Sisophon

Sisophon Railway Station - The then-derelict Sisophon train station before renovation, with the watchtower on Phnom Bak, behind.

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.

Sisophon Halal Travel Guide

Control of Sisophon has often passed between the various regional powers. It is now part of Cambodia thanks to the French, whose sabre rattling forced the Siamese into relinquishing it (along with Siem Reap, Battambang and much of North-western Cambodia) in 1907. The town had been Siamese since 1867, thanks again to the French who gave it (and Siem Reap, Battambang and much of North-western Cambodia) to Siam in exchange for unobstructed French control over the remainder of Cambodia. Before then, a nominally independent Cambodia existed as a vassal state of Siam and Vietnam.

Sisophon is a transport hub that almost every overland visitor to Cambodia will unknowingly visit for at least 15 minutes. It is 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 nationside 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.

Travel to Sisophon

Travel on a Bus in Sisophon

Several 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:

• Battambang (90 min; US$2.50 from Battambang)
• Poipet, for the border with Aranyaprathet in Thailand (1 hr; US$2.50 from Poipet, US$1.25 to Poipet)
• Siem Reap (90 min; US$3.75 in either direction). The most convenient company Capitol runs daily buses to central Siem Reap (not an out of town bus station) at 09:30, 11:00 and 14:00. On Sundays the company runs an additional bus at 16:00.
• Samraong, for the O'Smach/Chong Chom border with Thailand.
• Bangkok, tickets to Bangkok will involve changing buses in Poipet.
• Phnom Penh

The milestones along the primary streets on the approach to Sisophon have it labelled as Banteay Meanchey.

By Rail

Daily train services from Poipet to Sisophon recommenced on 4 April 2023, and these will be extended to Battambang by the end of May 2023, and to Phnom Penh by the end of 2018. Trains already run from Phnom Penh to Kampot, and Sihanoukville on a Friday-Monday timetable.

Get Around

The town is small enough to be comprehensively covered on foot. Even the nearest attraction beyond the town and the lookout tower on Phnom Bak, can be visited 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 US$10 per day, ideal for a solo trip to the Banteay Chhmar temples.

What to see in Sisophon

• Banteay Neang - The village features a very small but intimidating mountain with a large golden Buddha at the top. There is a nice view of the locality and a refreshing breeze. However, this is only really for people with time to spend in Sisophon. It's no Angkor Wat.

• Phnom Bak - A hill, elevation 131 m) that features an old government lookout tower used in the 1990s to watch the Khmer Rouge's movements in the area. There are great views of the town to the south and dusty plains to the north. The track to the top climbs the hill's north side. The guard at the top will unlock the gate to allow access to the tower itself.

• Phnom Jorn-Tien - Wall Mountain | A hill, elevation ~98 meters. There is a pagoda half way up and a well. The hill's vertical face has been used by visiting climbers, though there is neither equipment hire nor guides. Two crazy outcast women live next to a small shrine at the top of the hill. Take care and they bite, but are easy easy enough to outmanoeuvre!

• Sisophon Station - It is on the Phnom Penh to Poipet rail line. Services to Sisophon terminated but its French-built art deco architecture can still be appreciated, as can the platforms and the informal economy that has taken over the station area, which lends the area a lively flavour of urban squalor.

Best things to do in Sisophon

Climbers have been reported to have scaled Phnom Jorn-Tien but there is no equipment hire.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sisophon

There are several ATMs, including at Canadia Bank, which does not charge commission.

Sisophon 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 on the street north from the shared taxi stand.

Halal Restaurants in Sisophon

No Halal restaurants found. A supermarket not far away stocks some Halal Snacks, made in Thailand.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sisophon

Sisophon - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sisophon, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sisophon. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sisophon and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sisophon. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sisophon. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSisophon: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sisophon.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sisophon: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sisophon, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sisophon.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sisophon, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sisophon, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sisophon and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sisophon, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sisophon, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sisophon without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sisophon is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sisophon.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sisophon is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sisophon, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sisophon Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Golden Crown Guesthouse (US$6-12), is considered the only decent guesthouse downtown, 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 (US$10 fan, US$20 air-con), is on Hwy 5, 3.5 kilometers 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 (US$2.50).

New and clean Botoum Hotel (US$15 air-con walk-in) and a few other new looking places are at the junction of highways 5 and 6.

Telecommunications in Sisophon

There are several Internet cafes in town. Two are centrally located: one opposite the Golden Crown Guesthouse and the other just around the junction on the street that runs roughly north from the market's east side. Both are US$0.50/hr.

Go Next

The Banteay Chhmar temple complex is 60 kilometers (1 hour) north of Sisophon on Hwy 56. As of September 2015 the road is wide and paved all the way. Self-drive motor bikes (US$10/day) or tuk-tuk drivers (US$30/8 hr) can be arranged at the Golden Crown Guesthouse. Banteay Chhmar is 50 kilometers west of Samraong and the road to which is also paved.

There are no bus services to Banteay Chhmar. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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