Having largely escaped modern development, Oddar Meancheay in northern Cambodia is a little visited and lot impoverished area of the country.
The provincial capital of Samraong is the province’s most “urbanized” (if you can call it that) town and serves as a base for reaching other parts of Oddar Meancheay.
Oddar Meanchey province is best known internationally as having been one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge; the small border town of Anglong Veng features the Tak Mok’s Anlong Veng house (a.k.a. ‘The butcher’), who placed “Brother Number 1” Pol Pot under house arrest, until he died shortly thereafter and was buried in a non-descript Anlong Veng Pol Pot’s grave.
Thus, while Samraong is the capital of the province, few tourists venture there, other than those crossing at O’Smach (very few) and those doing a loop up and around to Banteay Chhmar from Siem Reap (very, very few). Most people who visit Oddar Meanchey simply swing by Pol Pot’s grave at Anlong Veng, typically en route to Preah Vihear temple in Preah Vihear province. Outside of Samraong and Anglong Veng, few places in the province have electricity and tourist accommodation is generally not available.
Where to Go
Cities
- Samraong: A quiet provincial capital offering a glimpse into rural Cambodian life, surrounded by scenic landscapes and traditional villages.
- Anlong Veng: A historically significant town, known for its connections to the Khmer Rouge and the former home of Pol Pot, offering a somber yet important insight into Cambodia’s recent history.
- O Smach: A remote border town with a growing reputation as a gateway between Cambodia and Thailand, known for its casino resorts.
Attractions
- Champei Waterfall: a resort scene is emerging around this beautiful waterfall and the dense jungle that surrounds the area some 20 miles from Samraong.
- Pol Pot’s house: (Tamu House): though there is not much to see here, the house of the infamous ruler is at the end of a scenic drive through the jungle.
- Pol Pot’s grave another underwhelming site: a somewhat pathetic, yet befitting grave for the man who oversaw the murder and starvation of millions of Cambodians.
- Ta Mok’s House: The townhouse of Pol Pot’s number four man is well preserved and has so far been spared by graffiti artists.
- Khmer Rouge Memorial: A statue in the road commemorating the Khmer Rouge era.
- Doves of Peace Memorial: A small monument in the center of Anlong Veng town.