On the first day of Khmer New Year 2012, travelling was done
from Phnom Penh to Battambang through Capitol Bus Company costing 30,000 Riel
more expensive than normal day. Even though bus price was expensive, people
still chose bus service for their travel to hometown or visiting their
relatives in provinces. Phnom Penh seemed less noisy while many people went to
other provinces; some waiting in front of Capitol Bus Company for departure
time. Sitting on the bus going through Phnom Penh city on Preah Monivong Blvd
towards national road Nº 5, the happiness on Khmer New Year Day was mixed with
the enthusiasm to see the view along the road passing through to Battambang
Province. Two new bridges, Prek Kdam Bridge and Prek Phnov Bridge, were
completely built crossing Tonle Sap River to link national road Nº 5 to
national road Nº 6. Phnom Oudong was the old capital of Cambodia being
interesting as the historical and natural tourism site not far from national
road Nº 5 and near Phnom Penh. Many palm trees, aka the symbol of Khmer Nation,
in the rice field of Kompong Chhnang were seen so beautiful as well as Phnom
Neang Kong Rey being the most well-known mountain in this province through
Khmer Tale. Cardamom mountain range (Chuor Phnom Kravanh) so far connecting
together from Kompong Chhnang to Moung Russey district in Battambang was the
main view for travelling on national road Nº 5. All pagodas along the national
road were decorated to celebrate Khmer New Year while each household arranged
the table near window or balcony differently with variety of fruit and drink,
especially banana for naga year princess (Dhevada Chhnam Rong). Travelling from
province to province, the national road was filled with many vehicles like
buses, cars, vans, motors, bicycles, etc. Crossing Pursat Town, Pursat River
with much water every season was the most interesting one. Then, arriving Moung
Russey district center, few old houses from French Colonial Period were seen
there and Phnom Thibadey in Koas Krolor district was a bit far seeing from the
national road. Nearer and nearer, Battambang Town Welcome was the main gate to
alert the travelers for the arrival to the main town in this province. Nak Ta
Dambong Kro Nhoung kneeing and holding the magic bat (Dambong Kro Nhoung)
firstly welcome everyone. More luxury hotels and guesthouses have been being
increased recently in this town. Historical river and houses were still there
to welcome all tourists. “Battambang Town, Land of Hope’s Key” Happy Khmer
New Year 2012!!!!!!!
By: POK Panhavuth
