🇰🇭 Welcome to Kampong Thom, Cambodia!

Kampong Thom is a peaceful province located in central Cambodia, perfectly situated between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists—but for those seeking an authentic and quiet Cambodian experience, Kampong Thom offers rich history, stunning temples, and charming countryside.

This area is also home to Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important pre-Angkorian temple complexes in Cambodia. Whether you’re a history lover, nature explorer, or slow traveler—Kampong Thom is worth adding to your itinerary.

🚍 How to Get to Kampong Thom

🚌 By Bus or Minivan

  • From Phnom Penh: About 3–4 hours by road. Bus fare: $5–8.

  • From Siem Reap: Around 2.5–3 hours. Bus fare: $4–6.

  • Buses depart regularly from both cities via companies like Mekong Express, Virak Buntham, or Capitol Tours.

🚗 By Private Car or Taxi

  • Hiring a private car costs around $50–70 from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, with flexible departure times and more comfort.

🛺 How to Get Around Kampong Thom

🚖 Tuk-Tuk or Moto

  • Short trips in town: Around $1–2.

  • Half-day or full-day rentals (to Sambor Prei Kuk or countryside): $10–$25 depending on distance.

🚲 Bicycle Rental

  • Some guesthouses and hotels offer bike rentals for $2–4/day.

  • A great way to explore the quiet riverside roads or visit local pagodas.

🌄 Top Things to Do in Kampong Thom

🛕 Visit Sambor Prei Kuk – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Located about 30 km north of the town, this 7th-century temple complex was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom before Angkor.

  • Explore over 100 ancient brick temples hidden in the forest.

  • The site is peaceful and far less crowded than Angkor Wat.

  • Entry: $5/person, open from 8 AM to 5 PM.

  • Guided tours available or explore by foot or bike.

🚴 Ride Through the Countryside

Enjoy a relaxing bike ride through the rice fields, sugar palm trees, and small villages around Kampong Thom.

  • Stop by local markets, Buddhist pagodas, or even try fishing with locals.

  • A half-day tour offers a quiet and immersive rural experience.

🐦 Bird Watching at Boeng Tonle Chhmar (Tonle Sap Biosphere)

If you’re a nature lover, visit this wetland sanctuary, especially in the wet season.

  • Spot rare bird species, including painted storks and Asian openbills.

  • Boat tours are available during the rainy season.

🪨 Phnom Santuk Mountain

Climb the 809 steps or go by motorbike to reach this hilltop temple.

  • Enjoy stunning views over the province.

  • See a large reclining Buddha statue, sacred shrines, and monkeys.

  • A peaceful spot for sunrise or sunset.

🎨 Visit Local Craft Villages

  • Explore stone carving, silk weaving, and traditional crafts made by local artisans.

  • Great for souvenirs and learning about Khmer craftsmanship.

🍽️ What to Eat in Kampong Thom

Must-Try Local Dishes:

  • Prahok Ktis – Fermented fish dip with coconut, herbs, and minced pork.

  • Nom Banh Chok – Khmer noodles with curry sauce.

  • Grilled river fish – Fresh from the nearby Stung Sen River.

  • Kuy Teav – Noodle soup often served for breakfast.

Where to Eat:

  • Aruneas Restaurant – Popular spot serving Khmer and Western food.

  • Sambor Village Restaurant – A cozy riverside option with Cambodian specialties.

  • Local markets – Try street snacks like grilled bananas or sticky rice in bamboo.

☕ Where to Have Coffee

  • Kampong Thom Coffee – Small local cafés around town serving Cambodian coffee.

  • Sambor Village Café – Great coffee with garden views, ideal for a peaceful morning.

  • Mobile coffee carts – Affordable iced coffee found in the town center or markets.

🏨 Where to Stay in Kampong Thom

Here are a few recommended places to stay:

  • Sambor Village Hotel – Riverside boutique hotel with traditional wooden rooms.

  • Glorious Hotel & Spa – Modern comforts with a swimming pool and restaurant.

  • Kampong Thom Royal Hotel – Budget-friendly and centrally located.

🇵🇭 Why Filipino Travelers Will Enjoy Kampong Thom

  • Relaxed & authentic vibe – perfect for escaping tourist crowds.

  • Shared cultural elements – religion, food, and warm local hospitality.

  • Great stopover between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

  • Affordable activities and accommodation for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Similar countryside charm to many Philippine provinces, but with unique Khmer flavor.

Suggested Tour Packages

Best of the Northern Vietnam 5D4N

Destinations: Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh

Duration: 5 days 4 nights

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True Asia Travel - Cầu vàng Đà Nẵng

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Destinations: Ba Na hills, Coconut Jungle, Da Nang, Golden Hand Bridge, Hoian

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Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta

Duration: 4 days 3 nights

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

It is highly recommended you visit Hanoi during the months of October to early December. The air is cool and dry and there are not yet many tourists (compared to the peak season of late December to early January). The period after Tet holiday from March to April is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals in and around Hanoi. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is otherwise a good time to be as accommodation and tour activities are considerably cheaper than in winter time.

2. Is Hanoi a safe city?

Hanoi is a very safe place to be in, especially in Hanoi Old Quarter area. Here and there there can be petty crimes such as pick pocketing, so beware of your belongings. Single woman travelers have consistently rated Hanoi as one of the safest cities to travel in, with very low crime rate against tourists.

3. How long should you spend in Hanoi?

It really depends on how much time you have got. The minimum recommended duration is 3 days while you can stay as long as 3 weeks to fully enjoy the city. Although Hanoi does not seem to have a lot of things to do at first sight, one will have to dig deeper to know the must-dos. From nightly street food scenes to the hidden shopping alleys, and occasional visit to craft village, Hanoi may just well be your most special destination thus far. If you need some suggestion, contact us.

4. What should I buy in Hanoi?

Hanoi is famous for its Old Quarter where each street often specialize in one single product (production and sales). Once you get here you will know exactly what you should buy. Some ideas include conical hats, handcrafted bags, silverwares… Souvenir shops that crowd Au Trieu Street, Nha Tho Street or Hang Be Street also offer more extension selection: coffee, tea, essential oils, and silk. If there is no price tag attached, it is always good to bargain.

5. How cold does it get in Hanoi?

Hanoi weather often reaches a record low of 7 Celsius degree in late December or early January. However the humid wind often makes it a lot harsher than its sounds. If you plan to travel to Hanoi during this period, make sure to pack some serious sweater or jackets. In case you travel beyond Hanoi to the mountain region of Sapa, the temperature may even drop further.