Takeo is where many histories of Cambodia begin. The province lies south of Phnom Penh on the border with Vietnam, and its low hills and seasonal waterways hold some of the oldest temple sites in the country. Its capital, Doun Kaev, is usually called Takeo town.
Conditions now
Takeo
25°C
Clear · feels like 32°C
- Humidity 95%
- Wind 3 km/h
- Air: Moderate (AQI 62)
- TodayThunderstorms33° / 25°94% rain
- TueThunderstorms32° / 24°99% rain
- WedThunderstorms31° / 24°85% rain
- ThuThunderstorms31° / 25°88% rain
- FriThunderstorms31° / 25°92% 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 Takeo?
Come for early Khmer history in a rural setting. Takeo’s sites are older and smaller than Angkor, and they are often quiet. Much of the pleasure is in the journey: rice fields, sugar palms and, in the wet season, flooded plains crossed by boat.
What to experience
Phnom Chisor
This hilltop temple dates from the early 11th century, in the reign of Suryavarman I. The climb is several hundred steps, and the top gives long views over the paddy fields. Phnom Chisor is about 62 km south of Phnom Penh, so it works as a day trip. Go early to avoid the heat.
Angkor Borei and Phnom Da
Phnom Da is a hilltop tower of laterite, brick and sandstone associated with the pre-Angkorian period. It is reached from Angkor Borei, where a small museum displays finds from the area’s early history. When the plains flood, the journey from Takeo town is often made by boat along the canal, which is part of the experience.
Tonle Bati and Phnom Tamao
Closer to Phnom Penh, Tonle Bati combines a temple with a lakeside where local families picnic at weekends. Nearby, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre cares for animals rescued from trafficking. Read our ethical wildlife guide before any visit that involves animals.
How long should you stay?
Phnom Chisor and Tonle Bati fit into a day from Phnom Penh. Staying one or two nights in Takeo town makes Angkor Borei and Phnom Da easier and gives you a slower view of rural life.
Getting to Takeo
Takeo town is roughly 78 km south of Phnom Penh by road. Tonle Bati lies about 30 km from the capital, making it the easiest stop, while Angkor Borei is about 20 km from Takeo town. A hired driver is the simplest way to combine several sites in a day.
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 78 km) By road on National Road 2. A hired driver is simplest for combining Tonle Bati, Takeo town and Angkor Borei in a day.
- By train The Royal Railway southern line passes through Takeo; check its official timetable.
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: National Road 2 runs south from Phnom Penh. A hired driver is the simplest way to combine several sites.
- Boat trips: ask locally whether the water is high enough and wear a life jacket where one is offered.
- At the temples: carry water, cover shoulders and knees and take the steps slowly.
- Fees and opening arrangements: confirm current details locally rather than relying on an old price or timetable online.
For more early temples, see our temples and heritage guide.
Takeo FAQ
How far is Takeo from Phnom Penh?
Takeo town is roughly 78 km south of the capital, on National Road 2.
What is there to see in Takeo?
Phnom Chisor’s hilltop temple, Phnom Da and the museum at Angkor Borei, Tonle Bati’s lakeside temple and the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Can you visit Takeo in a day from Phnom Penh?
Yes. Tonle Bati and Phnom Chisor fit into a day trip. Angkor Borei and Phnom Da are easier with a night in Takeo town.
How do you get to Phnom Da?
From Angkor Borei. In the wet season the trip from Takeo town is often made by boat along the canal; ask locally about water levels.
Nearby provinces
Continue into a neighbouring province. See all 25 on our provinces of Cambodia page.
Sources: geography from Takéo province (Wikipedia); site details from the Tourism Cambodia travel guide pages on Phnom Chisor and Phnom Da. Distances from travel sources. Last checked 4 October 2026.
Featured image: The view over Takeo’s plains from Phnom Chisor, by Colin W, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.