village. Due to flooding of Mekong River flowing from Upper Mekong to Lower Mekong then to Vietnam has caused the area of Kbal Koh guadually collapsed. The main careers of the local people there are:

- Planting sub-product crop such as corn, seasame, bean and banana.

- Planting fruit tree

- Manufacturing mosquito net, silk sarong, Phamuong, Hol, silk krama and running small businesses. The commune of koh Dach has three pagodas, namely Ampor Phal, Kra Pumpich and SaMaki kbal koh. The interesting tradition of the people existing long time ago is the real handicraft of Khmer. In all accommodations of the people has individual loom according to the capital of each family. In addition, the commune of Koh Dach has racing boats for men and women. Am Pon Phal pagoda has two boats are rowboat and dugout for men; Sa Mak, Kbal Koh pagoda has two boats are rowboat and dugout for men; Kra Pum Pich pagoda has two boats are one rowboat for men and one rowboat for women. According to the wealth of the island having natural resources and interesting tradition, in the future, if the country has political, economic and security stability, we are able to arrange this island to become the main tourist attraction of the province by implementing as follow:

- To foster the weaving, manufacture and talent of weavers, and to expand the handicraft work in manufacturing Hol, Pha Muong and Silk Kroma to meet the international standard for tourists.

- To repair road network in the commune and to well organize the village by building the Khmer architectural houses and educating the people to maintain their tradition such as lifestyle, dress and popular game.

- To arrange the Kbal Koh area as swimming zone and to organize guesthouses, restaurant and canteens in maintaining their sanitation.

- To expand boat racing teams for men and women to be active in their performance during the national and religious festivals.

Stolen Treasures Cambodia Part 1