Kampong Trach Travel Guide
The district of Kampong Trach is nestled in Cambodia’s southeastern corner, adjacent to the border with the Mekong Delta area of Vietnam. Less than 100,000 people live here and it seems to have escaped most of the turmoil and tumult of Cambodia’s violent recent past.
Historical attractions from all periods of Cambodian and Khmer history are pretty thin on the ground here but in their place, a couple of tranquil temples and mysterious caves offer something for the visitor to fill their time while they wait for visa applications and transfers into Vietnam.
The cave of a Thousand Rice Fields is hidden near a hill. The limestone formations here are said to resemble rice field terraces, and make for interesting photo opportunities. Private motor cycle and bicycle hire is available to get to the cave, but visitors should be extremely cautious about land mines.
Wat Kirisan is a large Buddhist temple built at the entrance to another limestone cave. Its main pagoda is just outside a large limestone karst, and it is built over several underground tunnels that lead into the cave. These tunnels are still safe and accessible today and guides that gather here will happily rent visitors hard hats and lamps.
In brief
What is it? A southeastern district of Cambodia.
Opening hours: 24 hours, daily.
Entrance fees: no entrance fee.
Address/website: www.geckogo.com/Guide/Cambodia/Kampong-Trach.
Where: the southeastern corner of Cambodia, adjacent to the Vietnamese border.
How to get there: buses and songthaew arrive in Kampong Trach district from all parts of Cambodia. Border crossings in either direction are subject to security directives.