Sightseeing around Phnom Penh Countryside

Mekong River & Lake Resort, Angkorian Temples, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Oct 18, 2009

The countryside around Phnom Penh claims some delightful attractions where locals and visitors can enjoy a little sightseeing or relax on a hot day.

An excursion into the Phnom Penh countryside is a rewarding experience. Shrines and temple ruins from Angkorian times loom in deserted settings and there are wildlife sanctuaries, small lakeside resorts and the mighty Mekong river heading south. It’s a chance to see village life at close hand, enjoy the scenery in hills and plain and discover the heart of rural Cambodia.

A number of attractions can be reached by public transport or there are motorbikes to rent, but only for the brave, and taxis for anyone short of time.

Mekong River and Lakeside Resort near Phnom Penh

After a busy day in Phnom Penh, sailing on the Mekong is the perfect escape. Boats moored on the Sap head down to the confluence, all set for a sunset cruise on the legendary river, no frills but plenty of romance and local colour. Smoke rises from bamboo villages, fishermen return home and the city vanishes like a dream.

A short drive east of Phnom Penh , Kien Svay is a popular week-end retreat for city folk. There are boat trips and ‘water houses’ and lots of pushcarts and stalls selling fried chicken and rice, fresh coconut, seafood and more, though it’s cheaper to take a picnic. To the south, the small lake of Tonle Bati is another favourite spot with bamboo stands and mats to chill out local style.

Close to Tonle Bati are temples from the Angkorian era. The laterite temple of Ta Prohm suffered the ravages of time and the Khmer Rouge but still displays some bas reliefs, several linga and a damaged statue of a Hindu god. Nearby, a lonely sandstone tower is all that remains of the Yeay Peau temple though everyone remembers the fisherman’s daughter who fell in love with the king.

A little further from the lake, the hilltop temple of Phnom Chisor involves a steep climb but it’s worth the effort for the superb views over the plain and neighbouring shrines. The temple was built of brick and laterite in the 11th century, with sandstone lintels. There are Buddha statues and doors decorated with carvings.

Cambodia claims a large number of reserves and national parks but wildlife is often elusive.A good place to see some of the native creatures is the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary south of the capital. A cross between a zoo and a safari park, the sanctuary is a rehabilitation centre for rescued or injured animals. These include tigers, macaques and pileated gibbons, sun bears, Siamese crocodiles and rare birds.

The Kirirom National Park means a longer drive but at over 600 metres, it’s cooler than the city, popular at week ends with its scenic picnic spots, footpaths and waterfalls. A hike to the End of the World Mountain offers fabulous views from the cliff top and occasional sightings of wildlife, such as black bears.

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