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Haung Waterfall, Kampong Cham province
01-Jul-2008

Over a hundred km from the provincial town of Kampong Cham, the enchanting sound of birds singing in the forest fills the air. Ahead lays the natural romantic beauty of the Haung waterfall. For the superstitious and the curious; this is a magical, mystical place.

Along a flooded ruined road, stand rubber plantations. The fresh air blows, the sun sparkles overhead and the workers toil gently. Village vendors sell fruit to the visitors as they enter the tranquil natural eco-tourism site, hidden deep in the middle of a forest. The road leading to the site is damaged and makes a tiring journey. But when the destination is reached, there is immediate rejuvenation. Haung has beautiful scenery with a waterfall in the middle of a forest. The sweet sound of the water, the cool wind and the fantastic view all help to ease the stress and strain. The waterfall is shadowed by tall trees that block out the midday heat and swimming in the cold water of the fall is bliss.

Haung waterfall is located in the Memoth district of Kampong Cham province.

A sacred cavern near the waterfall is lit up by electric Buddha statues. Mr. Sok Chan, manager of the site, explains that people come from all over of the country to visit. Even though it is far from the provincial town, there are still many visitors. They like to pray in the sacred cavern then go swimming.

In the middle of the fall there are two sacred statues built by monks to bless visitors. One is called Neang Ram Say Sok; it is of a girl who pumps water from the lake, affording protection to the people that swim there from crocodiles. The second is Neakta Tambang Kra Nhoung, a statue that offers safety to the swimmers in the lake. Surrounding the statues is the Haung fall. It has a big garden, garnished by flowers, and decorated by 12 statues of the Khmer zodiac. There are benches for visitor to sit next to the one that corresponds to their star signs. Mr. Chan said they arranged it that way because they wanted to entertain visitors with something different. There is also a statue of the seven footprints of Buddha to educate tourists about the history of Buddhism.

A 3m deep waterfall flows from the Memoth district the whole year, welcoming visitors. It is best to come during the dry season because it is easier to travel. In the rainy season, it becomes difficult to reach because some places flood and become slippery.

The monks are famous for their fortune telling here, says Monk So Chhoun. Visitors also have great faith in the Khmer medicine to heal themselves. Previously, the place was unknown. Haung Waterfall

The chief of monks constructed a pagoda decorated with many statues, and it became famous for fortune and Khmer medicine. The people started to visit here in larger numbers in early 2001. Weekends and holidays are especially popular with both foreigners and Cambodian people.

“I have come here twice. I like to visit here because it has fresh air, and a cool waterfall,” says Miss. Sokounther. The landscape along the way to Haung is so beautiful, she adds. When she arrives, she likes to pray in the cavern with the Buddha statues.

Mrs. Sina is a 45 year old from the Prey Veng province. “My family and I visit here because we want to get Khmer medicine from the monks.” My son and daughter love to swim in the cool water of the fall as well, she says.

The birds sing loudly and sweetly and the water falling reverberates around the forest. People swim happily in the idyllic scenery. It normally quietens down at 3 pm because visitors have to go back home.

So Na, a student from Kampong Cham high school, spends her free time there. “I come here from school,” she says. “In the early evening I have to go back to my home because this place is far away from [my] house. Sometimes I don’t want to back home when I arrive here, I really I love this place so much,” she adds.

The stunning Haung waterfall welcomes tourist everyday, free of charge for both foreigners and local visitors alike.

Words by: May Titthara
Photos by: Heng Chivoan

Haung Waterfall, Kampong Cham province01-Jul-2008

Over a hundred km from the provincial town of Kampong Cham, the enchanting sound of birds singing in the forest fills the air. Ahead lays the natural romantic beauty of the Haung waterfall. For the superstitious and the curious; this is a magical, mystical place.

Haung Waterfall, Kampong Cham province
01-Jul-2008