Kampong Chhnang Province

Name: Kampong Chhnang

Cambodian Name: កំពង់ឆ្នាំអ

Status: Province

Capital: Kampong Chhnang

Area: 5,521 km²

Population : 579,539 inhabitants

Kampong Chhnang Province is located in the central-western part of Cambodia. The capital city, which shares the same name, is situated on the banks of the Tonle Sap River, about thirty kilometers south of the lake of the same name, the largest in Southeast Asia. The city center is a charming stop along the road linking the capital, Phnom Penh, to Battambang. The name Kampong Chhnang literally translates to "port of the pots," referring to the earthenware created by the city's potters since the 6th century. This ancient craft is still passed down today. The pottery produced here is transported and sold in the country's largest markets. Pottery and the Tonle Sap River, which runs through the region from north to south, are two true symbols of Kampong Chhnang, and the name itself is a testament to this.

History

After the fall of the Funan Kingdom, which marked the emergence of the Chenla era in the 6th century, two other entities, Dvâravatî to the west (a territory of present-day Thailand) and Champa to the east (a territory of present-day Vietnam), attempted to claim parts of this region under reconstruction. The Dvâravatî Kingdom, a future vassal of the Khmer Empire, would have had an influence over what is now Kampong Chhnang Province. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts from this civilization in the region, dating from the 6th to the 11th centuries. This confirms at the very least a certain influence on the province.

Today

While the symbolic industry of the province remains pottery, it is not the most representative. Kampong Chhnang is primarily focused on agriculture, like most provinces in Cambodia, although more and more textile factories are emerging today. Over 80% of the population depends on rice farming or fishing. Composed of endless rice fields, this area is often referred to as the "green belt" of Cambodia, an extremely fertile zone. Since 1997, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, an area protected to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.

The proximity to Phnom Penh (91 km) facilitates trade, particularly river transport. Boats can travel directly from the capital to Psah Kraom, the small riverside market in Kampong Chhnang. This market supplies many floating villages in the province. The main market in the city, Psah Kampong Chhnang, offers a variety of goods comparable to the famous bazaars of the country’s major cities, with a large selection of local pottery that will surely delight visitors.

Pottery of Kampong Chhnang

The pottery workshops in the province are located in villages near the capital, Kampong Chhnang. In Andong Russey, the kilns are still running at full capacity to make pots, cooking pots, ashtrays, piggy banks, and candlesticks. You can easily reach this village by foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk to admire every step of the production process. The local potters are very welcoming and will be happy to describe their work either through words or gestures. You’ll even have the chance to buy some of these local works at very reasonable prices to take home as souvenirs. 

Climate

The average temperature in Kampong Chhnang Province hovers around 27°C. The natural, very green character of the region provides a cool and pleasant atmosphere, giving it a much less oppressive feel than larger cities. Like the rest of the country, humidity reaches its peak, around 90%, during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to October.

How to get there

• From Battambang: The journey from Kampong Chhnang to Battambang takes about 4 hours. In this case, it is best to opt for the bus or car for travel.
• From Phnom Penh: The journey from Kampong Chhnang to Phnom Penh takes about 2 hours at most. You can choose to travel by bus (often the same buses that go to Battambang), by car, or even by tuk-tuk or motorbike.