via Khmer Times, 23 November 2020: Travel piece about visiting Phnom Da and Angkor Borei in Takeo, which date to the Funan period.
Phnom Borey and Phnom Da, two natural hills in Takeo, are not only the centre of Khmer folktales but also a great getaway located less than 100 kilometres from Phnom Penh.
For about 40 years, the sites used to be isolated from urbanites, despite being only about 24 kilometers east of centre of Takeo. At that time, the road leading to the two mountains was in a very poor condition and even submerged for six months during the rainy season. That could have resulted in the area’s unspoiled state today.
Just driving on the narrow road, which was once difficult from the Angkor Borei district, there is enough scenery to be called a pleasant experience. Along the road are stunning views, combining still-life such as paddy fields, palm trees and rivers with people, their livestock and fish-eating birds.
While the scenery is there all year, the best time to visit is between late September and January, when you can avoid the hot sun and heavy rains.
