Page 43 - Experience Thailand and More

BANTAEY MEANCHEY

Fortress of Victory

The drive north from Battambang traverses lush, emerald rice paddy as
far as the eye can see in between quickly expanding towns. All along the
soon-to-be-completed four- lane National Highway 5 are stalls selling Khao
Laem (sweet sticky rice with coconut and banana roasted in bamboo),
basketry and local Sai Kuart sausage.

After a few hours of slow travel, you arrive at Serei Saophan, or Sisophon,
the tiny capital of Khaet Banteay Meanchey, where you are greeted by
“The Good Wife”, a giant, shapely, relatively young sculpture that reflects
th
the perfect Cambodian spouse. Since the 13 century, Sisophon has
served as an important cross roads and trading post under the control of
the Khmer, then Thai, French and once more Cambodians.

Turning west at the roundabout will take you to Poipet, the Thai-Cambodian
boomtown border crossing with its casinos and hotels attracting hordes
of gamblers. Turning east onto National Highway 8 leads to Siem Reap.
But, first, we’ll head north on National Highway 69 to discover the ancient
ruins of Prasart Banteay Chhmar and the sleepy town that has sprung up
around it.

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