Travel to Ta Kaew Province (Takaew)

Journey to Ta Kaew Province, Cambodia: A Small Town on the Vietnam Border

When talking about Ta Kaew Province, or TA KAEW, for me, mr.hotsia, it is quite an interesting destination. Although it is a small town that many may not be familiar with, its location right on the Vietnam border, where Jaew Dok has a river immigration checkpoint, makes it special. I have passed through here many times while traveling from Vietnam to Phnom Penh via the lower Mekong River, but I never stopped because I was in a hurry. This time, I decided to stay overnight in Ta Kaew town to truly experience the atmosphere of this place more deeply.

Travel and Atmosphere in Ta Kaew Town

For this trip to Ta Kaew, I chose to take a bus from Soraya Tour company departing Phnom Penh. The journey took about 2 hours and 30 minutes, passing through Kandal Province. There are 4 daily departures at 07:00, 10:30, 13:30, and 16:30. The bus is air-conditioned but not very cold, feeling a bit warm. Upon arrival, the bus stopped right in front of Ta Kaew Market, a small transport hub where Soraya bus queues are located.

Ta Kaew town is small enough to walk around in a few hours. There are no motorcycle taxis waiting like in bigger cities, so I walked to find a hotel nearby, which also allowed me to observe local life. I chose to stay at Houy Meyly Guest House, located behind Ta Kaew Market. It is a new, clean guesthouse with WIFI service. The atmosphere in front of the accommodation looked beautiful and friendlier than other places I explored around the market.

Ta Kaew Market and Impressive Local Life

In the town center, there is a roundabout with golden statues of two elderly figures holding walking sticks, which I understand to be statues of Mr. Ta Kaew and his wife. Around this roundabout is the busiest area of the town, with evening food stalls selling Khmer rice noodles, desserts, and various grilled dishes. Although not very crowded, the atmosphere feels warm and charming. Next to the roundabout is Ta Kaew Market, where I saw rice and curry dishes sold from morning until noon. The food tastes quite good; I tried almost every stall and recommend you try them too.

What impressed me the most was the pork section in Ta Kaew Market. I have never seen any market selling piglets in small baskets like this before. Each basket contains 3-4 piglets, some in sacks and some in baskets. Most sellers are local villagers selling directly, not middlemen. It truly reflects the authentic lifestyle of the local people and is a highlight of the market that I highly recommend not to miss.

A Nostalgic Experience at a Traditional Barber Shop

While walking around the town, I found an old-fashioned barber shop using a hand-held battery clipper, a haircutting method I remember my father using when I was a child. That slightly painful yet satisfying feeling came back again. So I tried getting a trim there, enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere and experiencing the simple life in Ta Kaew town.

Quiet Night and Connections with Nearby Towns

Although it is a small town, when night falls, the streets of Ta Kaew become very quiet with no passersby. I returned to rest at the guesthouse to prepare for the next journey. The next day, I had the chance to compare the atmosphere of Ta Kaew Market with the classic morning market ofStung Treng Morning Marketwhich is busier but friendlier, a place I have visited and liked very much.

If anyone is interested in this kind of morning market lifestyle or wants to experience authentic Khmer food, check out my article aboutGrilled Beef Rice Porridge in Svay Rieng ProvinceOr if you want to switch to fresh seafood at the Kampot morning market, there is an article available at this link:Seafood at Kampot Morning MarketEnjoy!

Summary of the Ta Kaew Province Travel Experience

Ta Kaew Province is a small town full of simplicity, preserving the traditional lifestyle of the Khmer people and blending with the nearby Vietnamese culture. From my journey, mr.hotsia, walking around the market, small villages, tasting local food, and experiencing a nostalgic haircut are unforgettable impressions. It is perfect for those who enjoy slow travel and want to truly experience local life, not just famous tourist spots.

If you want to try traveling off the main routes in Cambodia, try visiting Ta Kaew. You will find peace and the charm of a small town waiting for you to discover.