Banteay Meanchey Province

General information
The province is subdivided into 8 districts; Mongkol Borey, Phnom Srok, Preah Netr Preah, Ou Chrov, Serei Saophoan, Thmor Pouk, Svay Chek & Malai. Its capital is Sisophon.   
- Area              :  6,679sq km
- Population    : 678,033 (2008)
- Density         : 101.5/km2

The area was part of the extensive Khmer empire, with its most notable remains the Banteay Chhmar temple in the north of the province, built in 12th century towards the 13th century.

In the 17th century Siam took control over Cambodia, and made the area of the modern province part of Sisophon Province. In 1907 Siam had to cede control to the French, and it was then included into Battambang Province.

In 1988 the province Banteay Meanchey was split off from Battambang, originally consisting of the five districts Mongkol Borei, Thmor Pouk, Serei Sophorn, Preah Netr preah and Phnom Srok.

Tourist Attraction
Ang Trapeang Thmor (56 km from Town)
Ang Trapang Thmor Reservoir was built by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. It covers a huge area and is home to thousands of birds in the dry season. The Sarus Crane is the most well know visitor. There are hundreds of these graceful birds here.

Ang Trapeang Thmor should surely figure as one of the prime bird watching sites of northwest Cambodia. The protected area is a huge

reservoir built by the Khmer Rouge featuring extensive wet grasslands which grade into deciduous dipterocarp forest. It is most renowned for being the home of the largest-known flock of the rare Sarus Crane during the dry season (January-April). Sculpture and handcraft (51 km from Town)

Banteay Chhmar Temple
Constructed: Late 9 – Early 10th century C.E
King: Jayavarman VII
Banteay Chhmar is a largely unrestored, sprawling monastic complex set amongst jungle overgrowth. Face towers, temple in jungle scenes and extensive, amazingly well preserved bas-reliefs provide some of the highlights. Banteay Chhmar was dedicated to the four army generals

and his son, the Crown Prince Indravarman, who died fighting Champa. Khmer-Cham battles are depicted in the bas relief. Located about 59km north of Sisophon Town which serves as the gateway to Banteay Chhmar and due to its remote location near the Thai border has been a target of significant looting since the 1980s. In the past looters have dismantled entire walls of the temple to remove the carvings and bas reliefs. These treasures are then sold in the illegal antiquities black market.     

Banteay Torp
Banteay Torp means the "army base". It is about 55 km from the provincial town. It was the biggest army base during the civil war since 1970. It is located in Road No. 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Tmar Puok District. Today, and today it became a historical war places to the tourist to visit.

Sculpture and handicraft
It is located along national road 6 and 51km from Provincial Town, in Chung cheang Village, Phnom Chung cheang Commune, Preahnet Preah District.

Weaving handicraft
51 km from Provincial Town. It is located in Srah Chik Village, Poy Char Commune, Phnom Srok District.

International Crossing Border
Cambodia shares international borders with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. 
Poipet/ Poipet Casino (42 km from Town).

We wish all of you a pleasant holiday in Banteay Meanchey