Sisophon
Sisophon, also "Serei-sophon" or "Svay", is a small town in North-western Cambodia. It is the capital of Banteay Meanchey Province. Stueng Sisophon is a medium sized river that meanders round the southern circumference of the town. ContentsUnderstandSisophon is a transport hub that almost every overland visitor to Cambodia will unknowingly visit for at least 15 minutes. It is located at the junction of two main routes: National Highway 5 (running south to Battambang and west to Poipet) and National Highway 6 (running east to Siem Reap). The town's main tourist draw is the Banteay Chhmar temple complex, which offers a more remote and atmospheric alternative to the Angkor Archaeological Park. The town is sufficiently large to benefit from modern technological advancements not found in the countryside but is largely untouched by foreign influences, which makes it an interesting representation of modern Cambodia. There's a smattering of aspiring English speaking students, mentally unsound Khmer Rouge survivors, peasants and provincial townsfolk which give those who care to spend any time in Sisophon a glimpse of folk that are not found in the more visited, more urbane cities. Get inBy BusSeveral bus companies' offices can be found on the north side of the shared taxi stand. This is where they pick up and drop passengers, though a new, less centrally located bus station is also used, with buses now often stopping at both. Buses buses connect Sisophon with:
The milestones along the main roads on the approach to Sisophon have it labelled as Banteay Meanchey. By TrainSupposedly due for 2013 is the resurrection of the train line, which would see services from Poipet to Sisophon and on to Battambang, Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville. Get aroundThe town is small enough to be comprehensively covered on foot. Even the nearest attraction beyond the town, the lookout tower on Phnom Bak, can be enjoyed on foot from the town. Phnom Jorn-Tien is perhaps within walking distance though the major road and unforgiving climate make taking a motodop the best way to enjoy it. Motorbikes can be rented at the Golden Crown Guesthouse for $10 per day, ideal for a solo trip to the Banteay Chhmar temples. See
DoOpposite the Golden Crown Guesthouse is an internet cafe, $0.50/hour. BuySisophon Market (Psar Sisophon) is to the north of the shared taxi stand. Its stalls sell many necessities from toothpaste to basic meals. English language newspapers and stationary can be obtained from the Apsara Book Shop near the market. EatThe Mirror Restaurant, is a reasonably new fast food restaurant, with air-con, serving fried chicken, french fries, and - according to the proprietor - fried ice cream. It can be found to the east of town, opposite Sokimex gas station on Road No. 6. Meals $1 - $4. The Golden Crown Guesthouse Restaurant, situated underneath the guesthouse, is your standard, tiled, Khmer restaurant, serving rice, and different meats. Meals $1.25 - $3.5. DrinkThere are a number of Khmer 'Karaoke' clubs dotted around. Otherwise, a tin of beer at the shop is usually US$0.50. Committed winos will find solace in the rather pretentious supermarket on highway 56 that surprisingly stocks well-priced plonk for ~$7/ bottle. It's within walking distance of the town centre. SleepGolden Crown Guesthouse ($6 - $12), is considered the only decent guesthouse in town, and can be found to the east of the central shared taxi stand, where most buses drop passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Pyn's Place ($10 fan - $20 a/c), is on National Highway 5, 3.5km west of town, at the base of the mountain. Free Wi-Fi and swimming pool. On the shared taxi stand's south side is a row of cheap, basic guesthouses with box rooms ($2.50). Get outHighway 56 runs north to the temples of Banteay Chhmar (70 km). It is a less substantial road than the major highways and may be impassable at times during the rainy season. Self drive motor bikes ($10/day) or tuk-tuk drivers ($30/8 hr) can be arranged at the Golden Crown Guesthouse.
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