About Oddar Meanchey
Oddar Meanchey province is located in the extremely remote north-east of Cambodia. Formerly ignored by the central government the province particularly along the border have recently seen somewhat of a renaissance.
It has a population of 280,000 and is the 13th largest in terms of size.
Culture & History
Attractions
Eat & Drink
Shopping
Places to stay
Something Different
Eco & Wellness
Services
Culture and History
For the most part the province was part of Siam (Thailand) until 1907 when it was taken over by the French Indochinese Colonial authorities. Since then it has largely been an integral part of Cambodia, although it was briefly controlled by Thailand form 1941-45.
Since then its history has largely been one of war, firstly against the French and then by the Khmer Rouge against the central government.
Its association with the Reds would continue through until 1998 when it was the capital of the last Khmer Rouge state, as well as where Pol Pot died. Since then there has been some investment as the area has reintegrated into Cambodia, as well as intense interest in Dark Tourism and Khmer Rouge tourism within the area.
Attractions
Dark Tourism in Anlong Veng
Most tourists are drawn to the area for the dark tourism related to the Khmer Rouge and their last state. This included numerous graves and bunkers.
Pol Pot Grave
Crazily right next to a hotel and casino this eerie spot is where former Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot was cremated. There is very little here to mark it, with local children being responsible for the “fee”.
Ta Mok House
This impressive building marks the last place that the last leader of the Khmer Rouge lived, fit with its own private lake. The building has been made into a Khmer Rouge museum of sorts, with signs for tourists.
Pol Pot’s bunker
This takes a motorbike, or better skill a guide to take you. There is not much left of this jungle bunker, but there are signs here detailing Khmer Rouge history.
Grave of Son Sen
Another rather eerie monument that marks where Son Sen and his whole family were executed. The only signage here is quite literally hand written and says Son Sean Grave.
Samraong
The titular capital of Oddar Meanchey, there is not all that much to do here, but it is the best placed for hotels, restaurants and transportation.
Eat and drink
Samraong Central Market
As Samraong isn’t big at all you will easily find the central market with several food stalls around offering saucepans of pre-cooked food for around a dollar a serve. This place comes more alive at night.
Street Food Samraong
As a small developing province there is a rich street food Pailin scene. These mostly consist of vendors that open of a nighttime, particularly at the markets by the border.
Anlong Veng Street Food
Options are similarly lacking in Anlong Veng, but can be found around the central roundabout. There are also some places up towards the border with Thailand that are a bit more restaurant like.
Places to stay
Chouen Hotel
Located in in the capital of Samroang, this place can be booked online and offers simple affordable rooms.
O-Smach Resort
The only resort of sorts within the capital of the province. Slightly more upscale than Choeun.
Hang Hotel Anlong Veng
A decent 3 star hotel costing around $30 a night. Within walking distance of both the grave of Pol Pot, as well as the border.
Something different
Tamok Guesthouse – One we have not stayed in yet, but of interest as it ran by the family of former Khmer Rouge leader Ta Mok.
Tours in Oddar Meanchey
Young Pioneer Tours – Offer bespoke and group tour packages throughout Cambodia, inclusive of Oddar Meanchey province and Anlong Veng.