Kampong Chhnang Travel Guide
Capital of the Cambodian province by the same name, Kampong Chhnang is a fishing and rice-farming village along the banks of Tonlé Sap River. It’s a pleasant daytrip destination from Phnom Penh for those in need of a rustic escape.
This area has received considerable attention from the government in hopes of promoting it as a secondary tourist destination. The infrastructure is new, from the river walkway to the hilltop temples on the road to Phnom Penh. Admittedly some of these attractions come off as contrived or even artificial, the exception being the authentic fishing community at Kampong Luong.
This wetland community certainly has its own appeal. It doesn’t stand alone as a long-term tourist destination but it’s worth the effort for those who’d like to make use of the new air-conditioned buses that ply the road from Phnom Penh.
Getting There & Away
The easiest way to reach Kampong Chnnang is by bus from Phnom Penh, where the domestic and international travel links are comprehensive. Air-conditioned tour buses take about 1 hour, 30 minutes to reach Kampong Chnnang. Bullet boats travel river routes to Phnom Penh (3 hours, 30 minutes) and Siem Reap (4 hours).
Kompong Chhnang attractions
- Kampong Luong floating village: the local economy hinges on fishing in Tonlé Sap Lake, and provincial houses stand on stilts in order to cope with rising water levels during the rainy season.
- River walkway: this pedestrian area was recently built and is a nice place to catch the sunset.
- Wat Phnom Robath: follow NH5 out of Kampong Chhnang toward Phnom Penh for 15 minutes and you’ll find a series of newly constructed hilltop temples that offer great views of the countryside.