Kampong Speu Province

Kampong Speu is a province of Cambodia which is 48 kilometers from Phnom Penh along National Road 4. Kampong Speu, covering 6,969.63 square kilometers. Its neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provinces.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kampong Speu came under French colonial rule, like the rest of Cambodia. The French developed infrastructure, including roads and schools, in the province. Kampong Speu’s natural resources, such as rubber and timber, were exploited by the colonial administration.

Present day, Kampong Speu is divided into 7 administrative districts and 2 municipalities, Chbar Morn and Oudong Mae Chey Cities. With over 900,000 people (As of 2023), the province is Cambodia’s eleventh largest area and eighth populous.

History

Kampong Speu is a province in central Cambodia known for its rich history and cultural significance. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Pre-History or Early History Period

​There is no much evidence of Kampong Speu’s history dates back to the pre-Angkorian period. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by early civilizations involved in rice cultivation and trade. Moreover, During the height of the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries), Kampong Speu played a significant role due to its strategic location and fertile land. The province contributed to the empire’s agricultural output, especially rice production.

According to the background documents of Kampong Speu province, prepared by the provincial administration, Kampong Speu was originally called “Samrong Tong” (before the French Protectorate) but was later renamed “Kampong Speu” to this day. During the name as Samrong Tong, it borders with the road dividing Chom Chao to the east and the Stung Sre Khlong to the west, the Stung Slaku in Tram Kak district, Takeo province to the south and the Stung Kraing Ponley to the north.

Colonial Period

Later, the French found that the location of Samrong Tong was narrow, the lowlands flooded during the rainy season, and the dry season lacked water. The provincial location is relocated to the area of the 3^rd Military Region today. France built a paved road from Samrong Tong to the south to the current Old Market and built a wooden bridge for People cross the river towards the Old Market.

The French have chosen another location as the provincial hall, around the CPP headquarters today and after construction the province was also renamed as Kampong Speu during the reign of King Sisowath by Royal Proclamation No. 30, dated March 18, 1922 with the proclamation issued by Mr. Le Residang Superior No. 562 dated March 31, 1922. According to the conclusion of some elders that, at that time, the reason why the French named the new province as “Kampong Speu” because around the area of the wooden bridge (formerly a river port) built by the French is rich in Star fruit trees (Carambola trees).

At the new provincial hall built by the French, there is a pagoda called “Wat Anlong Cham He”. But, when the French built the provincial hall, they ordered the Wat Anlong Cham He to be demolished and rebuilt at the present-day of Wat Morum, and the people named it the new pagoda is called “Wat Morum” until today. Today, there are two pagodas: Wat Morum Cheung and Wat Morum Tbong.

Then, France began to demarcate the border of Kampong Speu province again: Tnol Tortueng to east, O Kor Ki bridge to the west, the Stung Kraing Ponley to the north, and the National Road No. 3 next to Stung Slakou of Tram Kak District, Takeo Province to the south.

In the French administration, Kampong Speu province is divided into 4 districts and administered by officials who receive the honor from the King according to the following hierarchy:

• Chao Vai Khet “ចៅហ្វាយខេត្ត” (Provincial Governor): Oknha Udayotireach Boran Keam Ream Rithisak Baptavorn Udomkrampahu “ឧកញ៉ាឧទយោធិរាជបុរន្តគាមរាមឫទ្ធិស័ក្ដិបព្វតាវ័នឧត្ដមក្រមពាហុ”
• Phu Chuy Khet “ភូឈួយខេត្ត” (Vice Provincial Governor): Athireach Uthai “អធិរាជឧទ័យ”
• Ballat Khet “បាឡាត់ខេត្ត”: Chum Nith Athireach “ជំនិតអធិរាជ”
• Chao Vai Srok Samrong Tong “ចៅហ្វាយស្រុកសំរោងទង” (Governor of Samrong Tong District): Athireach Vongsa “អធិរាជវង្សា”
• Ballat Srok Samrong Tong “បាឡាត់ស្រុកសំរោងទង” (Ballat of Samrong Tong District): Vongsa Thireach “វង្សាធិរាជ”
• Chao Vai Srok Kong Pisey “ចៅហ្វាយស្រុកគងពិសី” (Governor of Kong Pisey District): Vongsa Samsak “វង្សាសមសក្តិ”
• Ballat Srok Kong Pisey “បាឡាត់ស្រុកគងពិសី” (Ballat of Kong Pisey District): Pipheak Samsak “ពិភ័ក្តិសមសក្តិ”
• Chao Vai Srok Thpong “ចៅហ្វាយស្រុកថ្ពង” (Governor of Thpong District): Reachea Sangkream “រាជាសង្រ្គាម”
• Chao Vai Srok Phnom Srouch “ចៅហ្វាយស្រុកភ្នំស្រួច” (Governor of Phnom Sruoch District): Vongsa Uthai “វង្សាឧទ័យ”

Independence and Conflict Period

After gaining independence from France in 1953, Cambodia, including Kampong Speu, went through significant political and social changes. The province faced challenges during the turbulent periods of the 1960s and 1970s, including the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge regime.

Kampong Speu, like much of Cambodia, suffered greatly under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979). The population faced forced labor, starvation, and violence. The regime’s fall in 1979 led to a period of reconstruction and recovery.

Modern Day

In recent decades, Kampong Speu has experienced economic development and modernization. Agriculture remains a vital part of the economy, with rice, sugarcane, mango, cassava, acacia wood, cashew, drum stick, and rubber being major crops. The province is also known for its palm sugar production, which is a traditional industry. For industrial and manufacturing investment, the province homes to nealy 200 large factories and nearly 2,000 of small and medium enterprises and agro-processing units.

Dignitaries who were former governors of Kampong Speu Province since 1993

There were 06 Governors of Kampong Speu Province from 1993-Present, including:

1. H.E. Niv Sithoung (ឯកឧត្តម នាវ ស៊ីថុង) 1993-Unknown
2. H.E. Ou Bun (ឯកឧត្តម អ៊ូ ប៊ុន) Unknown-2003
3. H.E. Korng Heang (ឯកឧត្តម កង ហ៊ាង)​2007-2013
4. H.E. Ou Samoun (ឯកឧត្តម អ៊ូ សំអួន) 2013 – 2016
5. H.E. Vy Samnang (ឯកឧត្តម វ៉ី សំណាង) 2016-2024
6. H.E. Cheam Chansophoan (ឯកឧត្តម ជាម ច័ន្ទសោភ័ណ) 2024-Present

Geography

Kampong Speu is located in central Cambodia, bordered by several provinces. Kampong Speu’s geography, with its mix of lowland plains and mountainous regions, supports a diverse range of activities and ecosystems. The province’s natural resources and strategic location contribute to its economic development and cultural richness. Here’s an overview of its geographical features:

Topography: The topography of Kampong Speu consist of Mountainous terrain, Plateau, and Lowland. The eastern part of Kampong Speu is predominantly flat and forms part of the central plains of Cambodia, which are ideal for rice cultivation and other crop cultivations. The western part of the province is characterized by mountainous terrain, including the Cardamom Mountains. As a result, the province is short of rain due to the height of the Cardamom Mountains, which brought a large amount of rain to other areas. But the province can easily avoid being hit by tropical cyclones. The highest peak in the province is Phnom Aural, which is also the highest mountain in Cambodia, standing at 1,813 meters (5,948 feet) above sea level.

Climate: Kampong Speu experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. Wet Season, from May to October, characterized by heavy rainfall, which is essential for rice cultivation. Dry Season, from November to April, with significantly less rainfall. The coolest months are December and January, while the hottest months are March and April. The province’s average temperatures range between 24°C and 32°C throughout the year.

Water Bodies: Prek Thnot River, this river flows through the province, providing water for irrigation and contributing to the local agriculture. The river is vital for the province’s rice paddies and other agricultural activities. Besides, Kampong Speu has several smaller rivers and streams such as Steung Kraing Ponlei and Steung Slar Kou, which also support farming and local livelihoods. Moreover, there are 6 man-made watersource such as Tasal Dam, Anlong Chrei Dam, Peam L’vea-O’ Tuorng Dam, K’pob Krous Dam, O’ Koun Trom Dam, and Svay Dam. 

Vegetation and Land Use:​ The province is known for its agricultural output, including rice, sugarcane, rubber, and palm sugar. The fertile land in the lowland areas supports these activities. The western mountainous areas have significant forest cover, which includes valuable timber and non-timber forest products. Moreover, the diverse habitats, especially in the mountainous and forested regions, support a variety of wildlife species.

• Oral Wildlife Sanctuary covered total area of 285,172 hectares sharing with Kampong Chhnang and Pursat (in which 141,200 hectares are in Kampong Speu Province)
• Kirirom National Park or Preah Suramarit-Kossamak Kirirom National Park covered total area of 35,232 hectares sharing with Kampot and Preah Sihanouk (in which 19,436 hectares are in Kampong Speu Province)
• Preah Monivong “Bokor” National Park covered total area of 156,116 hectares sharing with Kampot and Preah Sihanouk (in which 2,637 hectares are in Kampong Speu Province)
• Phnom Kravanh National Park (Cardamom Mountain National Park) covered area of 926,123 hectares (this is the total area sharing with Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang and Preah Sihanouk)

Administrative divisions

As of 2024, the province is divided into 2 municipalities (Krong) and 07 districts (Srok), 10 Sangkat and 78 communes (Khum), and 1369 villages. Based on Commune Database as of 2022, the total population is 936,424 people (female 479,829), the number of households is 210,519 households, and the density is 134 people/km². Chbar Morn municipality is the seat of government, commonly known Krong Chbar Morn or Chbar Morn City. 

1. Chbar Morn Municipality (05 Sangkat)
2. Oudong Mae Chey Municipality (05 Sangkat)
3. Basedth District (15 Khum)
4. Kong Pisei District (13 Khum)
5. Aoral District (05 Khum)
6. Sammaki Monichey District (10 Khum)
7. Phnum Srouch District (13 Khum)
8. Samraong Torng District (15 Khum)
9. Thpong District (07 Khum)

The provincial symbol is decaled by Ministry of Interior via a Prakas No.2057 BrK dated 26 March 2019 on the Establishment of Kampong Speu Province Symbol. The symbol has shape and image as follow:

• The circle-shaped
• The image of three palm trees represent the Cambodia National Motto called Nation, Religion, King and the Three Jewels or Triple Gem or Three Refuges (literally in Khmer Saranak Trai) of Buddhism called the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha (the three things that Budhists take refuge in).
• The image of Phnom Pich Nil represents the mountain that is abundant in non-timber forest products and a habitat for all species of wildlife.
• The image of seven-sunlight symbolizes​​ January 7 (Victory Day over the Genocideal Regimes in Cambodia), the seventh day of the week, and the Seven colors of everyday clothes
• The image of rice husk signifies the agricultural products that farmers collect and is an important economic source to support the family’s livelihood and society.
• The image of book represents the literature that Samdech Preah Sangkhreach Chuon Nath has left to this day.

Accessibility

• Road: The province has a well-developed network of roads and waterways. The National Road (NR) 3 and 4 runs through Kandal province, connecting it to Phnom Penh and other major cities. Moreover, there are several Provincial National Road such as NR5, NR41, NR43, NR44, NR46, NR51, and NR53. On top of that, the first ever Express Way of Cambodia (Phnom Penh-Preah Sihanouk) also pass through the province around 80 kilometers.
• Railway: There is a railway link (Southern Line: Phnom Penh – Takeo, Kep, Kampot, and Preah Shinanouk) pass through the province around 17.25 kilometers.
• Waterway: The province has several important small rivers but they are not favourable for waterway transportation in terms of goods and people.

Tourism Products

Kampong Speu, a province in Cambodia, offers various attractions that highlight its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. The cultural and historical sites, including ​ancient temples, pagodas, and traditional Khmer villages, reflect its long history and the influence of different periods and regimes. Moreover, the landscape of Kampong Speu, with its mountains and rivers, contributes to its scenic beauty. Here are some notable tourism resources in Kampong Speu:

Kirirom National Park (ឧទ្យានជាតិព្រះសុរាម្រិតកុសុមៈគីរីរម្យ): The Kirirom National Park, officially called Preah Suramarit-Kossamak Kirirom National Park, located in the southwestern part of the province (located in Damrey Phong village, Kirirom commune, Phnom Srouch district, approximately 117 kilometers away from Phnom Penh via National Road 4), which is known as a popular destination for nature lovers, this park features pine forests, waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and walking trails. The cool climate and scenic landscapes make it ideal for picnics, hiking, and bird-watching.

Tmor Loy Kirirom (ថ្មលយគិរីរម្យ): Located in Traeng Trayueng commune of Phnom Srouch district, the site is a huge natural rock on the top of a mountain in Kirirom National Park, about 115 km from the capital Phnom Penh and 5 km from the Naga roundabout in Kirirom national park. Heading to Tmor Loy along a rocky and bumpy road, visitors will see wild trees, herbs, flowers and many different species. It is peaceful place with beautiful natural scenery, which is attractive and favorable for camping.

Phnom Aural (ភ្នំឱរ៉ាល់): Home to Cambodia’s highest peak, Phnom Aural, this sanctuary is a heaven for researchers interested in studying and adventurous travelers interested in trekking and exploring diverse wildlife and flora. On the mountain top, there are beautiful landscapes, a lot of kinds of rare plants, a cool atmosphere, and often there is mist in the morning. The mountain is situated in Trapeang Chour commune, Aural district.

Chambok Ecotourism Site (តំបន់អេកូទេសចរណ៍ចំបក់): This community-based ecotourism site offers a chance to experience local culture and natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes to waterfalls via ox-cart rides, bikes, and walking, and traditional Cambodian hospitality. This place consists of beautiful scenery with lots of trees, mountains, waterfalls and a bat cave, which can ease the stress of any visitor. The site is located in Chambok commune, Phnom Srouch district, with more than 1 kilomer away of Kirirom mountain to the north.

Te Teuk Pus Hot Spring Resort (រមណីយដ្ឋានទេទឹកពុះ): Known for its therapeutic hot springs, this site attracts visitors looking to soak in its mineral-rich waters, believed to have healing properties. Te Teuk Pus is a rare natural area in Cambodia, which is a sacred site protected by the people of the Koar Daun Tey Natural Protected Community, located in Aural district, about 60 kilometers west of the province. This area is believed by the Sui people to be a sacred place for those who visit here and will bring good luck back, especially people believe that the water can cure their diseases by soaking their feet and washing their face. The water has a high temperature of up to 70 degrees Celsius, with water coming from six sources and smelling like sulfur and limestone. The water area is 80 square meters and has a total land area of ​​5 hectares and is full of high grass, reeds and red stones.

Anloung Roth Waterfall (ទឹកធ្លាក់អន្លង់រ័ត្ន): is located about 4 kilometers north of Kirirom National Park and about 3 kilometers from Chambok Waterfall Resort, in Chambok commune, Phnom Sruoch district. Anlong Rath Waterfall Resort was established in late 2008 under the training of Mlup Baitong Organization and Kampong Speu Krom Provincial Department of Tourism, sponsored by the Dutch VCN. Anloung Roth Waterfall is hidden area in the forest and located at the piedmont of Sruoch Mountain. The water flows on the rocks with beautiful scenery and fresh air. Tourists can enjoy listening to the sound of water flow the sights, as well as seeing wild herbs and flowers. Hidden waterfall is perfect for bathing and swimming. Tourists can also relax and enjoy seeing the forest to release all their stress.

Prey Khmer Mountain (ភ្នំព្រៃខ្មែរ): is located in Krang Pou village, Ou Commune, Phnom Sruoch district of Kampong Speu about 70 km from Phnom Penh. It has beautiful views of many small hills. It is a mountain or hill side range where visitors can drive to the top of the mountain, and from one mountain to another. It has impressive landscape views with a gentle breeze. There are cottages for relaxing and getting fresh air as well.

Phnom Srang (ភ្នំស្រង់): is a natural mountain that extends through three districts, Korng Pisey district, Basedth district, and Samraong Tong district. It is about 800 meters high. Along the mountain range there are manyBuddhist pagodas. Moreover, Phnom Srang has plenty of people who seek Dharma because they believe the mountain has the paramita. Phnom Srang is regarded as a natural protected area and wildlife biosphere preservation area.

Khnong Phsar (ខ្នងផ្សារ): is a natural paradise at the junction of three provinces, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong and Pursat. It is an area rich in dense forests, high valleys, beautiful meadows and rich in rare wildlife. In the early morning, traveler could travel to Poy Knorng Psar to see the beauty of the sunrise, accompanied by cool weather and gloomy clouds. In the evening, we can watch the sunset from the ridge as well.

Ampe Phnom Resort (រមណីយដ្ឋានអំពែភ្នំ): Ampe Phnom is a cultural and natural resort located in Taing Tonle village and Ampe Phnom village, Sopor Tep commune and Svay Kravan commune, Chbar Morn city, about 48 kilometers away from Phnom Penh, then turn left with 2 kilometers to reach this resort. This area has a view of the river flowing through the combination of small and large trees growing along the river, creating a beautiful landscape. At the foot of Phnom Ampe Phnom, there is a swing bridge that crosses from one shore to the other to connect Tang village of Sopor Tep commune to Ampe Phnom village of Ampe Phnom commune. In the dry season, if we stand on a swing bridge and look down into the river, we will see the river flowing through rocks and sand dunes with the herds of small fish swimming, and occasionally spotted herds of monkeys bathing happily at the bottom of the river. In the rainy season, if we stand on a swing bridge and look down at the river, we will see the current runs very swiftly. On the south bank of the river, we still see an ancient pagoda on the hill, which is a place of worship for the people. A scenic area with a suspension bridge, river, and picnic spots, Ampe Phnom is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It’s a great place for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Norak Borey Museum (សារមន្ទីរនរៈបុរី) is located on National Road 4 at Chambok village, Vallis commune, Samrong Tong district. The museum was built as a family, with the intention of keeping it as their own property and as a contribution to preservation of the national cultural heritage. The Norak Borey Museum has thousands of artifacts in total from prehistoric times to the present, and most of them are stone-made statues, wooden statues, and pottery. In this museum, there are many kinds of objects made of sandstone, mountain rock from wood, such as Buddha statues, statues of Jayavarman VII, temple guards, etc, and ancient objects include copper pots, pottery or bowls made of clay. In addition, there are sculptures, tables, cabinets, chairs made of wood from large logs. All of these items are housed separately and in each gallery of the museum. These items, before being displayed in the museum, were collected from the owners in various provinces. Since the country was liberated from the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979.

Veang Chas Pagoda (វត្តវាំងចាស់) was a former palace, which was built in Oudong to the north of Phnom Penh. This pagoda was built in the reign of King Preah Hariraksha Rama Suriya Maha Isvara Adipati in the 19th century. The formal name of this pagoda is Har Re Ksak Reachny pagoda, which was named after King Norodom’s mother. In the past, this pagoda was used by the King’s mother for resting while returning from the Chaktumok river, which is in front of today’s Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Currently, some parts of this pagoda are being rebuilt. Many people come to visit and celebrate religious ceremonies or events here.

K’ek Poong Temple (វត្តក្អែកពង) is a temple in the Sambo Prey Kuk architectural style, located in Taing Yak commune of Phnom Srouch district. It is on a hill that is about 300 meters high. The four corners of the temple are equal in size. The temple was built in the 7th century during the reign of King Isanavarman I.

The tourism industry in Kampong Speu is gradually developing, offering various services to cater to visitors’ needs. Here are some key tourism industry services available in the province:

Accommodation: there are 7 hotels (equally 472 rooms) and 29 guesthosues (equally 371 rooms), cater to different budgets, ranging from basic accommodations to more comfortable lodgings. Moreover, there are several Eco-lodges and Homestays, especially in areas like Chambok Ecotourism Site, visitors can stay in eco-friendly lodges or homestays, providing an authentic experience of local life.

Restaurant and Eatery Services: There are 61 restaurants and eateries, offering a variety of dining options, from local eateries serving Cambodian cuisine to Western-style restaurants. Moreover, small cafes and food stalls can be found in markets and along main roads, serving snacks, coffee, and local delicacies.

Transportation Services: Visitors can hire private cars or taxis for convenient travel around the province. Moreover, for the more adventurous, motorbike rentals are available, allowing for greater flexibility in exploring the area.

Other Activities:

• Guided Tours: Local tour operators and guides offer various tours, including trekking in Kirirom National Park, cultural tours of Oudong Mountain, and visits to local markets and villages.
  • Trekking and Hiking: Various trails and guided trekking options are available, particularly in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Cycling Tours: Some tour operators offer cycling tours through scenic routes, providing a unique way to explore the countryside.
  • Ecotourism Tours: Chambok Ecotourism Site and other community-based projects such as Toek Thlak Kork Mean Ti Community-based tourism (Chreav), Sre Kin Community-based Tourism (Aural), Raksmey Sammaki L’ngoem Community-Based Tourism, Taing Bomporng Community-Based Tourism (Khnorng Psar), Pram Bei Mum Protected Forest Community, Ta Promh Phnom Mouy Roy Sratoip Community, and Damrey Chak Thlork Protected Forest Community provide guided nature walks, ox-cart rides, and cultural experiences.
• Exploring local markets such as Kampong Speu Market provides insights into daily life and local cuisine. Engaging with local communities can offer a deeper understanding of Kampong Speu’s cultural heritage.

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