Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Phnom Penh
According to Khmer legend ,Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia originated with a woman named Penh. In about 1370 when a terrible flood occurred Penh discovered a statue with four representations of the Buddha caught in a tree floating downstream. She had a small pagoda built on top of the hill, or phnom, in which to keep the statue. Pilgrims poured in, a settlement began to form, grew and came to be called Phnom Penh or "Hill of Lady Penh".
Koh Chen - Oudong
At the Nek Luong ferry on the opposite side of the river from National Road No. 5 is the small village of Koh Chen (Chinese Island) whose inhabitants specialize in silver and copper smithing. They make ornamental items, including delicately engraved tropical fruits, used in traditional ceremonies at the pagoda or for marriages.
The distant hills of Cambodia's old capital, Oudong, and its royal stupas can be seen a few kilometers away from the ferry.
Kilometer after kilometer of rice fields interspersed with sugar palm trees - a national symbol - stretch out from the foot of the hill.
Kampong Tralach
Going upriver another 15 kilometers takes us to the very beautiful Vihara belonging to Wat Kompong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kompong Tralach Krom village and walk another couple of kilometers along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. It can also be reached from National Road No. 5.
Kampong Chhnang
Located some 90 kilometers from Phnom Penh, the town of Kompong Chhnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the thnot (sugar palm) tree that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
Kampong Luong
Once past the mouth of the Tonle Sap, the floating village of Kompong Luong is found 30 kilometers into the lake, on its southwest shore. It's truly a floating village, with a large population of Vietnamese fishermen.
Chnok Tru
Almost totally overlooked by tourists because of its remoteness and difficult access, the village is completely self-sufficient...
Siem Reap (Angkor)
At the foot of Phnom Krom, not far from Angkor Wat, the river vessel lies at anchor in the inundated forest.