Kampong Thom, Cambodia Travel Guide

Explore the ancient temples, lush landscapes, and cultural heritage of Kampong Thom, Cambodia’s hidden gem in the heart of the country.

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Kampong Thom

Nestled in the heart of Cambodia, Kampong Thom is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. This charming town is perfectly positioned along the banks of the Stung Sen River and serves as a gateway to the ancient temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. These pre-Angkorian ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provide a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich past. Wander through the serene forest and discover intricately carved temples that date back to the 7th century. Beyond its historical allure, Kampong Thom offers a plethora of natural wonders. The sprawling Santuk Silk Farm not only showcases the traditional art of silk weaving but also supports local communities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Phnom Santuk, a sacred mountain offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Climb the 809 steps to the top, where you'll find a collection of Buddha statues and breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside. The town itself is a blend of old and new, with bustling markets, friendly locals, and a variety of dining options that offer authentic Cambodian cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try local dishes such as fish amok and samlor korko. Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or simply looking to experience the authentic charm of Cambodia, Kampong Thom has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kampong Thom.

Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds at Sambor Prei Kuk.
Hire a local guide for a richer understanding of the history and significance of the temples.
Wear comfortable shoes for the hike up Phnom Santuk and carry plenty of water.
Try to learn a few basic Khmer phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it can enhance your experience.
Check out the local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh Cambodian specialties.

Top City Travel Guides in Kampong Thom

The cities of Kampong Thom, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

Kratie

Destinations in Kampong Thom

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Siem Reap Province

Preah Vihear Province

Kratie Province

Explore Kampong Thom: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Kampong Thom

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Phreah Reach Throap Mountain

Explore the breathtaking Phreah Reach Throap Mountain in Cambodia, a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that captivates all who visit.

4.4

Prasat Beng Mealea

Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Prasat Beng Mealea, a hidden gem in Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

4.7

Phnom Penh Safari

Explore the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife at Phnom Penh Safari, a premier destination for animal lovers and families in the heart of Cambodia.

4.1

Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk

Discover the ancient beauty of Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning temple ruins and rich cultural history in Cambodia.

4.5

Best landmarks in Kampong Thom

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Ta Prohm Temple

Discover the mystical allure of Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia, where ancient ruins and nature intertwine in breathtaking harmony.

4.8

Tonlé Sap

Discover the wonders of Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with life and unique floating villages.

4.1

Banteay Samre

Discover Banteay Samre, a serene and well-preserved Angkorian temple showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture and intricate Hindu carvings.

4.7

Kampong Cham Market

Experience the vibrant heart of Kampong Cham at its bustling central market, a sensory feast of Cambodian culture.

4.1

Best restaurants in Kampong Thom

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Arunras Restaurant

Discover authentic Cambodian flavors at Arunras Restaurant in Krong Stueng Saen, where every dish tells a story.

3.7

Prey Pros Restaurant

Discover the heart of Cambodian cuisine at Prey Pros Restaurant – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

3.8

Somros Prey Pros Restaurant

Discover authentic Khmer dishes at Somros Prey Pros Restaurant - a culinary haven for tourists seeking local flavors in Cambodia.

3.9

Stung Sen Restaurant

Experience authentic Khmer cuisine at Stung Sen Restaurant in Krong Stueng Saen—where every dish tells a story.

2.8

Best bars in Kampong Thom

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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Arunras Restaurant

Experience the authentic flavors of Cambodia at Arunras Restaurant in Krong Stueng Saen, a delightful dining destination for all travelers.

3.7

Kampong Thom Palace Hotel

Experience the charm of Cambodia at Kampong Thom Palace Hotel, where comfort meets local culture in the heart of Krong Stueng Saen.

4.0

Meatophum

Discover the authentic tastes of Cambodian cuisine at Meatophum in Krong Stueng Saen, where every dish tells a story.

4.3

សួរម៉ាច (មានលក់ បាយ គុយទាវ កាហ្វេ និង ភេសជ្ជ:គ្រប់មុខ)

Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine at សួរម៉ាច, featuring delicious rice and noodle dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Kampong Thom

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Best Nightclubs

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Sundown Social Club

Experience the lively ambiance and delightful cocktails at Sundown Social Club, a top destination for nightlife in Phnom Penh.

4.4

Pontoon Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Pontoon Club, Phnom Penh's premier night club and live music venue for an unforgettable night out.

3.7

Darlin' Darlin' Music Lounge

Darlin' Darlin' Music Lounge: A vibrant live music bar in Phnom Penh, perfect for an unforgettable night out with friends.

4.2

Temple Club

Discover the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife at Temple Club, where vibrant music and an energetic atmosphere await every night.

3.7

Best shops in Kampong Thom

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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Sambor Village Hotel

Experience the charm of Cambodia at Sambor Village Hotel, your gateway to local culture and tranquil relaxation in Brochea Thebatey.

4.2

SATU Concept Store

Explore the charm of Cambodia at SATU Concept Store, a gift shop offering unique souvenirs and local treasures in the heart of Siem Reap.

5.0

MOKO Kampong Thom

Discover the essence of Cambodian coffee culture at MOKO Kampong Thom, a serene escape for coffee lovers.

4.3

sok thy

Discover Sok Thy in Chantrey, a charming book store offering a diverse selection of literature and a cozy atmosphere for every book lover.

5.0

Explore Kampong Thom on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kampong Thom, mapped for you.

Kampong Thom Essentials

Kampong Thom is accessible via various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, approximately 168 kilometers away. From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to Kampong Thom. The bus journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Another option is to travel from Siem Reap International Airport, which is about 150 kilometers away and offers similar transportation options.
Kampong Thom is a relatively small town, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances, tuk-tuks and moto-dops (motorbike taxis) are readily available and affordable. Buses and minibuses (vans) connect Kampong Thom with other major cities in Cambodia. Renting a car or motorbike is also an option for those who prefer to explore the area independently.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Kampong Thom, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap before traveling.
Kampong Thom is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance, 119 for medical emergencies, and 118 for fire emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kampong Thom. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and a 'Sampeah' (placing palms together at chest level). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Kampong Thom like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Stung Sen River, offering scenic views of the Cambodian countryside.

When is the best time to visit Kampong Thom?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kampong Thom

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kampong Thom. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloសួស្តី
  [Suosdei]
- Goodbyeលាហើយ
  [Leahery]
- Yesបាទ/ចាស
  [Bat/Chas]
- Noទេ
  [Te]
- Please/You're welcomeសូម/សូមទោស
  [Som/Somtos]
- Thank youអរគុណ
  [Arkun]
- Excuse me/Sorryសូមអភ័យទោស
  [Som Aphey Tos]
- How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្បាយដែរទេ?
  [Neak Sok Sabay Der Te?]
- Fine. And you?សុខសប្បាយ។ អ្នក呢?
  [Sok Sabay. Neak Ne?]
- Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ?
  [Neak Niyay Pheasa Angkles Te?]
- I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ
  [Knhom Min Yol Te]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយ, សូម
  [Knhom Jong Merl Menuy, Som]
- I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនញុំាប្រេងសាច់ទេ
  [Knhom Min Nyum Preng Sach Te]
- Cheers!ជួបប្រឹក្សា!
  [Choup Braksa!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់, សូម
  [Knhom Jong Bong Brak, Som]
- Help!ជួយ!
  [Chouy!]
- Go away!ចេញចោល!
  [Chenh Choul!]
- Call the Police!ហៅប៉ូលីស!
  [Hav Polis!]
- Call a doctor!ហៅវេជ្ជបណ្ឌិត!
  [Hav Vechebandit!]
- I'm lostខ្ញុំខកខាន
  [Knhom Khak Khean]
- I'm illខ្ញុំឈឺ
  [Knhom Chheu]
- I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [Knhom Jong Tinh...]
- I'm just lookingខ្ញុំតែពិនិត្យ
  [Knhom Tae Pinith]
- How much is it?តម្លៃប៉ុន្មាន?
  [Tamlay Ponman?]
- That's too expensiveវាធ្វើឲ្យខ្ពស់ពេក
  [Ve Tver Aoy Kphos Peak]
- Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាចកាត់តម្លៃទាបបានទេ?
  [Neak Ach Kat Tamlay Tep Ban Te?]
- What time is it?ម៉ោងប៉ុន្មាន?
  [Maong Ponman?]
- It's one o'clockម៉ោងមួយ
  [Maong Muoy]
- Half past (10)ម៉ោងពាក់កណ្តាល (10)
  [Maong Peak Kandal (10)]
- Morningព្រឹក
  [Preuk]
- Afternoonល្ងាច
  [Lngach]
- Eveningល្ងាច
  [Lngach]
- Yesterdayម្សិលមិញ
  [Msel Minh]
- Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [Thngai Nih]
- Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [Thngai Saek]
- 1មួយ
  [Muoy]
- 2ពីរ
  [Pir]
- 3បី
  [Bay]
- 4បួន
  [Boun]
- 5ប្រាំ
  [Pram]
- 6ប្រាំមួយ
  [Pram Muoy]
- 7ប្រាំពីរ
  [Pram Pir]
- 8ប្រាំបី
  [Pram Bay]
- 9ប្រាំបួន
  [Pram Boun]
- 10ដប់
  [Dab]
- Where's a/the...?នៅណា...?
  [Nov Na...?]
- What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋានអ្វី?
  [Asayathen Avay?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាចបង្ហាញខ្ញុំ(លើផែនទី)?
  [Neak Ach Banghean Knhom (Leu Phen Ti)?]
- When's the next (bus)?ម៉ោងបន្ទាន់ (ឡានក្រុង)?
  [Maong Bontan (Lan Krong)?]
- A ticket (to ....)សំបុត្រមួយ(ទៅ....)
  [Sambot Muoy (Tov....)]

History of Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom is home to the ancient city of Sambor Prei Kuk, which dates back to the Chenla Kingdom in the 6th and 7th centuries. This site, known for its unique octagonal temples and intricate carvings, is one of the earliest major temple complexes in Southeast Asia. It was a significant political and religious center before the rise of Angkor Wat.
During the Angkorian period, Kampong Thom was strategically important due to its location along the ancient trade routes. The region contributed significantly to the Khmer Empire's prosperity, serving as a vital outpost connecting the capital, Angkor, with other parts of Southeast Asia. Temples and structures from this era, though not as grand as those in Angkor, reflect the architectural and cultural zenith of the Khmer civilization.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cambodia fell under French colonial rule. Kampong Thom, like many parts of Cambodia, experienced significant changes during this period. The French introduced new administrative systems, infrastructure, and education reforms. French architectural styles can still be seen in some of the colonial buildings that dot the town.
After gaining independence from France in 1953, Kampong Thom, like the rest of Cambodia, underwent a period of political upheaval. During the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979, Kampong Thom was heavily impacted. Many historical sites were neglected or damaged, and the local population suffered greatly. The province's history from this era is a poignant reminder of Cambodia's turbulent past.
Today, Kampong Thom is a growing tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history and cultural heritage. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and restore historical sites like Sambor Prei Kuk, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. The local culture, with its traditional crafts, festivals, and way of life, offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia's past and present.