Random facts in a country are quite important because they tell you interesting things that you didn’t know before. All of the random facts about Cambodia below are just general information about this country. While it is so obvious, not many Cambodians are aware of those. I am just going to leave it here, this could be a useful piece of knowledge that you read about Cambodia.
The Biggest Lake
Tonle Sap Lake
Size: 2,700 Square Kilometers
Located in the northwest part of Cambodia, it is one of the world’s most diverse and productive ecosystems. Tonle Sap is the heart of Cambodia, flowing across 5 provinces including Kampung Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kampung Thom. Tonle Sap is not only the biggest lake in Cambodia but also the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Being one of the main sources of fish in Cambodia, this lake is home to at least 150 fish species. It is also a very important habitat for birds and wildlife as well as many fauna and flora.
Tonle Sap is the only lake in the world with water that flows in reverse. Its unique trait is the ability to retain water from the Mekong River in the rainy season and give water back to the river in the dry season. This beautiful natural phenomenon is extremely rare, and it creates vast flooded forests and wetlands for biodiversity in the ecosystem.
The Biggest Province
Mondulkiri Province
Size: 14, 288 Square Kilometers
Being the biggest province in Cambodia, Mondulkiri has a lot to offer. This province is in the southeast part of the country, and it is home to many indigenous communities as well. Hence, you will come across interesting-looking houses, food, and many more. It is the best place to go when you want to escape into the nature. An elephant sanctuary is probably one of the top places that you should not miss.
There are plenty of beautiful forested hills and waterfalls that will bring the most relaxing mood. Along with that, you can also go camping, off-road dirt biking, ziplining, and more. The beauty of the province is the natural mountains with the most natural views that will refresh your mind. Mondulkiri is one of the best places to go at any time of the year. No matter what the season is, the weather is never too hot during the day. The temperature gets extra chilly at night, and that is my most favorite part of this province.
The Highest Mountain
Aural Mountain
Height: 1,813 Meters
Very popular among campers and hikers, Aural Mountain is in Aural district, Kampung Speu province. It takes around 3 hours from the capital to reach the village, and another 90 minutes on a tractor from there to the mountain. From then, you will have to trek to the first phase which will take around a few hours. You will need another 4-5 hours of trekking from the first phase to the second phase which is the campsite. If you want to reach the mountaintop, then you will spend 3-4 more hours from the second stage.
There is a small resting area by the waterfall in the first phase where you can cook and rest. The second phase is a camping site with areas for tents and hammock hangings. There are also kitchen utensils that you can use for free, but make sure to wash them for those after you. The final phase is the mountaintop, very cold, and it is large enough to accommodate many campers and hikers.
The Longest Bridge
Tsubasa Bridge
Length: 2,210 meters
Tsubasa Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that stretches across the Mekong River to link Kandal Province with Neak Loeung town in Prey Veng province. This bridge has made things so much more convenient as people don’t have to ride the ferry to cross the river anymore. The construction took 4 years to complete, and the bridge’s image also appears on the new 500 Riel note.
Also goes by the name Neak Loeung Bridge, Tsubasa is a non-refunded aid from Japan to Cambodia. Tsubana means bird wings, and the design of the bridge is similar to a bird’s wings. “We named the bridge Tsubasa with the hope that Cambodia-Japan friendship is going to prosper just like the bird soaring in the sky.”, His Excellency Horinouchi Hidehisa, Ambassador of the Japan Embassy to Cambodia,
The Smallest Province
Kep Province
Size: 336 Square Kilometers
If you think that the smallest province in Cambodia does not have much to see, Kep can definitely prove otherwise. This coastal province is packed with a beautiful white beach, fresh seafood, and breathtaking sceneries; perfect for a quick escape. There are also beautiful islands that you can explore or stay the night, the best of which is Koh Tonsay. More than that, you can also visit Kep National Park where you can trek and enjoy the view. Kep is very popular for the weekend, and you will surely enjoy the experience there.
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