South East Asian Trips

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 20 Km 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 29 Km from Phnom Penh or 32,6 Km 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 metres, 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.

Coming to Kandal in Cambodia, you can indulge in extensive shopping and buy various local handicrafts and souvenirs for you loved ones. The shopping markets in and around the place will make you indulge in extensive shopping. There are several tour operators in the province that arrange for various interesting and exciting tour around this exotic destination. You can go for personal tours as well or take guided tours for the better understanding of the place.

There are numerous places of interest, which you can visit and spend some wonderful time out here. Kandal being of the major Tourist Destinations in Cambodia is dotted with numerous tourist attractions. Some of the major tourist attractions in Kandal include the following:

Tum Pek Pagoda: This pagoda at the Kandal province. Neat this destination, you can find various rice fields and canal network to facilitate the nearly villagers. This pagoda is included within the Krang Yau pagoda. Inside the Krang Yau pagoda, you can find two other pagodas called An Det and Kong Nea Ream. Near the pagoda, you can find eight artifice temples. In order to make this place a major tourist attractions, various roads are built. Numerous trees are planted so as to beautify the place.

Wat Phnom Thon Mond: This place at the Sa Ang District. You can reach Wat Phnom Thon Mond by availing the National road. There are several markets placed around the place. You can buy some interesting stuffs or you loved ones. The monastery was built in the year of 1954 and since then it has been one of the major tourist attractions. The local people visit this monastery to pay homage oh public holidays and Buddhist holidays. The beauty of the pace is enhanced by the natural landscape on which it id built. The scenic beauty of the place will surely mesmerize you.