Kampong Thom is Cambodia’s second largest province and home to an abundance of things to do. Here is our guide to what to do in Kampong Thom.
Kampong Thom is often missed by visitors but is a great stop-off on the way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or vice versa. The provincial capital is Stung Saen, which sits on the bank of Steung Saen River. However, the province’s main draw is its collection of Angkorian sites. These include Sambor Prei Kuk and Prasat Andet temples. In addition, Kampong Thom is one of nine provinces that border the prized Tonle Sap Lake, making Kampong Thom part of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve.
Sambor Prei Kuk
Sambor Prei Kuk UNESCO world heritage site is one of the major attractions in Kampong Thom. It is a complex of ancient temples that pre-date those at Angkor Wat. It is also the perfect place to bring out the Indiana Jones in you as you wander through the ancient temples. You can find out more about the site here.
Phnom Santuk
Phnom Santuk is a 809-step high temple that sits atop a mountain, although it definitely is more of a hill, that offers beautiful sunset views. Expect to meet troops of monkeys on the way up and down, making this the stuff of real adventure. Phnom Santuk is the most sacred mountain in Kampong Thom.
Steung Saen River
Alternatively, you can relax by the Steung Saen River that runs through the town. A great way to experience the river is to take an evening river cruise through the Cambodian countryside, where you will be welcomed by farmers washing their buffalos, and even river communities catching fish or taking a bath in the river at the end of the day.
Discover other things to do in Kampong Thom on our Cambodia map.