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Kampong Thom

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City
—°3
Kampong Thom (Cambodia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kampong Thom

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Hire a tuk-tuk for a half-day trip to explore the ancient, pre-Angkorian brick temples of Sambor Prei Kuk.
  • The central market (Phsar Kampong Thom) is most lively early in the morning when the fresh catch arrives.
  • Enjoy a relaxed walk along the Stung Sen River promenade in the late afternoon as the heat subsides.
  • This town is an excellent, unhurried spot to break the long bus journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

🍽 Food

🍽
Nom Banh Chok

Traditional Khmer noodles topped with fish gravy, a classic breakfast dish at the market.

🍽
Fresh Cashew Nuts

The region is known for growing cashews; buy them freshly roasted.

🍽
Grilled Stung Sen Fish

Fresh river fish barbecued simply and served at local restaurants near the water.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Phsar Kampong Thom

The main market is the best place to source local fruits, dried fish, and cheap clothing.

🛍
Stone Carvings

Look out for small artisan workshops selling traditional stone sculptures on the road to the temples.

🧘
Sambor Prei Kuk Forest

The shaded, sandy paths winding between the ancient ruins offer a deeply peaceful atmosphere.

🧘
Stung Sen Promenade

A calm and paved riverside walkway handy for a quiet evening stroll.

Kampong Thom is the capital of Kampong Thom Province, located on the banks of the Steung Saen River in central Cambodia. The city holds deep historical significance, having served as a major power center as far back as the 7th-century Chenla Kingdom. Just 30 kilometers away lies the Sambor Prei Kuk archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important pre-Angkorian temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Today, Kampong Thom is a bustling commercial hub situated on National Road 6, the vital highway connecting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The city's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly the production of rice, rubber, and cashew nuts. Its central location and rich cultural heritage make it an essential stop for those exploring the early roots of Khmer history and traditional provincial life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C283031313028282727272727
Rain mm131232591221791771771791456018

Geography

Population
19,951 (2026)
Coordinates
12.71670, 104.88330

Facts

  • Capital of Kampong Thom Province
  • Located on the Steung Saen River
  • Near the UNESCO site Sambor Prei Kuk
  • Major transit point on National Road 6
  • Center for rice and rubber production
  • Historical heart of the 7th-century Chenla Kingdom

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kampong Thom (3)

Kampong Thom Museum🏛 museum

Built in 2011 in Kampong Thom.

Damrey Joan Khla🏺 historical

Statue of an elephant and a tiger in Kampong Thom.

Independence Monumet🏺 historical

Independence Monument on a square in Kampong Thom.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important sight here?
Sambor Prei Kuk, a complex of pre-Angkorian temples dating back to the 7th century.
How far is Sambor Prei Kuk from the town?
It is located about 30 km north of Kampong Thom town.
Can you visit Phnom Santuk?
Yes, it is a holy mountain with temples and many reclining Buddha statues.
Is Kampong Thom on the way to Siem Reap?
Yes, it is a handy stopover when traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
What kind of food can you find in the markets?
Fried insects (spiders, crickets) are a known, if unusual, local specialty.
Kampong Thom: where is it located?
Kampong Thom is located in Cambodia.
Kampong Thom: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kampong Thom Museum, Damrey Joan Khla, Independence Monumet.
Kampong Thom: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Kampong Thom: why is it worth visiting?
Kampong Thom is the capital of Kampong Thom Province, located on the banks of the Steung Saen River in central Cambodia.
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