Kampong Chhnang Province

Kampong Chhnang is one of the central provinces of Cambodia which is 91 kilometers from Phnom Penh along National Road 5. Kampong Chhnang, covering 5,521 square kilometers. Its neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Kandal, Kampong Speu and Pursat.

Kampong Chhnang consists of two Khmer terms, Kampong means “port or harbor” and Chhnang means “pottery”. Both terms combine together meaning “Port of Pottery or Pottery Harbor”. Since ancient times, Kampong Chhnang has been one of Cambodia’s most important ports, providing a significant supply of pottery, stoves, pots, and pans. This port is located close to the Tonle Sap River, approximately 91 kilometers from Phnom Penh, and has become one of Cambodia’s provinces, Kampong Chhnang. It is so named because ancient people could not find metals to be processed into tools in everyday life, as we do today, therefore only creative producers made of earthenware, such as stoves, pots, and pans and many other things, because these appliances are the most important objects for daily usage. After all, this pottery has been produced by Cambodians and people all around the world. Many individuals, particularly women, have been manufacturing pottery in the villages, communes, and districts surrounding Tonle Sap Lake, with Kampong Chhnang being the most well-known. When done, they are exported around the country via land and water. On land, they utilize ox carts for transportation, but on water, they use various types of boats, but water transport is one of the best because it does not cause damage and can load more. However, because of the accessibility of the waterway, persons who create stoves, pots, and pans are prepared and frequently sell them at a port next to the Tonle Sap River (around the edge of island, Psar Kdarm).

That is why this port is always known as Kampong Chhnang. However, the port where the pots were sold could only be sold during the dry season, and the rainy season was totally flooded, making trade impossible, so during the French colonial period, people were mobilized to fill the land. The river is about 400 meters long and 100 square meters north of Wat Tep Thidaram, known as Wat Yeay Tep, where stoves, pots, and pans are sold during both the dry and wet seasons. The filled land for sale the pot products is also called “Lok Chhnang” meaning the Pot for sale, which was later abbreviated as Phsar Chhnang and is still known today. Nowadays, Phsar Chhnang has become a modern shopping building, but still retains the name Phsar Chhnang. On the other hand, the word Phsar Chhnang has also become the name of Phsar Chhnang village and the name of the Sangkat administrative area, Sangkat Phsar Chhnang.

Present day, Kampong Chhnang is divided into 7 administrative districts and 1 municipality, Kampong Chhnang City. With over 580,000 people (As of 2023), the province is Cambodia’s fourteenth largest area and thirteenth populous.

History

Kampong Chhnang Province is located in central Cambodia and is known for its rich history and cultural significance. Kampong Chhnang’s history reflects the broader historical trajectory of Cambodia, marked by ancient civilizations, colonial influences, and resilience through periods of conflict and rebuilding. Here is an overview of its historical background:

Pre-History or Early History Period

Longvek (the area of present-day Kampong Chhnang) not only has a medieval history, but research by national and international experts suggests that Longvek has been traced back to prehistoric times, especially in the Paleolithic and Metal Age.

In fact, foreign researchers from Flinders University, Australia, and the National Research Institute for Cultural Property of Japan (NARA Institute) have partnered with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Royal Academy of Cambodia to study the medieval capital and surrounding archeology. This archaeological excavation project is implemented from 2015-2019, which was studied the former capital of Srey Santhor situated between Sithor district, Kandal province and Srey Santhor district in Kampong Cham province, the former capital of Longvek in Kampong Tralach district, Kampong Chhnang province, the former capital of Udong city in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province.

In January 2019, researchers discovered that Banteay Longvek was also the site of a prehistoric site in the Paleolithic and Metal Age, dating to about 3,000-2,000 BC. This prehistoric site, called “Tuol Bai K’aek”, is located on the southeast side of the Longvek city wall. It is the largest and highest of hills in this former capital area. Some artifacts have been collected for analysis, such as stone tools, metal objects and pottery tools. Unfortunately, the research team did not carry out research and excavation work on Tuol Bai K’aek because this research project focused only on the Middle Ages. Archeological evidence, including stone, metal and pottery tools, suggests that the region had early settlements before the rise of the early civilizations of the ancient Funan Kingdom (1^st to 6^th centuries), the Chenla Kingdom (6^th to 9^th centuries) and the Khmer Empire. 

During the height of the Khmer Empire (9^th to 15^th centuries), Kampong Chhnang played a significant role due to its strategic location along the Tonle Sap River. The river facilitated trade and communication with other parts of the empire. The province has remnants of Angkorian temples, indicating its historical importance.

According to research documents from the Angkorian period, between the the 13^th and 14^th centuries, Chinese ambassadors namely Zhou Daguan sailed along the river toward the area of Angkor. Zhou Daguan was born in 1266 and died in 1346. He was an ambassador of the Yuan (Mongol) dynasty that ruled China at the time by his king, Temür Khan, while in Chinese he was called Emperor Chengzong of Yuan. On February 20, 1296, Zhou Taquan set sail from the port of Mingzhou in Zhejiang Province to the South China Sea, passing through Hainan Island, Champa, Kampuchea Krom and entering the Mekong River to the Tonle Sap river and Tonle Sap lakes and arrived in Angkor Thom in August 1296, taking more than six months to travel. Along his way to Angkor Thom, he wrote in his record about the places his passing by. One of those places is the area of present-day Kampong Chhnang. He mentioned that “When reached the river point on the left-hand side (probably Psar krom area), there was a port which sells ceramic, pottery, stove, and other earthware appliances”. He said that “There is an area, called Che Nang province, which was named by the local people since ancient times”. In his note, he also praised the rich natural resources of province, such as the watersource of Tonle Sap Lake homed to fish, flooded forest, and birds etc., even crayfish weighs up to 2 Nil (Nil is a unit of weight equal to about 600 grams).

Post-Angkor Period

After the fall of the Angkor Empire, Cambodia entered a state of eclipse. At that time, the Area of present-day Kampong Chhnang, like much of Cambodia, experienced political instability and invasions by neighboring kingdoms. After the reign of King Ponhea Yat, the capital of Cambodia was relocated several areas from Angkor to Toul Basan (Kampong Cham), Chaktomuk (Phnom Penh), and Longvek (Kampong Chhnang). In the 16th century, Longvek was selected by King Chan Reachea (King Ang Chan I) after the sacking of Angkor by the Siamese and the victory of the civil war between King Ang Chan I and Sdach Korn as a new capital due to its more readily unassailable terrain. Longvek was served as the second capital city during the Cambodia’s Post-Angkor period (the first capital of post-Angkor period is Chatomuk) from 1592 until the fall of Longvek in 1594 and was known to early European traders or foreign travelers as “Cambodia”. The city used to serve as a center of the country’s military. On top of that, it was a gathering point for people of knowledge including scholars and martial artists.

Colonial Period

Cambodia, including Kampong Chhnang, became a French protectorate in the late 19th century (1863). During this period, the French introduced modern infrastructure, including roads and administrative systems, which influenced the province’s development. Apart from that, there were many rebellions against France after the treaties of 1863 and 1884. One of these rebellions is the event of April 18, 1925 at Kraing Leav village, Kraing Leave commune, Rolea Bier district, Kampong Chhnang province. This rebellion led to the assassination of Résident Bardez, a French translator and a district guard due to the local people unhappy with the French oppression of all kinds of taxes. As result, the movement infuriated France and ordered King Sisowath to issue a royal proclamation renaming the village from Kraing Leav to Terechhan on April 30, 1925.

Independence and Conflict Period

Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953. Kampong Chhnang continued to develop, with agriculture being a primary economic activity. The province is particularly known for its pottery, which has a long tradition. Kampong Chhnang, like the rest of Cambodia, suffered greatly under the Khmer Rouge regime. The period was marked by extreme hardship, forced labor, and atrocities.

Modern Day

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Kampong Chhnang began a slow process of recovery. Today, it is known for its rice production, fishing, and traditional crafts, particularly pottery. The province has also become a site of interest for tourists exploring Cambodia’s rural and historical landscape.

Dignitaries who were former governors of Kampong Chhnang since 1993

There were 05 Governors of Kampong Chhnang Province from 1993-Present, including:

1. H.E. Phouk Samoen (ឯកឧត្តម ភោគ សាមឿន) 1993 – 1999
2. H.E. Sou Phirin (ឯកឧត្តម ស៊ូ ភិរិន្ទ) 2000-2003
3. H.E. Touch Marim (ឯកឧត្តម ទូច ម៉ារីម) 2005 – 2013
4. H.E. Chhour Chan Doeun (ឯកឧត្តម ឈួរ ច័ន្ទឌឿន) 2013-2021
5. H.E. Sun Sovannarith (ឯកឧត្តម ស៊ុន សុវណ្ណរិទ្ធិ) 2021-Present

Geography

Kampong Chhnang Province is situated between latitudes 11° North and longitudes 106° East. Kampong Chhnang Province is centrally located in Cambodia and features a diverse geographical landscape. Here are the key aspects of its geography:

Topography: The topography of the province is divided into three areas: (1) Lowland area: a floodplain in the rainy season, which is a type of sediment along the Tonle Sap, rich in nutrients, which is a very favorable factor. Potential for growing vegetables, rice paddies, etc., and fishery products in this area bordering Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham provinces. (2) Veal Reap area: This area is located in the middle part between the railway and National Road No. 5, has the potential for administrative, economic and social activities. (3) Mountainous area: Located west of the railway, adjacent to Kampong Speu and Pursat provinces, has potential for long-term rice cultivation, non-timber forest products and wildlife.

Climate: Kampong Chhnang experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: Wet Season, lasts from May to October, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. And, Dry Season, lasts from November to April, with lower humidity and significantly less rainfall. The province’s average temperatures range between 22°C (72°F) and 35°C (95°F) throughout the year.

Waterbodies: The province is traversed by the Tonle Sap River, which flows southward and connects to the Tonle Sap Lake. The river system plays a crucial role in the province’s agriculture, fishing, and transportation. Moreover, Boribo River flows from Aural Mountain in Pursat and crosses to Boribo district of Kampong Chhnang province, continuing on to Tonle Sap Lake. The river has white sand and cold water which is cool for swimming. On the top of that, floodplains are crucial for agriculture, particularly rice farming, as the flooding deposits nutrient-rich silt onto the fields. Fisheries, the Tonle Sap River and nearby lake provide abundant fishing opportunities, making fishing a vital part of the local economy.

Vegetation and Land Use:​ The fertile plains of Kampong Chhnang make it one of Cambodia’s key agricultural areas, with rice being the predominant crop. Other crops include maize, beans, and various vegetables. The province’s diverse habitats, including floodplains, forests, and waterways, support a variety of plant and animal species. The seasonal flooding of the Tonle Sap River creates a unique ecosystem that supports both terrestrial and aquatic life.

• Tonle Sap Lake Multiple Land Use covered area of 316,250 hectares (this is the total area sharing with Kampong Thom, Battambang, Pursat and Siem Reap Provinces)
• Oral Wildlife Sanctuary covered area of 253,700 hectares (this is the total area sharing with Kampong Speu and Pursat)

Administrative divisions

As of 2024, the province is divided into 1 municipality (Krong) and 07 districts (Srok), 04 Sangkat and 66 communes (Khum), and 569 villages. Based on Commune Database as of 2022, the total population is 584,744 people (female 300,990), the number of households is 144,757 households, and the density is 106 people/km². Kampong Chhnang municipality is the seat of government, commonly known Krong Kampong Chhnang or Kampong Chhnang City.

1. Kampong Chhnang Municipality (04 Sangkat)
2. Baribour District (11 Khum)
3. Chol kiri District (05 Khum)
4. Kampong Leaeng District (09 Khum)
5. Kampong Tralach District (10 Khum)
6. Rolea B’ier District (13 Khum)
7. Ssmeakki Mean Chey District (09 Khum)
8. Tuek Phos District (09 Khum)

The provincial symbol is decaled by Ministry of Interior via a Prakas No.2600 BrK dated 22 June 2018 on the Establishment of Kampong Chhnang Province Symbol. The symbol has shape and image as follow:

• Round shape
• The pot image represents the identity of Kampong Chhnang province and symbolizes the harmony, economic, and prosperity of the people.
• Rice husk image with a total 8 stems and consist of 70 grains of each side represents 8 districts and 70 communes; In the middle of terrace there is a white letter “Kampong Chhnang province” in ribbon surface; Below, there are 8 spears, representing the industry of 8 districts; The lower part contains rice fields representing agricultural land.
• Water and mountains image represents water and nature resources
• Garuda-style bed represents stability, sustainability and social security
• Sénasaanaphoan (bed and bedding) represent strength, intelligence and responsibility for leadership.

Accessibility

• Road: The province has a well-developed network of roads and waterways. The National Road (NR) 5 and many other internal National Road such as NR52, NR53, NR50C, NR50C1, NR50C2, and NR53A, connecting it to Phnom Penh and other major cities.
• Waterway: Kampong Chhnang can access by river cruise from Phnom Penh via Tonle Sap River. The Tonle Sap River also serves as a vital transportation route for goods and people (river cruise).
• Railway: There is a railway link (Northern Line: Phnom Penh – Pursat and Battambang) pass through the province around 73 kilometers.
• Airway: Kampong Chhnang has a small airport (domestic airport) located near Kampong Chhnang City, but no service operation since 1970s.

Tourism Products

Kampong Chhnang province boasts a fascinating destination for those interested in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the unique lifestyles of Cambodia’s rural and riverine communities. Here are some of the key attractions:

Kampong Preah Temple (ប្រាសាទកំពង់ព្រះ): This temple is located in Kampong Preah village, Chhnuk Trou commune, Baribour district, Kampong Chhnang province. Kampong Preah Temple was a pre-Angkorain temple in Kampong Chhnang Province, which was built in the 7^th– 8^th century during the reign of Queen Jayadevi. It was featuring three brick temples, one in amazing condition, one a little less so, and another excavation pit revealing the base of a third structure. All three are on an east-west axis and open to the north. Tourists reached there via Kampong Chhnang city along National Road 5 and paved road, which is about 44 km. During the rainy season, on the other hand, about 4 km of trails can not be accessed to the temple grounds unless traveling by boat or canoe. A hill in the compound of Kampong Preah pagoda, which in ancient times was called Wat Tuol Preah Srey Pichey So Vong Kampong Preah (វត្តទួលព្រះស្រីពិជ័យសូរវង្សកំពង់ព្រះ). In the time of the construction of this temple, probably during the 7^th– 8^th century, which our ancestors made for the devotion to the gods of Hinduism.

Phnom Tareach Historical resort: Surrounded by a lush green forest, it is located in Phnom Touch Village, Pong Ror Commune, Rolea B’ier District, 10 km from Kampong Chhnang City and 111 km from Phnom Penh on National Road 5, turn left onto New Airport Road. This resort is a kind of natural and historical resort related to 1976-1978 during the Pol Pot regime. Phnom Tareach is where the Khmer Rouge mobilized prisoners to manually carve the mountain into U-shaped cave, that stands 200-meter-long, 2.8-meter-wide and 6-meter-high and contains two pools inside.

Phnom Krang Dey Meas Resort: It is located in Say Chrom and Sre Thmei villages of Rolea B’ier district and is about 2 kilometers from the town with easy access for a day-trip. It stretches along National Road 5 in the direction toward Pursat province, covering an area of about 288 hectares. A hill with a temple at the top, called Thammavoin pagoda, providing a spiritual retreat and stunning views of the surrounding area like rice fields, palm trees, the Tonle Sap River, and aerial view of villages of the Kampong Chhnang city and Rolea B’ier districts. Tourists can ride a bicycle to explore the scenery of Krang Dey Meas mountain, buy souvenirs and visit local workshops of various souvenirs made of clay in Andong Russey village, Sre Thmei commune, Rolea Bier district, Kampong Chhnang province. In addition, in Trea village, Sre Thmei commune, which is not far from Phnom Kraing Dey Meas, tourists can travel by car and auto tricycle to visit the people to get palm juice for the processing of palm sugar.

Phnom Neang Korng Rey Resort: is located in two communes called Pothi and Tror Ngel communes of Kampong Leaeng district, about 14 kilometers from the Kampong Chhnang City. The mountain looks like a sleeping lady in semi-prone position. Tourists can visit both the dry season and the rainy season, but have to cross the Tonle Sap River through the tourist port of Doeum Po Phsar Krom. When tourists reach the other side port called Kampong Hav or Kampong Boeung, they have to continue through 4 villages: Po Andet, Kampong Boeung, Keng Ta Sok and Andong Ranuk, which pass through Phnom Trabek till reach a large tree called “Po Damnak”, turn left and walk across the rice fields for about 7 km to reach Phnom Neang Korng Rey. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery at the foot of the mountain, swimming and watching the sunset.

Phnom Preah Theat Resort is located in Chrak Kov Village, Peam Commune, Samaki Meanchey District, approximately 84 kilometers away from Kampong Chhnang city and about 90 kilometers from Phnom Penh. Preah Theat mountain is home to two pagodas (upper Preah Theat and lower Preah Theat), and elderly local people claim that the temples were built since the 8th – 9th century. They are dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful and big large nature boat-shaped rocks along with the cooling shade of the big trees. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, tourists will see the beautiful scenery of rice fields, lakes and palm trees.

Phnom Da: Being located at Da village, Da commune, Kompong Leaeng district, the mountain is a conservation forest that is home to many species of wild flora and fauna and trees, which provide shade and fresh air. In the rainy season, there is a cooling waterfall, and it is considered as a scared place for local people and visitor to pray for happiness and prosperity.

Prasat Srey or Srey Temple (ប្រាសាទស្រី) is located in Prasat village, Da commune, Kampong Leaeng district, Kampong Chhnang province. Prasat Srey is a temple-built centuries ago among many temples in Kampong Chhnang province, around 7^th – 8^th century during the reign of Queen Jayadevi. The main tower of the temple is 10 meters long, 8 meters wide and 15 meters high. On the lintels of the entrance door and blind doors, there are two pattern styles called Prey Khmeng Pattern and Kampong Preah Pattern. In the temple gallery, there is a well-preserved and beautiful carving pattern, which it is very eye-catching.

Prasat Sakhlor ​or Prasat Pros (ប្រាសាទសក្ល ឬប្រាសាទប្រុស) is one of the many temples that are centuries old. This temple was built on a hill in the middle of a rice field in Kang Kep village, Chronok commune, Kampong Leaeng district, Kampong Chhnang province, about 30 kilometers from Kampong Leng district town. The temple’s real name is Prasat Pros, but later locals called it “Prasat Sakhlor”. Sakol Temple was built between the 7th – 8th centuries and is more than 1,000 years old, just like the temples in Kampong Leng district. This temple is built in the style of Kampong Preah. This temple has one entrance door and three blind-doors, was built of red bricks and the lintel was built of sandstones. Sadly, the lintel has already broken and lies apart from the temple. No tourists visit Sakhlor Temple and some temples in Kampong Leng district. Once a year, the locals gather in the village of Kang Kep to celebrate the Ascension event (Lerng Nak Ta) during the rainy season. In Chronok commune, there are three such events: Neak Ta Koh, Prasat Sakhlor and Prasat Ponnareay.

Ponnareay Temple (ប្រាសាទពណ្ណរាយ) is located on the top of a 140-meter-high mountain in Chronok village, Chronok commune, Kampong Leaeng district, Kampong Chhnang province, 13 km from Kampong Leng district town. The temple has two towers built of brick and sandstone during the 7th-8th centuries. The temple built in the Tveu Bon Mountain range and is dedicated to the Hindu God Brahma. It is surrounded by green grass, wild trees, and vines. The temple faces the west and each door has lintel and carvings of patterns in the doorframe and columns.

Sdach Soy Dos Mountain (ភ្នំស្តេចសោយដោះ) is a sacred place and historical tourist destination, located in Prey Kiri Commune, Choul Kiri District, Kampong Chhnang Province, approximately 40 km by waterway from Phsar Krom Port. On the top of the mountain, there is a temple, which was made of red bricks during the post-Angkorian era. From the top of mountain, visitors can look out over a magnificent landscape, particularly, in the rainy season, a lush-green forest with cool, fresh air. On the top of that, upon arrival at Sdach Soy Dos Resort, tourists will see a beautiful lake called Tanob Takoy (Takoy Dam). People often come to visit this lake in large numbers, especially during festivals, they always organize boat races, canoeing, swimming and concerts, as well as food stalls for welcoming the tourists.

Wat Traleng Keng (វត្តត្រឡែងកែង) is located in Srah Chak village, Longvek commune, Kampong Tralach district, about 51 km from Kampong Chhnang city. Wat Traleng Keng is the oldest pagoda in the Longvek period 1525-1595, named Preah Vihear Mondul, built during the reign of King Ang Chan Reachea 1525-1567 to dedicate to his victory in war against Sdach Korn and the victory over foreign enemies who invaded Cambodia at that time. Tralaeng Kaeng Pagoda is a pagoda originally built in the 16th century, renovated in 1966 and renovated again after Khmer Rouge regime. The main temple was built on a hill with a cement stairway featuring a Naga as a handrail, and a lion as a guard. In the middle of hill and surrounding the temple, there are frangipani flowers, magnolia trees, wild trees, and 19th and 20th century Buddha statues and sculptures. The pagoda is regarding as a holy, sacred place as well as a peaceful meditation center.

Andong Russey Village Community (សហគមន៍ភូមិអណ្តូងឬស្សី): Andoung Ruessei Community features traditional community-based pottery techniques and is located 23 km from Kampong Chhnang city. Pottery and other household items are made of red clay, which is found in Phnom Krang Dei Meas Mountain. This important community was created by International and private projects that aimed to increase local incomes, promote local handicrafts, and create modern styles and decorations. Both domestic and international tourists are encouraged to observe and purchase various handmade goods including jars, vases, or piggy banks.

Sre Am Pel Waterfall (ទឹកធ្លាក់ស្រែអំពិល) is located in Kdol Village, Kdol Sen Chey Commune, Teuk Phos District, approximately 58 km from Kampong Chhnang City. The waterfall flows from the Aural Mountain Range. There are many small ponds, which are deep and clear, and the water flows constantly, which is nice for swimming. The spectacular atmosphere around this waterfall is enhanced by the water flowing across the rocks, and the surrounding greenery and the sound of birds. Visitors can relax and bathe in the cool natural waterfalls and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lush green forest. There is an ecotourism community called Sre Am Pel Waterfall Ecotourism Community.

Thmor Kral Waterfall (ទឹកធ្លាក់ថ្មក្រាល) is a natural rock waterfall flowing from the valley of Aural Mountain, located in Koh Ktom Village, Chieb Commune, Teuk Phos District, approximately 60 kilometers from downtown Kampong Chhnang. Heading to the mountain for the waterfall, there are villages and fruit farms where visitors or travelers can stop and buy organic fruits. Moreover, visitors can take a relaxing from work or on weekends, enjoy a meal with family or friends in the lush shade of the forest and the cool waterfall, wash away all tiredness, stress and sorrow with water. There is an ecotourism community called Thmor Kral Waterfall Ecotourism Community.

Tourism services in Kampong Chhnang province support various aspects of travel, from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and cultural experiences. Here are some key services:

Accommodation: there are 9 hotels (equally 310 rooms) and 47 guesthouses (equally 504 rooms, offering comfortable stays with modern amenities and budget-friendly accommodation, respectively.

Restaurant and Eatery Services: offering A variety of dining options, from local eateries serving Cambodian cuisine to Western-style restaurants. Moreover, Cafés and Coffee Shops are popular spots for relaxing and enjoying local coffee and snacks. Markets and street vendors offer authentic street food experiences, local snacks and traditional dishes.

Transportation Services: Local transportation options, including Auto-rickshaws and Motorbike Taxis (Easily available for short distances and local tours), and Bicycles (is available for rent to explore the countryside). Moreover, River Tours operated by local companies offering tours of floating villages and Tonle Sap River. And Ferry Services connect various points along the river.

Other Activities:

• Cultural Tours:  Pottery Village Tours (Guided tours of local pottery villages where visitors can watch artisans at work and participate in pottery making) and Floating Village Tours (Boat tours to experience the unique lifestyle of floating villages).
• Historical and Nature Tours: Phnom Da and Oudong Tours (Organized trips to these historical sites with knowledgeable guides)
• Bird Watching and Eco-tours: Tours to bird sanctuaries and nature reserves highlighting the local wildlife.

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