Ba Phnom Travel Guide
Ba Phnom lies in a rural region of eastern Cambodia and is reputed to be one of the first religious sites in the country. It was founded in the 5th century, leading many to believe it was the birthplace of Cambodia.
- Worth It?
- It can make a good daytrip from Phnom Penh if you are also visiting Prey Veng, but is a bit out of the way on its own merits.
- What to Do
- visit Preah Vihear Chann temple and several small pagodas and the genocide memorial
- Best Time to Go
- during the November through March dry season.
- How Long?
- A few hours in Ba Phnom is enough time to see the main temple.
- Trivia
- Ba Phnom is considered the birthplace of Cambodia.
The main attraction in Ba Phnom is the near 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear Chann temple, which was used by various kings as a place of pilgrimage right up until 19th century. There were even human sacrifices taking place here at that time although sadly there is little to see today as the temple has been largely destroyed.
Ba Phnom was also unfortunately one of the locations of Khmer Rouge atrocities in the 1970s, where something like 17,000 people were slaughtered and buried in mass graves. A memorial depicts the atrocities.
Travel to Ba Phnom - Getting There
Ba Phnom is not far from Phnom Penh and lies on the Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City Route 1. Buses leave Phnom Penh throughout the day and you can be here within the hour. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh's international airport.
Ba Phnom Things to Do
Ba Phnom Attractions
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