Angkor Borei: Southern Cambodia's Hidden Gem

Angkor Borei, an area in Cambodia's Takeo region, is less well-known than Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom, although it does include various ruins and archaeological sites to visit. Angkor Borei is about a 30-minute boat journey from Takeo. Along the journey, tourists may observe the plain, rice farms, and, most importantly, local everyday life on the river when choosing a holiday to Cambodia. Angkor Borei is quite near neighboring nation Vietnam, only 12 km via waterway.

History of Angkor Borei

This ancient city was renowned as an important religious and political location in the Kingdom of Funan, and some texts indicate that it may have been the capital. Funan only existed from the first century AD until the sixth century. It served as a bridge connecting Indochina to India and China.

 
Things to look for from this location?

The archaeological remains of Angkor Borei offer a fascinating look at the Funan civilization's superior urban planning and complex society. The city was located along significant trade routes and served as a magnet for economic and cultural activities. Visitors may examine the remnants of temples, palaces, and other monuments that represent the Funan people's architectural and cultural achievements.

Some of the main features of Angkor Borei are:

→The Angkor Borei Museum displays relics and exhibitions that shed light on the Funan kingdom's everyday life, religious rites, and creative traditions.
→The Prasat Andet Temple: This well-preserved brick temple is one of the most spectacular constructions on the Angkor Borei site. Visitors may appreciate the beautiful carvings and architectural elements.
→The Angkor Borei Earthworks: These massive earthworks, which include moats, embankments, and canals, showcase the Funan people's outstanding urban planning and water management abilities.
→The Angkor Borei Ecotourism Site allows tourists to discover the region's natural beauties, including mangrove forests, wetlands, and traditional fishing communities.

 
From Phnom Penh comes Angkor Borei

Angkor Borei is located around 120 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. It takes about two hours to drive from Phnom Penh's center to Takeo province, a tranquil village that is quite different from where you just came from.

The most convenient method to get to the location is by private automobile or cab. Alternatively, you may take a bus from Phnom Penh's central bus station to Takeo and then rent a tuk-tuk or local transportation to get to the Angkor Borei temple.

If you prefer a more adventurous option, try taking a boat journey along the Mekong River from Phnom Penh to Angkor Borei. This picturesque drive might take 4 to 5 hours and offers a unique view of Cambodia's countryside.

Day Tour in Angkor Borei

Daily visits to Angkor Borei depart from the capital city of Phnom Penh in the morning, after breakfast. After a short voyage to Angkor Borei, you may begin your journey with a tiny museum, also called Angkor Borei.

This is a modest mini-collection of antiques made in 2008 with distinctive Khmer architecture; there isn't much information, but it's intriguing to see. I'd say the museum is small, but it's jam-packed. It is highly advised to travel there with a local, informed tour guide. The boat voyage from Takeo to Angkor Borei costs between US$30 and $40 per person.

Food at Angkor Borei

The harbor near the Angkor Borei Museum is called a floating fish market, where all boats congregate to sell their catch. There are also several "local style" beverage businesses that provide coconut water and syrup with ice. Some Khmer traditional meals are also available for sale. However, if you are not a food explorer, think twice before attempting them. If you're not too hungry, there are a few good Khmer eateries along the seaside, following the canal that leads to Vietnam, Angkor Borei, and Phnom Da. There are several restaurants in Takeo near the Independence Monument.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Angkor Borei is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, making it easier to explore the archeological site. Avoid the hot and humid months of May through October, since the weather may be rather harsh.

Places near Angkor Borei

For those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures, Phnom Da is a fascinating temple not to be missed. While not as spectacular as Angkor Wat, this location is a hidden gem with a breathtaking vista. The excursion begins with an overview of the Angkor Borei museum, followed by a boat voyage to Phnom Da, located in Prek Ta Phor hamlet.

The Phnom Da may be accessed by two stairs, and it is best to ascend one and descend the other to see diverse sights. More than a hundred stairs may not seem like much, but in the heat and humidity, bring a bottle of water for this trip.

Most visitors return after visiting the remains of Angkor Borei, but if you travel the further 20 kilometers to Phnom Da, you will be rewarded. The route itself allows for greater vistas of rural landscapes, tiny villages, and so on. When I arrived, visitors paid US$3 to enter the temple.

 
So whether your travels take you to the great Cambodian temples or the preserved old Italian town, get ready for your senses to be overwhelmed. Prepare to feel very small in the face of such grand achievements, but also very connected to fellow people from long ago. The intricate carvings and sheer size of Angkor Borei promise an unforgettable experience. So check online for flights to Cambodia, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for mystery and magic holidays to Cambodia with Threeland Travel, a Vietnam travel agency to Cambodia, when exploring this newest wonder of the ancient world. The treasures of Angkor Borei are waiting!