Takéo is a province of Cambodia. Located in the south of Cambodia to the west of Bassac River, Takéo borders the provinces of Kampot to the west, Kampong Speu to the northwest and Kandal to the north and east. Its southern boundary is the international border with Vietnam.Takeo Province, located in southeastern Cambodia, offers a blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Takeo Province:
Top Attractions:
- Phnom Da: Explore the ancient temple complex of Phnom Da, located on a hilltop overlooking the countryside. Dating back to the Chenla period (6th to 9th centuries), Phnom Da features well-preserved brick structures, sandstone carvings, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Phnom Chisor: Visit the hilltop temple of Phnom Chisor, also known as Suryagiri, which dates back to the 11th century. Climb the steep staircase to reach the temple's summit and admire its impressive architecture, stone carvings, and scenic vistas of rice paddies and villages below.
- Tonlé Bati: Relax by the tranquil shores of Tonlé Bati, a popular recreational area located near Phnom Da and Phnom Chisor. Enjoy picnicking, swimming, and boating on the lake, and explore nearby attractions such as the Ta Prohm Temple and Yeay Peau Temple.
- Angkor Borei Archaeological Site: Discover the ancient city of Angkor Borei, an important pre-Angkorian settlement dating back to the Funan period (1st to 6th centuries). Explore archaeological ruins, including brick temples, earthen mounds, and a museum showcasing artifacts from the site.
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center: Visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, Cambodia's largest wildlife sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Takeo Province. Explore the center's extensive grounds, home to rescued animals such as sun bears, gibbons, elephants, and rare bird species.
Top Things to Do:
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Khmer culture and traditions by visiting local villages, markets, and pagodas. Experience rural life, sample traditional Cambodian cuisine, and participate in ceremonies and festivals celebrated by the local community.
- Boat Tours: Take a boat tour along the waterways of Takeo Province, exploring scenic landscapes, floating villages, and birdwatching opportunities. Cruise along the Prek Ang Tong River and Tonlé Sap Lake, and observe daily life along the shores.
- Cycling Tours: Explore the countryside of Takeo Province on two wheels, cycling along scenic trails, rural roads, and ancient temple paths. Rent bicycles or join guided cycling tours to discover hidden gems, picturesque landscapes, and local attractions off the beaten path.
- Birdwatching: Discover the diverse birdlife of Takeo Province by embarking on birdwatching excursions to wetlands, rice fields, and nature reserves. Spot a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds, in their natural habitats.
- Khmer Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes with hands-on cooking classes offered by local chefs and cooking schools. Visit local markets to select fresh ingredients, and master the art of preparing authentic Cambodian recipes.