Experience rural and ancient Cambodia

Day trips Cambodia - Takeo

For those visitors who wish to experience the 'real' Cambodia, a day trip to Takeo will provide a window into both past and present Cambodia. Depending on your preference possible sights to visit include

Pre- Angkorian and Angkorian temple ruins such as:

• Phnom Da This 6th century temple from the Funan period is the oldest historical site in Cambodia. Even though this temple is very small in comparison to the many spectacular temples in Cambodia, the trip is worthwhile as travel is by boat along the numerous Takeo canals (dug during the Funan period - 5th century) in the dry season or across a large expanse of flooded land during the wet season
  
• Phnom Chissor (11th century) This three-temple complex has terrific views from the major temple on the top of Chissor Mountain particularly during the wet season. One can see the expanse of emerald green rice fields with sugar palms dotted throughout. The Elephant mountains form a picturesque backdrop in the west with the rice fields of Vietnam lying to the east. For the archaeological enthusiast two additional temples further down the hill, make up this trio which are all in line and face toward Angkor Wat
• Prasat Neang Khmao Remnants of the Temple of the Black Woman can be found in a modern temple complex. This temple dates back to the 10th century and was built by King Jayarvarman IV. A contemporary temple with the typical brightly coloured paintings of Buddha's life lining the walls has been built on the former site of an ancient temple leaving only two small temples to see

The Phnom Tamao zoo provides the visitor with first hand views of many globally threatened species as well as being a great place to take kids. This zoo will take you a few hours to wander around (or drive as it is quite large). With the often soaring heat, visitors often like to use the car for at least part of the tour! Animals that have been rescued from poachers are often taken to this zoo for rehabilitation. Visitors can see sunbears, Asiatic bears, gibbons, wild cats such as tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, golden cats, many different birds and animals not commonly seen outside of Asia

Takeo is famous for its silk with many families routinely engaging in this activity as a form of income. Traditional silk dyeing and weaving can be seen underneath many houses and is well worth seeing

The Angkor Borei museum close to Phnom Da, gives the visitor a great snapshot of the wonderful artistic abilities of Cambodian artisans. Despite the museum being quite small, it is worth a trip. As with Phnom Da, the mode of travel is speed boat which is a unique way to visit small towns and temples!

A speed boat trip on the canals of Takeo (dry season) or across a seemingly never ending sea of water in the wet season is a great way to visit Phnom Da and Angkor Borei museum. Depending on the time of year you will get a wonderful glimpse of life in this part of rural Cambodia including local fishing methods, fish farms found in the canals, rice planting and harvesting, ferrying of goods between Vietnam and Cambodia and the extensive canal network, some of which dates back to the Funan period. There are few roads in this area so all travel is by boat and the life of the people therefore can be seen very easily on these canals
In addition, we have cited vulnerable and near threatened bird species on these canals during the months of December and January. That has been a real treat - to turn a corner and see a stand or Milky and Painted storks feeding in the shallow waters

On your way from Phnom Penh you can see and sample some of Cambodia's culinary delights which adorn the roadside you travel along. Local delicacies include fried and satay frogs, various deep fried insects and the many sugar palm fruits. Ask Souen to stop so you can sample the local cuisine!

Suggestions for possible day trips to Takeo include

Short stops can also be arranged to see the various cottage industries in the villages along the road. Just ask Souen!

Approximate Costs (USD) (depends on final itinerary chosen)

As with all Cambodia Uncovered tours, we will help you plan an interesting trip to suit your interests. Just let us know what you like to do (and what you don't like doing) and we can help you organise a trip of a lifetime. Contact Us for more details

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