Takeo province is often referred to as the cradle of Cambodian
civilisation Takeo province has several important pre-Angkorian sites
built between the 5th and the 8th century. The provincial capital, Takeo
town is an easygoing place that possesses a fair amount of natural and
manmade beauty. The natural beauty is in the Scenic River and lake area
that faces a pleasant town parkway. The low-lying area seems to include
much of the surrounding province area, which is probably why a kingdom
that once had its heart here was referred to as Water Chenla. There
seems to be water everywhere in the surrounding countryside during the
rainy season.
The man-made beauty mostly comes from a series of
canals and waterways that were cut through the surrounding countryside,
many a very long time ago, connecting towns, villages, rivers and
Vietnam. Nearby Angkor Borei town (connected by water to Takeo town) may
have been the heart of the Funan Empire, which is called the Cradle of
Khmer Civilization by Cambodians. Much older than Angkor, the Funan
empire had its heyday between the 1st and 6th centuries and stretched
across a vast area, from South Vietnam through Thailand, down through
Malaysia and into Indonesia. Bold, silver and silks were traded in
abundance in the kingdom, or, as some say, the series of fiefdoms.
Although
Cambodians claim Funan was created by Khmers, neighbouring Vietnam
argues that they were the people of origin. Archaeologists from the
University of Hawaii of the USA have made research trips to Angkor Borei
in an attempt to piece together the history and story, and story, as
well as relics, of the Funan period. In an odd recent twist, Reuters
News Service reported in early November 1999 that locals saw the
research team digging up ancient relics and figured the stuff must be
valuable, so they started digging and looting objects from the area.
Fortunately, the Cambodian government seems to be moving in on the
problem quickly to try to save what they can of this important piece of
Khmer heritage.
That was not the first time the locals have
created problems in the piecing together of ancient history. Much of
what did remain in the form of ancient ruins in Angkor Borei was
destroyed not too long ago in the modern past. The officials that runs
the museum that's dedicated to the history of the Funan empire told me
that much of what was still standing from this period (from parts of
ancient walls to partial structures) was thought to be useless by locals
and was bulldozed and razed to make way for more useful modern day
structures! Talk about having a bad track record. Fortunately artifacts
and history have been put together in the museum.
Takeo Province
is full of other interesting sights as well and because of the short
distance and good road from Phnom Penh, all are great day trips. Some
sights can be combined in a day trip. If you have a bit more time, spend
an evening in Takeo town and take in all the sights. There is a
pleasant little place to stay overlooking the river and lake area.
Tourist Attractions in Takeo
-
Angkor Borie
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Chruos Phaork
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Chup Pol Temple
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Museum
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Neang Khmao Temple
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Phnom Ba Yong
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Phnom Chiso (Chiso Mountain)
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Phnom Da
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Phnom Ta Mao (Zoo)
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Phnom Ta Moa
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Ta Prohm Temple
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Tonle Bati
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Wat Phnom Khliang
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Yeay Pov Temple
