Hormart Expeditions - One-stop expedition directory - Recent listing in KHM- Places

Kampong Cham - capital city and colonial french charm, Kampong Cham Province

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 03:22:42 +0000

Kampong Cham, the city shares the same name as its province and serves as its capital, situated on the Mekong River in eastern Cambodia, located 124 kilometers northeast from Phnom Penh and is accessible via either boat or asphalt road.

The city exudes a colonial French charm and a distinctive "wild west" feel, making it a fascinating subject for research. Although most travelers use Kampong Cham as a stopover en route to other destinations, those who choose to explore the provincial capital for a few days can relish the relaxed atmosphere and picturesque allure of the city.

People

The majority of Kampong Cham's population comprises ethnic Khmer, with a significant Cham minority residing in the province's towns. Notably, this minority group has a relatively higher proportion of adherents to Islam and Christianity.

Due to the absence of significant foreign investment and large-scale tourism, Kampong Cham is categorized as a poverty-stricken city, lacking in modern infrastructure. Nonetheless, it still retains a plethora of colonial-era French architecture.

However, the recent completion of a modern two-lane bridge across the Mekong has led to a gradual recovery from the city's prolonged economic decline. Despite its financial struggles, the locals of Kampong Cham exhibit a friendly and welcoming demeanor towards tourists, which is typical of Cambodian culture.

Image source: frerd / shutterstock

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQiJ9coKdK0

Related reading

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Kampong Cham - TripAdvisor
15 Best Things to Do in Kampong Cham (Cambodia) - The Crazy Tourist
What To See, Tourist Attractions - Kampong Cham Travel .. - Tourism of Cambodia
Why Visit Kampong Cham, Cambodia? The Understated City - Borders of Adventure

Krong Kampong Chhnang - crucial port city

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:17:54 +0000

Kampong Chhnang, situated in central Cambodia, serves as the capital city of Kampong Chhnang Province and is a crucial port city located just west of the Tonlé Sap River. [Map location]

The city is connected to the national highway route and railway that links it to Phnom Penh. North of the city, across the Tonle Sap River, stands Phnom Kong Rei, a significant landmark.

The local economy in Kampong Chhnang is predominantly driven by rice production, and during the high-water monsoon season, many residents live on floating fishing villages.

GEOGRAPHY
The country has experienced widespread deforestation, with the exception of the Cardamom Mountains, located in the southwest region of the country.

This area boasts the largest contiguous forest area in Southeast Asia, which remains largely unexplored. The provincial borderline in the southwest is situated on the slopes of Phnom Aoral, Cambodia's highest mountain, with an altitude of 1813m.

CLIMATE
The climate in Krong Kampong Chhnang is typical of the tropical monsoon climate found in many parts of Southeast Asia. The dry season is generally the most popular time for tourists due to the pleasant weather conditions.

VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4OrRoXRra0

Kampong Phluk - fishing-reliant Cambodian commune

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:00:08 +0000

Kampong Phluk, a commune situated in Prasat Bakong District of Siem Reap Province in Cambodia, is a community that heavily relies on fishing as a means of subsistence. [Map location]

The local economy is predominantly sustained by the shrimp industry, with the wet season of Cambodia (May-October) being the peak period for fishing. Notably, the name Kampong Phluk translates to "Harbor of the Tusks."

GEOGRAPHY
The unique terrain of Kampong Phluk, characterized by waterlogged landscapes and seasonal fluctuations in water levels, has led to the construction of houses and buildings on stilts ranging from 6 m to 9 m in height.

This architectural approach allows the community to adapt to the changes in water levels between wet and dry seasons.

CLIMATE
During the dry season (November-April), when the river thins due to receding water, many residents turn to farming as an additional source of income. Over the last decade, tourism has emerged as a growing sector of the local economy, adding to the traditional fishing and farming livelihoods.

According to the latest available data from 2019, Kampong Phluk has a total of 911 families and 3,707 inhabitants, with three distinct villages within the commune: Tnaot Kambot, Dey Krahom, and Kok Kdol.

VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGpd8q2jxlk