Kandal, Cambodia Travel Guide

Discover Kandal, Cambodia: A blend of historical landmarks, serene nature, and rich cultural traditions just a stone's throw from Phnom Penh.

Kandal, located just outside Phnom Penh, offers a serene escape from the bustling capital. This province is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, ideal for those looking to explore authentic Cambodian life. Visitors can stroll through traditional villages where time seems to stand still, witnessing local crafts and age-old traditions. The Mekong River flows through Kandal, providing stunning riverine landscapes and opportunities for boat trips. Wat Phnom, an ancient temple, offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region, while the Oudong Mountain stands as a historical landmark with panoramic views. Kandal's markets are brimming with fresh produce and local delicacies, perfect for food enthusiasts. The area is also known for its silk weaving, which you can observe in workshops and even purchase as a unique souvenir. Whether it's exploring the lush countryside, visiting historical sites, or immersing in local culture, Kandal has something for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kandal.

Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy a peaceful experience at the temples and markets.
Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and culture of the area.
Try the local cuisine at street markets for an authentic taste of Cambodian food.
Take a boat trip on the Mekong River for unique views and to visit floating villages.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some attractions like Oudong Mountain require a bit of a hike.

Top City Travel Guides in Kandal

The cities of Kandal, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Phnom Penh

Explore Kandal: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Kandal

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Orussey Market

Experience the vibrant local culture and flavors at Orussey Market, a bustling marketplace in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

4.2

Olympic Market

Explore Olympic Market in Phnom Penh for a colorful shopping experience filled with local flavors, textiles, and cultural treasures.

4.2

Kirirom National Park

Explore Kirirom National Park: A breathtaking sanctuary of pine forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in the heart of Cambodia.

4.4

Bokor Hill Station

Discover the enchanting ruins of Bokor Hill Station, where history meets breathtaking landscapes in the heart of Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains.

4.3

Best landmarks in Kandal

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Angkor Wat

Explore Angkor Wat, the magnificent temple city in Cambodia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Khmer architecture and rich history.

4.8

Bayon Temple

Discover the serene faces of Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, a mesmerizing blend of Khmer art, architecture, and Buddhist symbolism.

4.8

Ta Prohm Temple

Discover Ta Prohm, the Tomb Raider Temple: where nature and ancient Khmer architecture intertwine in a mesmerizing dance of time and history.

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Independence Monument

A majestic lotus-shaped monument in Phnom Penh, commemorating Cambodia's independence and honoring the nation's heroes. A symbol of freedom and resilience.

4.5

Best restaurants in Kandal

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Malis Norodom

Discover the exquisite flavors of Cambodia at Malis Norodom - where tradition meets elegance in fine dining.

4.3

David's Restaurant Homemade Noodles

Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine at David's Restaurant Homemade Noodles in Phnom Penh, known for its delicious homemade noodle dishes and warm ambiance.

4.4

La Croisette Phnom Penh

Experience exquisite dining at La Croisette Phnom Penh - where lush gardens meet culinary excellence along the riverside.

4.4

Topaz Norodom

Experience exquisite French fine dining at Topaz Norodom in Phnom Penh, where culinary artistry meets unparalleled elegance.

4.5

Best bars in Kandal

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Le Moon Rooftop

Experience breathtaking views and innovative cocktails at Le Moon Rooftop, the ultimate bar and lounge destination in Phnom Penh.

4.2

Harry’s Phnom Penh

Discover the vibrant flavors of Cambodia at Harry’s Phnom Penh, a bar & grill offering delightful dishes and stunning riverside views.

4.2

Bouchon Wine Bar

Savor exquisite French cuisine and fine wines at Bouchon Wine Bar, a perfect blend of taste and ambiance in Phnom Penh.

4.5

VEHAA | Restaurant & Bar

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4.3

Best nightclubs in Kandal

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Pontoon Club

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3.7

LOVE - Phnom Penh

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at LOVE - Phnom Penh, where vibrant music and electrifying energy come together for unforgettable nights.

4.0

Naga World Night Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh at Naga World Night Club, where music, dance, and elegance converge for an unforgettable evening.

4.4

Vito Club

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3.8

Best shops in Kandal

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AEON Mall Phnom Penh

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4.4

AEON Mall Sen Sok

Discover the perfect blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment at AEON Mall Sen Sok, Phnom Penh's premier shopping destination.

4.5

Sorya Center Point

Discover Sorya Center Point, Phnom Penh's premier shopping mall featuring diverse retail, delectable dining, and exciting entertainment options for all ages.

4.0

រស្មីម៉ាតReaksmey Mart

Discover the convenience of Reaksmey Mart in Pakkdey, your go-to spot for local snacks and travel essentials.

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Explore Kandal on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kandal, mapped for you.

Kandal Essentials

Kandal is located close to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. The nearest international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers from Kandal. From the airport, you can take a taxi or book a private transfer to Kandal. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services or hire a car for the journey. There are also buses and minibuses (known locally as 'vans') that operate between Phnom Penh and Kandal.
Within Kandal, you can use various modes of transportation to get around. Tuk-tuks and moto-taxis are popular and convenient for short distances. For longer distances, you can hire a car or use local buses and vans. Renting a bicycle or a motorbike is also an option for those who prefer a more flexible mode of transport. Be sure to negotiate fares in advance when using tuk-tuks and moto-taxis.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Kandal, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in Phnom Penh before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.
Kandal is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Some areas may have higher crime rates, so it is best to stay informed about local safety advisories. Always use reputable transportation services and avoid displaying valuable items.
In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 118 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kandal. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always carry important contact numbers and identification with you.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and hat when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow of the head or a traditional 'Sampeah' gesture (palms together in a prayer-like position). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Kandal like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient temples and pagodas scattered throughout Kandal. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on the Mekong River to enjoy the scenic views and observe local river life.

When is the best time to visit Kandal?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kandal

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kandal. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloសួស្តី
  [suas-dei]
- Goodbyeលាហើយ
  [lea-haey]
- Yesបាទ / ចាស
  [bat / chas]
- Noអត់
  [at]
- Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [soom]
- Thank youអរគុណ
  [orkun]
- Excuse me/Sorryសូមអភ័យទោស
  [soom aphay tos]
- How are you?សុខសប្បាយរបស់អ្នកទេ?
  [sok sabay robos anak te?]
- Fine. And you?សុខសប្បាយ។ អ្នក呢?
  [sok sabay. anak ne?]
- Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ?
  [anak niyeay phea sa angkles te?]
- I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ
  [khnhom min yol te]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយ, សូម
  [khnhom chong merl menu, soom]
- I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនញ៉ាំសាច់
  [khnhom min nham sach]
- Cheers!ជំរាបសួរ!
  [jom reap suor!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់, សូម
  [khnhom chong bang brak, soom]
- Help!ជួយ!
  [jouy!]
- Go away!ទៅចAway!
  [tev cha away!]
- Call the Police!ហៅមន្ត្រីនគរបាល!
  [hao mntray niakorbail!]
- Call a doctor!ហៅវេជ្ជបណ្ឌិត!
  [hao vechhya bandit!]
- I'm lostខ្ញុំបានបាត់
  [khnhom ban bat]
- I'm illខ្ញុំអ្នកជំរះ
  [khnhom anak jomrah]
- I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [khnhom chong teanh...]
- I'm just lookingខ្ញុំគ្រាន់តែតាមដាន
  [khnhom krouan tae tam dan]
- How much is it?តម្លៃប៉ុន្មាន?
  [tamlai ponman?]
- That's too expensiveវាធ្វើអោយថ្លៃពេក
  [ve thveu ay thlai pek]
- Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាចកាត់តម្លៃទេ?
  [anak ach kat tamlai te?]
- What time is it?ម៉ោងប៉ុន្មានហើយ?
  [maong ponman hey?]
- It's one o'clockម៉ោងមួយ
  [maong muoy]
- Half past (10)ម៉ោងរយៈពេលមួយគត់
  [maong royah pel muoy kot]
- Morningព្រឹក
  [prek]
- Afternoonល្ងាច
  [lngaech]
- Eveningល្ងាច
  [lngaech]
- Yesterdayម្សិលមិញ
  [msil minh]
- Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [thngai nih]
- Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [thngai saek]
- 1១
  [muoy]
- 2២
  [pei]
- 3៣
  [bei]
- 4៤
  [buon]
- 5៥
  [pram]
- 6៦
  [pram muoy]
- 7៧
  [pram pei]
- 8៨
  [pram bei]
- 9៩
  [pram buon]
- 10១០
  [pram pram]
- Where's a/the...?ឯណាដែល...
  [aena del...]
- What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋានអ្វី?
  [asayadhthan ave?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាចបង្ហាញខ្ញុំ (លើផែនទី)?
  [anak ach banghean khnhom (leu phen ti)?]
- When's the next (bus)?ម៉ោងបន្ទាប់ (រថយន្ត)?
  [maong bontob (rath yon)?]
- A ticket (to ....)សំបុត្រទៅ....
  [sambot tov....]

History of Kandal

Kandal Province, nestled in the heart of Cambodia, traces its origins back to the early periods of the Khmer Empire. As an area that was once part of the empire's core territories, Kandal has been a significant region for centuries. The province's central location along the Mekong River has made it a crucial area for trade, agriculture, and governance throughout Cambodia's history.
During the height of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th centuries, Kandal played an essential role in the empire's expansion and prosperity. The region's fertile lands and strategic location contributed to its importance. Temples and other architectural marvels from this era can still be found, reflecting the grandeur and influence of the Khmer civilization.
In the mid-19th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate, and Kandal Province was no exception. The French colonial period brought significant changes to the region, including the introduction of new administrative structures, education systems, and infrastructure projects. Remnants of French architecture and urban planning can still be seen in some parts of the province.
After gaining independence from France in 1953, Cambodia, including Kandal Province, embarked on a journey of modernization and development. The region saw the construction of new schools, hospitals, and roads, which helped improve the quality of life for its residents. This period also saw an increased focus on preserving and promoting Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
The Khmer Rouge regime, which lasted from 1975 to 1979, had a profound and tragic impact on Kandal Province. Like the rest of Cambodia, Kandal experienced significant turmoil, with many residents suffering under the brutal policies of the regime. The province's historical sites and cultural heritage also faced destruction during this dark chapter in Cambodian history.
Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Kandal Province, like the rest of Cambodia, embarked on a path of recovery and reconstruction. Efforts were made to rebuild infrastructure, restore historical sites, and revive traditional cultural practices. Today, Kandal stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Cambodian people.
Kandal Province is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous festivals and traditions that reflect its vibrant history. One of the most significant events is the annual Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), which celebrates the end of the rainy season with boat races, music, and dance. The province is also home to several important pagodas and temples, where locals and visitors alike can experience Cambodia's spiritual traditions.