Set on the banks of the Tonlé Sap River, Kampong Chhnang is one of Cambodia’s most enchanting provinces, a place where the Khmer Empire’s legacy, floating villages, and pottery traditions meet. Only 90 km from Phnom Penh, this riverside town offers travelers a glimpse of authentic Cambodia far from the bustle of tourist hotspots. Known as the country’s “Pottery Capital,” Kampong Chhnang draws visitors with its handcrafted ceramics, vibrant river markets, and sweeping views of rice paddies.
Population: Approximately 600,000 in 2024.
Economy: Kampong Chhnang’s economy revolves around agriculture, fishing, and traditional crafts. The fertile plains along the Tonlé Sap River support rice farming, making the province one of Cambodia’s key rice producers. Fishing and aquaculture thrive thanks to the river and nearby Tonlé Sap Lake. Small-scale trade, markets, and growing eco-tourism add to local income
Landmarks: Famous for the Andong Russey Pottery Village, Floating Villages on the Tonlé Sap, and the Phnom Santouch Hill.
Cambodia
Kampong Chhnang’s story stretches back centuries. Once part of the mighty Khmer Empire, it became a vital hub for river trade, fishing, and agriculture. Its name, which means “Port of Pottery”, reflects a tradition that has endured for generations.
Villagers still shape clay by hand, firing pots in open kilns much like their ancestors did. The French colonial era left its own imprint, with faded shopfronts and villas whispering stories of another time. Today, that blend of Khmer heritage and colonial remnants gives Kampong Chhnang its unique rhythm, slow, timeless, and deeply tied to the water.
Meeting the people of Kampong Chhnang is as rewarding as seeing its sights. Life here flows with the Tonlé Sap, and locals are quick to share stories about fishing seasons, rice harvests, and family traditions. Travelers can visit floating villages, join a pottery workshop, or enjoy a homestay where dinner is cooked over a wood fire. Expect warm greetings and genuine curiosity.
Just outside the town center, Andong Russey is where Kampong Chhnang’s pottery heritage comes alive. Families have shaped clay here for generations, crafting water jars, cooking pots, and decorative pieces. Visitors can watch artisans at work, try the wheel, and take home authentic Cambodian ceramics.
A boat ride on the Tonlé Sap River is a must. Entire communities live on water—schools, markets, even temples float on wooden platforms. The villages of Phsar Krom and Koh Chen offer insight into daily life tied to the rhythm of the river.
For sweeping views of rice paddies and river plains, climb Phnom Santouch, a hill dotted with pagodas and Buddha statues. At the summit, travelers find peace, panoramic vistas, and a sense of Cambodia’s spiritual heartbeat.
Along the riverfront, faded French colonial buildings mix with bustling markets and cafes. This promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll or an evening photography walk.
To see Kampong Chhnang at its most vibrant, visit the morning markets. Vendors sell freshly caught fish, exotic fruits, and fragrant spices. It’s a sensory experience and a window into local life.
Every November, Kampong Chhnang joins the rest of Cambodia in celebrating Bon Om Touk, the legendary Water Festival marking the Tonlé Sap River’s flow reversal. Expect boat races, riverside feasts, and fireworks lighting up the sky. For travelers, it’s the perfect time to see the river at its most vibrant.
Held in mid-April, Khmer New Year is a joyful, three-day celebration where locals clean their homes, visit temples, and play traditional games. Streets fill with laughter, water splashing, and the scent of festive food. Visitors are often invited to join the fun and be ready to get wet!
In late September or early October, Kampong Chhnang observes Pchum Ben, one of Cambodia’s most spiritual festivals. Families honor ancestors by offering food at pagodas, filling the air with incense and chants. Travelers visiting during this time should dress modestly and observe temple etiquette to witness these sacred rituals respectfully.
From November to January, Kampong Chhnang’s countryside turns golden with ripe rice. Villages often host small harvest feasts, music gatherings, and shared meals. While less formal than national festivals, they’re a chance for visitors to connect with locals and taste dishes made from fresh new rice.
These Buddhist holidays, celebrated in February and May, honor the life and teachings of the Buddha. Temples in Kampong Chhnang glow with lanterns, and monks lead evening prayers. For culture lovers, it’s a serene, moving experience.
The dry season brings sunny skies and cooler breezes, with temperatures averaging 25–30°C. It’s the most popular time for sightseeing, river cruises, and outdoor activities. Festivals like Bon Om Touk and Khmer New Year also fall in this period, making it culturally rich for visitors.
Expect afternoon showers, lush green landscapes, and rising river levels. The rain brings life to rice fields and floating villages, creating incredible photo opportunities. Travelers who don’t mind a little rain will find fewer crowds and softer prices on accommodation.
Battambang is the soulful heart of northwest Cambodia. This is a city where time slows down and stories unfold at every turn. Known as the country’s second-largest city, it charms travelers with a rare blend of French colonial architecture, vibrant art spaces, and lush countryside landscapes. Unlike the tourist bustle of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, Battambang offers a gentler rhythm, inviting visitors to cycle past rice paddies, meet local artisans, and soak up the authentic Khmer way of life.
Population: Approximately 120,000 in 2019.
Economy: Battambang’s economy is rooted in agriculture, earning it the title “Cambodia’s rice bowl.” Beyond farming, small-scale industries like rice milling, fish processing, and handicrafts support local livelihoods. Tourism is an expanding pillar, with visitors drawn to cultural sites, art spaces, and eco-tourism experiences.
Landmarks: Famous for The Bamboo Train, Phnom Sampeau, and the Wat Banan Temple.
Set on the banks of the Tonlé Sap River, Kampong Chhnang is one of Cambodia’s most enchanting provinces, a place where the Khmer Empire’s legacy, floating villages, and pottery traditions meet. Only 90 km from Phnom Penh, this riverside town offers travelers a glimpse of authentic Cambodia far from the bustle of tourist hotspots. Known as the country’s “Pottery Capital,” Kampong Chhnang draws visitors with its handcrafted ceramics, vibrant river markets, and sweeping views of rice paddies.
Population: Approximately 600,000 in 2024.
Economy: Kampong Chhnang’s economy revolves around agriculture, fishing, and traditional crafts. The fertile plains along the Tonlé Sap River support rice farming, making the province one of Cambodia’s key rice producers. Fishing and aquaculture thrive thanks to the river and nearby Tonlé Sap Lake. Small-scale trade, markets, and growing eco-tourism add to local income
Landmarks: Famous for the Andong Russey Pottery Village, Floating Villages on the Tonlé Sap, and the Phnom Santouch Hill.
Nestled in the misty highlands of northern Laos, Xiangkhouang is a province where ancient legends meet living heritage. Home to the enigmatic Plain of Jars, Xiangkhouang invites travelers to step off the beaten path and uncover a land shaped by war, resilience, and timeless traditions. Whether you’re an explorer drawn to megalithic wonders, a cultural traveler seeking human connection, or a nature lover craving serene landscapes, Xiangkhouang promises something uniquely unforgettable.
Population: Approximately 278,000 in 2025.
Economy: Xiangkhouang’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, tourism, and small-scale trade. The fertile plains and cooler climate support many types of crops and livestock farming. In recent years, tourism has emerged as a growing sector, thanks to the Plain of Jars and eco-cultural experiences attracting both domestic and international travelers.
Landmarks: Famous for the Plain of Jars, Muang Khoun, and Tad Ka Waterfall.
Nestled in Japan's scenic Tohoku region, Fukushima offers travelers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Known for its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities, Fukushima is an excellent destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience beyond the bustling metropolises. Renowned for its diverse attractions, from ancient castles and hot springs to vibrant festivals and picturesque countryside, Fukushima offers a great opportunity for cultural and historical exploration for anyone who loves Japanese culture.
Population: Approximately 1.8 million in 2023.
Economy: Specializing in the seafood and fishing industries, Fukushima, with its historical impacts, now continues to thrive as one of the most developed and largest economies in Japan.
Landmarks: Famous for Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, Fukushima City Historical Museum, and Ouchi-juku.
Floating gently in the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima, officially known as Itsukushima, is one of Japan’s most treasured islands. Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, this peaceful destination draws travelers with its spiritual energy, ancient shrines, and wild-yet-gentle sacred deer that roam freely. Renowned for the iconic floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima blends centuries of Shinto belief, Buddhist tradition, and natural beauty into one unforgettable journey.
Population: Approximately 1,500 in 2019.
Economy: Miyajima’s economy is deeply rooted in tourism. Visitors fuel local businesses such as traditional inns (ryokan), souvenir shops, street food vendors, and ferry services.
Landmarks: Famous for Itsukushima Shrine and the Floating Torii Gate, Mount Misen, and the Daisho-in Temple.
Anuradhapura is not just a place to visit, it’s a place to feel. Nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites travelers to walk among sacred stupas, ancient ruins, and vibrant rituals that span over two millennia. Known as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Anuradhapura blends religious reverence, royal history, and everyday village life. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a history lover, or a curious wanderer, this ancient city offers a deep and memorable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity.
Population: Approximately 950,000 in 2022.
Economy: Anuradhapura’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, religious tourism, and small-scale trade. The region is known for rice farming, supported by ancient irrigation systems. Tourism, linked to its UNESCO World Heritage status, also plays a vital role, in supporting local businesses, guides, and hospitality services.
Landmarks: Famous for the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and Jetavanaramaya Monastery.