Khmer name : ខេត្តតាកែវ

Status : province

Capital : Daun Kaev

Area : 3,563 km² (19th)

Population : 899,485 inhabitants (6th)

Situated between the capital Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese border, Takeo Province stands as a premier tourist destination. Numerous pre-Angkorian infrastructure and cities, dating from the late Funan era through the dawn of the Khmer empire, passing through the Chenla period, still remain and can be visited with ease. This is especially true for those, such as Phnom Chisor and Angkor Borei, situated in close proximity to the capital. Located merely 75 km from Phnom Penh, Daun Kaev proves to be a convenient stopover for deepening your exploration of the province.

History

Takeo Province is often described as the cradle of Khmer civilization. This region was, between the 1st and 6th centuries, woven into the Funan kingdom, which is believed to have elevated the city of Angkor Borei to capital status. Following the fall of Funan, the Chenla kingdom emerged and divided into two territories: Land Chenla, to the south of present-day Laos and in the Cambodian province of Steung Treng, and Water Chenla situated in what is now Takeo Province. This region is, and historically was, blessed with multiple lakes and waterways that likely inspired this designation. Historians believe that the finest pieces of Khmer statuary originated from the sites of Angkor Borei, Phnom Da, and also from Sambor Prei Kuk, north of present-day Phnom Penh, the capital of the Chenla kingdom.

Your visits within Takeo Province bear witness to this rich and diverse history, though the various architectural styles converge under a pre-Angkorian era heavily influenced by Hinduism, particularly through religion. A 10th-century Khmer legend recounts, for instance, that several kings of the Kambuja lineage (relating to a kingdom in northern India during the Iron Age), some of whom reigned during the late Funan era, shared a common ancestor: a hermit named Kambu, and Mera, his wife, a celestial nymph. This union and the combination of these two names is believed to have given birth to the Khmer people: K(ambu) + Mer(a). The term Kambuja itself echoes the word Kampuchea, which means Cambodia in Khmer.

What to Visit Today in Takeo?

Phnom Chisor

Located some forty kilometers south of Phnom Penh, Phnom Chisor mountain serves as an excellent first stop when visiting Takeo Province. Rising over 130 meters high in an otherwise flat landscape, you'll enjoy a privileged vantage point to take in the rural scenery surrounding you. Once at the summit, you can also explore the Phnom Chisor temple. Built under Brahmanical influence during the 11th century under the reign of Khmer king Suryavarman I, the structure was originally named Sri Suryaparvata, meaning "the mountain of the sun." Today, though in deteriorated condition, it still retains some lintels that testify to Angkorian heritage. About a hundred meters from the temple, you'll find a cave renowned as having been a site of Brahmanical meditation.

The Sites of Angkor Borei and Phnom Da

There are two ways to reach the city of Angkor Borei:

• Travel from Phnom Penh by road, passing by the foot of Phnom Chisor, and journey to the former capital of the Funan kingdom.

• From Phnom Penh, head to the province's capital Daun Kaev, then board a boat that travels directly to Angkor Borei.

Once you arrive, you'll notice that the city has lost the charm and splendor it once commanded as the Funan capital. The only truly engaging and worthwhile activity on-site is visiting its museum, where numerous statues from the pre-Angkorian era are displayed. You then head south toward the archaeological site of Phnom Da, located atop a magnificent forested hill just a few kilometers away. The principal places of worship and architectural landmarks from Angkor Borei's heyday remain remarkably well preserved. You'll find laterite structures and the Asrom Moha Eysei temple, constructed in stone.

Tonlé Bati

Tonlé Bati lake, situated in northern Takeo Province straddling Kandal Province, has become a major tourist destination in the region. Located just thirty kilometers from Phnom Penh, you can easily visit on pleasant days to enjoy yourself: picnicking in thatched pavilions overlooking the water, fishing, swimming, soaking up the sun, and more. All the pleasures of a modest beach resort just a short distance from the Phnom Penh capital.

Numerious temples from the Angkorian era grace the landscape, including the temples of Yeay Pow and Ta Prohm (namesake of the famous Angkor temple featured in Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie). The latter, constructed under Jayavarman VII, the most celebrated king of the Khmer empire, incorporates certain elements of the renowned Bayon temple at Angkor.

Phnom Tamao Zoo

Phnom Tamao, located a few hundred meters from Tonlé Bati lake, comprises a zoo and wildlife rescue center. It's a highly popular tourist destination for both Cambodians and foreigners. Approximately 200,000 visitors come here each year. Set within 2,300 hectares of protected forest, you'll encounter elephants, tigers, reptiles, more than 90 different bird species, primates, and countless other animals. Officially opened in 2000, the site is home to more than 1,200 individual animals.

Climate

Despite its proximity to the southwestern coast, Takeo Province lies inland and thus experiences the hot, tropical climate typical of Cambodia. Pleasant weather arrives in December, which even enjoys a welcome cool spell, and continues through May. April is the driest and hottest month of the year. Monsoons arrive in June and gradually intensify through September and October before diminishing in November. Average annual temperatures range between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius.

Takeo Province offers the advantage of being very close to Phnom Penh. You can easily select one or two activities and complete them in a day before returning to the capital in the evening. If you prefer to stay overnight for a night or two to take your time exploring everything, we recommend heading to Daun Kaev from Phnom Penh. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours by car, compared to 3.5 hours by bus.