Plizio Visual Lab
Kampong Thom
ℹ️Practical info — Kampong Thom
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🌤 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
Traditional Khmer noodles topped with fish gravy, a classic breakfast dish at the market.
The region is known for growing cashews; buy them freshly roasted.
Fresh river fish barbecued simply and served at local restaurants near the water.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The main market is the best place to source local fruits, dried fish, and cheap clothing.
Look out for small artisan workshops selling traditional stone sculptures on the road to the temples.
The shaded, sandy paths winding between the ancient ruins offer a deeply peaceful atmosphere.
A calm and paved riverside walkway handy for a quiet evening stroll.
Water temperature…
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.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Kampong Thom Museum · Damrey Joan Khla · Independence Monumet
- Nearby: Kampong Chhnang (27 km)
- Population: ~19.951 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 12 | 32 | 59 | 122 | 179 | 177 | 177 | 179 | 145 | 60 | 18 |
Geography
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kampong Thom (3)
Frequently asked questions
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Kampong Thom: where is it located?
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Kampong Thom: why is it worth visiting?






















