Kampong Chhnang means “port of pottery”, and the name still fits. The provincial town sits on the Tonle Sap River about 91 kilometres from Phnom Penh, on the main road towards Pursat and Battambang. It suits travellers who enjoy crafts, river life and a quieter stop between bigger destinations.
Conditions now
Kampong Chhnang
25°C
Overcast · feels like 31°C
- Humidity 95%
- Wind 7 km/h
- Air: Good (AQI 50)
- TodayShowers32° / 25°98% rain
- TueDrizzle32° / 25°76% rain
- WedThunderstorms32° / 25°90% rain
- ThuThunderstorms32° / 25°80% rain
- FriDrizzle33° / 25°61% rain
Updated hourly. Forecast and air quality by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Conditions can change quickly in the wet season.
Why go to Kampong Chhnang?
Come to see a living craft rather than a monument. Families in villages around the town still shape clay cooking pots and water jars by hand, a skill passed down through generations. The riverfront shows how closely daily life here follows the rise and fall of the Tonle Sap.
What to experience
Pottery villages
Andong Russei and neighbouring villages are known for pots made without a fast wheel: the potter walks around the pot, shaping it with a paddle and a smooth stone. Visit with a local guide or a driver who knows the families, watch quietly and ask before photographing anyone at work. Buying directly is the most useful way to support the craft; see our souvenirs guide for packing fragile pieces.
River and floating communities
Communities live on and beside the river, many of them in floating homes. A boat trip can show how fishing and trade work here, but remember that these are homes, not attractions. Keep a respectful distance, avoid photographing children and choose operators who involve local residents. Our Tonle Sap guide explains the lake and river system.
Town and market
The market and riverside are pleasant for an unhurried walk, and a local lunch here is a good excuse to break the long road journey.
How long should you stay?
Many travellers visit as a day stop on the way to Pursat or Battambang. One night lets you see the pottery villages in the cooler morning and the river in the late afternoon.
Getting to Kampong Chhnang
The provincial town is about 91 km north of Phnom Penh, roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive, on the main road towards Pursat and Battambang. Andong Russei and the other pottery villages lie a short drive from town, so a driver who knows the families helps.
How to get there
- Compare operators and book BookMeBus · redBus Cambodia · 12Go · Baolau. These platforms list the operators on each route.
- From Phnom Penh (about 91 km) Roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive on the main road towards Pursat and Battambang. Buses and minivans on that road can stop in town; confirm stops with the operator.
- Around Kampong Chhnang The pottery villages are a short drive from town; a driver who knows the families helps.
Book through the operator, your hotel, or one of the platforms above. Cambodia Handbook is independent and not sponsored. Schedules change, so check the operator’s official website or office before you travel. Last checked 19 October 2026. See also transport booking and getting around Cambodia.
Planning notes
- Getting there: buses between Phnom Penh and Battambang pass through the province. Ask where the bus stops and arrange onward transport to the villages.
- In the villages: lanes can be muddy in the wet season; wear shoes you can clean easily.
- Fees and opening arrangements: confirm current details locally rather than relying on an old price or timetable online.
- Respect: ask before entering a yard or workshop, and do not handle unfired pots.
Kampong Chhnang FAQ
How far is Kampong Chhnang from Phnom Penh?
About 91 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
What is Kampong Chhnang known for?
Hand-shaped pottery, riverside life on the Tonle Sap and floating communities.
What does Kampong Chhnang mean?
Roughly “port of pottery”, a name that still fits the villages around the town.
How long should you stay?
Many travellers stop for a day on the way to Pursat or Battambang. One night lets you see the pottery villages in the morning and the river in the late afternoon.
Nearby provinces
Continue into a neighbouring province. See all 25 on our provinces of Cambodia page.
Sources: distance and geography from Kampong Chhnang province (Wikipedia); pottery villages from The Phnom Penh Post. Distances from travel sources. Last checked 4 October 2026.
Featured image: Boats on the Tonle Sap river at Kampong Chhnang, by Phi1free, licensed under CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.