About Svay Rieng
Despite it being relatively close to the capital, as well as proximity to Vietnam both Svay Rieng town and province are rarely visited by tourists. Here at Cambodia Lifestyle, we don’t just take google’s word for it! In fact, the area boasts not only a number of tourist attractions, but quaint small towns, hidden tourist gems, great football teams and a huge economic sector!
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What are the best things to do in Svay Rieng, Cambodia?
Welcome to Svay Rieng, a charming province in Cambodia known for its unique blend of culture and natural beauty. The Svay Rieng Province, which translates to “The Mango’s Range” in Khmer, offers an unforgettable experience for tourists.
Visit Angkor Borei Archaeological Site
Explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Borei, an archaeological site dating back to the Funan Kingdom. Discover remnants of ancient temples, sculptures, and artifacts that provide insights into Cambodia’s rich history.
Experience the Coconut Dance
Immerse yourself in local culture by witnessing the traditional Cambodian coconut dance, which originated in Svay Rieng. Enjoy the rhythmic movements and vibrant costumes as performers showcase this unique art form.
Explore Bavet Border Market
Take a stroll through Bavet Border Market, located at the international border between Cambodia and Vietnam. Browse through stalls selling a variety of goods, including clothing, electronics, and local delicacies. Experience the bustling atmosphere and observe the interactions between traders from both countries.
Discover Chantrea Waterfall
Escape the heat and venture to Chantrea Waterfall, a serene natural oasis nestled in the countryside of Svay Rieng. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil surroundings.
Sample Local Cuisine
Indulge in authentic Cambodian cuisine at local eateries in Svay Rieng. Try dishes such as fish amok (a traditional Khmer curry), num banh chok (Khmer noodles with fish-based gravy), and samlor kako (Cambodian sour soup) for a taste of local flavors.
Attend Festivals and Celebrations
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of local festivals and celebrations in Svay Rieng. From traditional Khmer New Year festivities to religious ceremonies and cultural events, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local community and witness traditional customs and rituals.
Visit Phnom Srei Temple
Explore Phnom Srei Temple, a historical site located atop a small hill in Svay Rieng. Admire the intricate carvings and architectural details of this ancient temple, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Take a Cycling Tour
Discover the scenic beauty of Svay Rieng and its surrounding countryside by embarking on a cycling tour. Pedal through picturesque villages, lush rice paddies, and serene landscapes while interacting with friendly locals along the way.
Learn Traditional Crafts
Participate in workshops or demonstrations to learn about traditional Khmer crafts such as silk weaving, pottery, and wood carving. Gain insight into age-old techniques passed down through generations and create your own unique souvenirs to take home.
Engage in Community Tourism
Support community-based tourism initiatives in Svay Rieng by participating in homestay experiences or guided tours led by local villagers. Gain a deeper understanding of rural life in Cambodia, engage with local communities, and contribute to sustainable tourism practices.
What is Svay Rieng all about? An Overlooked Destination
Situated in the southeast of Cambodia, Svay Rieng shares its borders with Vietnam, creating a fascinating cultural exchange zone. Long An and Tây Ninh provinces of Vietnam embrace Svay Rieng to the north, east, and south, offering a dynamic interplay of traditions and customs.
The provincial capital, Svay Rieng, is a bustling hub of activity, while the largest city, Bavet, serves as an international gateway between Cambodia and Vietnam, making it a vibrant crossroads of cultures.
One of the highlights of Svay Rieng is its role as the birthplace of the Cambodian coconut dance. Originating around 1960 in the picturesque Romeas Haek District, this captivating dance involves both men and women performing with coconuts, showcasing the province’s rich heritage and artistic expression.
Come explore Svay Rieng, where every corner holds a delightful surprise, from its lush landscapes to its vibrant cultural traditions. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking new experiences or a culture enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in local customs, Svay Rieng promises an enchanting journey you won’t soon forget.
At 3,000 kilometers it is the 21st biggest province and the 13th most populous with just over half a million people.
What to see and do in Svay Rieng Province
While not a tourism Metropolis, most of the nightlife, hotels and the like are situated in the capital of Svay Rieng Town, as well as the numerous casinos of the border area.
However, Svay Rieng is testament to being a quintessentially cute provincial capital with a small bar scene, street food and karaoke destinations. However, there is enough to entertain you for a night, such as:
Watch Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng Football Club
Despite being such a small town it boasts one of the most successful and best supported football clubs in Cambodia. During big matches such as against Phnom Penh Crown many people make the 4 hour journey here.
The border town casinos of Svay Rieng
As with most border towns Svay Rieng boats casinos largely aimed at the Vietnamese market. These can be stayed in regardless of your nationality and again mark a great way to break up a journey to Vietnam.
The Manhattan Special Economic Zone
Not a classic tourist attraction exactly, but this was he first and biggest SEZ in Cambodia. Quite near the border and boasts a number of hotels. Important enough to have been visited by Hun Manet
Accommodation in Svay Rieng province?
There are a number of hotels and guesthouses that litter the road to the Vietnamese border, as well as at the Manhattan SEZ, but the best hotels are in Svay Rieng Town.
Waikar Hotel
This is located in downtown Svay Rieng and just minutes from the football stadium, where visiting teams stay.
Red House Garden Hotel
A popular hotel in the main area
Waikar Hotel
At 3,000 kilometers it is the 21st biggest province and the 13th most populous with just over half a million people.
What can I see when travelling to Svay Rieng?
On the journey from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng there are some truly famous stops for food and drinks, including on the other side of the impressive Tsubasa Bridge. Well worth a photograph if you are traveling or stopping by on the way!
Eating and drinking in Svay Rieng
In Svay Rieng town there is the usual selection of street food, as well as a couple of restaurant options.
Asoro Pizza
Rejoice at the only place in Svay Rieng that sells western food. As you might guess, they have pizza, but also their own take on burgers.
Riverside dining in Svay Rieng
The riverside of Svay Rieng offers a number of higher end Khmer Restaurants, as well as karaoke style bars with ladies to keep you company.
There are a number of companies and individuals that specialize in tours to the region, as well as ones that do tours throughout the provinces of Cambodia. Cambodia Lifestyle recommend the following:
Young Pioneer Tours – Offer regular tours around Cambodia, as well as bespoke trips to Svay Rieng.
It is roughly 4 hours from Phnom Penh, or if you are going the other way it is on the border of Vietnam.
Information on how to travel from Phnom Penh to Vietnam route is here, with Saigon being just two hours from the border crossing.
