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& Photos by: Prak
Chanthul. | |
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A province
known as a parking spot
might be Cambodia's newest
travel destination. Hungry
travelers winding along
National Road 5 between
Phnom Penh and Battambang
have been known to pause
in Pursat to refuel with
lunch, but few have discovered
the province's three wonders
waiting just a moto-drive
away. The tomb of Kleang
Mueng, the floating town
of Kampong Luang, and
the natural beauty of
the Ouda are all unspoiled
attractions that have
failed to disappoint even
the most seasoned adventurer.
More than 400,000
people make Pursat their
home, a town known for
its top-quality marble
and located 186 km from
Phnom Penh. Most residents
make their living farming,
digging marble, or sculpting.
Locals and visitors alike
are never disappointed
with the beautiful scenery
as they stroll along the
riverbanks at sunset.
Although the riverside
is always busy, the cool
waters and fresh air wash
the town with peace and
serenity. Photographers
have countless opportunities
for still memories here,
whether they are walking
or resting on one of the
many benches available
for tired wanderers.
| | | |  | | The
riverside in the center
of Pursat town. Many
people choose to rest
in the shade of the trees
by the river and enjoy
the breeze there. | | |
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| | |  | | The
floating town of Kampong
Luang on the Tonle Sap
Lake. | | | |
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Heading
5 km out of town, down
a small road to the left
of the bridge, travelers
will find the tomb of
Kleang Mueng. Oknha Kleang
Mueng was a Khmer national
hero who defeated the
Thais in a battle in 1482.
A new statue of Kleang
Mueng stands proudly holding
a long sword. Beside him
is his wife, Khan Khiev.
The gold-painted statue
resides in a new shrine,
given by Prince Ranariddh
to replace the aging shelter
that housed the previous
Kleang Mueng monument.
Locals revere Oknha Kleang
Mueng and are known to
visit his tomb during
festivals and holidays
to burn incenses and pray
for happiness. Travelers
must move on to Kampong
Luang in Krakor, a town
floating on the Tonle
Sap Lake just 40 km outside
of Pursat. Khmer and Vietnamese
fishermen reside amidst
the more than 12,000 inhabitants.
Among the floating buildings
are a police station,
schools, restaurants,
doctors' offices, shops
and bars. Most visitors
are surprised to find
the town equipped with
all the facilities of
a grounded city. Boats
are the most popular and
efficient means of transportation,
and nearly every house
|
|  | | Signboard
indicating charges one
has to pay to visit the
Ouda during public holidays. | | | |
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lays
claim to one. The town's
size changes according
to the lake's water level,
which rises and falls
according to the season.
Kampong Luang is a maximum
7 km during the rainy
season and 2 km during
the dry season. Tourists
are always welcome, regardless
of the season, and often
delighted when locals
raise their hands in a
friendly greeting to newcomers
passing by. Hour-long
sightseeing tours of the
town cost $5, and motor
taxi drivers can carry
you from Pursat to Kampong
Luang for 20,000 riel
($5) roundtrip. It
is best to conclude one's
journey on a high note,
so many travelers leave
by soaking in the lucid
water of the Ouda. This
remote attraction refreshes
even the most tired travelers
with its gorgeous scenery
and tranquility. Any stress
brought on by the challenges
of work or family life
will |
| | | |  | | The
glistening water of the
Ouda. | | |
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be
carried away in the natural
splendor of the river,
which flows from the Arai
River in the Cardamom
mountains. The mouth of
the river, approximately
500 meters wide, is framed
by thousands of large
and |
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small
rocks. During the rainy
season, the transparent
water crashes over the
smooth stones, but when
the rains dry up, sentimental
travelers can take a seat
on the rocks to reflect
on their journey. Opened
just a few years ago,
Ouda is located in Rokat
Commune in Kravanh district
58 km from Pursat.
With travel comes experience.
Pursat and its surrounding
attractions are sure to
season even the savviest
traveler. Lunch along
the highway, a dip into
history with Oknha Kleang
Mueng, a floating town
tour, and a bath in the
healing waters of Ouda
will fill your photo album
with unique memories to
pass on for generations.
| | | | |   | | The
statues of Oknha Kleang
Mueng and his wife Khan
Khiev now stand proudly
in a newly built shrine
donated by Prince Ranariddh | | |
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Suite
B8, Regency Square, InterContinental
Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard, Phnom Penh,
Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133
Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com
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