01 August, 2009

Other Places

Near Phnom Penh
Your guesthouse, hotel or travel agencies can arrange a taxi/bus tickets to the following destination. Many of the destinations can be reached by Phnom Penh Sorya Transport bus. These comfortable a/c buses leave from the southwest corner of the Central Market at regular intervals. California 2 Guesthouse has very good information on nearby Angkorian-era temples and motorcycling the area. Also check out Adventure Cambodian guidebook for additional information.

Kien Svay (Koki)
Thirty minutes east of Phnom Penh on route #1.Hundreds of stilted wooden picnic platform line the shore and float on the edge of a lake (Koki Beach). Rent a mat and snack on a variety of local delicacies. More for the locals than foreign visitors. Buses depart 8 times per day from the Pnom Penh Sorya Transport station.

Oudong
About an hour west of Phnom Penh, jus off Route #5, lay the hill of the abandoned royal city, Oudong. Oudong was the capital of Cambodian from the early 17th century until 1866 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Several temples, stupas and other structures cover three hills. The walk up the hill provides an excellent countryside view. There are stupas containing the remains of several Cambodian kings including King Monivong (1927-1941) and King Ang Duong (1845-1859). The earliest structure is from the 13th Century. These hills were also the site of some of the kmer Rouges most prolonged resistance against the encroaching Vietnamese army in1979. For something completely different, take a side trip to Prasat Norkor Vimean Sour , a concrete, unduly ornate, semireplica of Angkor Wat built circa 1998. Buses depart for Oudong every hour.

Phonom Chisor
On the top of Phom Chisor sit some very nicely preserved 10th/11th century temple ruins. The 503 step to the top the hill make for a fairly vigorous climb but the quality of the ruins and the amazing view of the country side make the climb worth it. Share taxis: about $8 person. Often combined with a stop at Tonle Bati. Buses depart for Takeo every hour from the Phnom Penh Sorya Transport station. Get off at Prasat Neang Khmau or the 52km road matter and take a motodup to the base of the hill.

Phnom Da/Angkort Borei
Angkor Borei is a town in the area of the several ruins and archaeological digs. The area has been continuously inhabited for at least 2500 years and has yielded artifacts dating from the Funan period (4th/5th century ) and Chanla (8th century )as well as the later Angkorian period. The small temple of Ashram Maha Rosei below the hill, Phnom Da, was constructed in the late 7th early 8th century , during the Chenla period, under Bahavavarman. The Prasat ruins of Phom Da on top o the hill are 11th century C.E. Angkorian era constructed under king Rudravarman. Note the carvings on the lintels and the unusual north-facing entrance. There is a small museum in Angkor Borei displaying some of the artifacts from the area.

Prasat Neang Khmau
Two small Angkorian era temples built in the 10 the century C.E. Under king Jayavarman IV. The temple complex is named after Neang khmau,?Black Lady?, whose statue is located in front of the temples. The nearby modern era pagoda sits on the site of a third temple ruin.Buses depart for Takeo every hour. Get off near the 51km road marker.

Prek Leap
Only a few minutes away from Phnom Penh , Prek Leap begins just on the other side of the Chruoy Changvar Bride (Route #6A) where scores of restaurants line the road, most serving Khmer and Chinese fare. A couple of kilometers further several little roadside corn on the cob stands and picnic platforms sit along the side of the road, catering primarily to the locals.

Tonle Bati/Ta Prohm
Tonle Bati is a lake and popular picnic spot for the locals bamboo picnic stands and mats by the water. On the road to Tonle Bati there are two Angkorian era temples, Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau, both of which offer some interesting bas-reliefs in fairly good condition. Both temples were built under jayavarman VII in the late 12th century during the same period that Bayon and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap were constructed. Often combined with a visit to Phnom Chisor a bit further down Route #2.The turnoff road to the Tonle Bati area is near the 35km road marker. Buses depart for Takeo evey hour. Get off at Tonle Bati and take a motodup to the temples.

Ta khmau Zoo/Pnom Tamao/Prasat Tamao
The Phnom Tamao area is a popular destination for weekend holidayers from Phnom Penh, offering picnicking, a zoo and some minor Angkorian-era ruins. The Ta Khmau Zoological Gardens is Cambodia?s newest and best zoo displaying a variety or animals including lion, tigers, bears, birds and more. An 11th century, Suryavarman I temple ruin in very poor condition (Prasat Tamao) sits at the top of Phnom Tamao. Route # 2 to the 39km mile marker. Turn righ.1000 riel entrance fee.

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