How do I get to Sambor Prei Kuk from Kampong Thom town?

Sambor Prei Kuk is 35km north of Kampong Thom town. Hire a tuk-tuk (1 hour, $15-20 round trip) or motorbike taxi. Entrance fee is $15 (includes central zone).

Is Kampong Thom worth visiting if I'm short on time?

Yes, especially as a stop between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Sambor Prei Kuk offers unique pre-Angkorian architecture different from Angkor Wat, and can be visited in 3-4 hours.

What are the accommodation options in Kampong Thom?

Limited but adequate range from basic guesthouses ($10-20) to mid-range hotels ($30-50) in the provincial town. No luxury resorts. Book ahead during festivals.

Can I visit floating villages in Kampong Thom?

Yes, several floating villages exist on Tonle Sap Lake, particularly around Stung Sen district. Arrange boat tours locally (2-3 hours, best in wet season when water levels are high).

What local food specialties should I try?

Try prahok (fermented fish paste), fresh Tonle Sap fish dishes, Kampong Thom's tropical fruits, and kralan (sticky rice in bamboo). Local restaurants serve traditional Khmer cuisine at very affordable prices.

Most nationalities get a 30-day visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa. Check your country's requirements.

What is the currency?

Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD) are both widely accepted. ATMs dispense USD.

Limited English in rural areas; basic Khmer phrases help. Tourist spots have some English.

How to get to Kampong Thom?

By bus from Phnom Penh (3 hours) or Siem Reap (2 hours). Taxis and private cars also available.

What is the main attraction?

Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with pre-Angkorian ruins.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No, drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice from street vendors.

Can I use my credit card?

Only at upscale hotels and some restaurants in town. Cash is king.

Lightweight clothing, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a rain jacket if visiting in wet season.

Yes, a few in Kampong Thom town, but they may run out of cash. Bring enough USD.

Is the area safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but exercise common sense. Solo female travelers should be cautious at night.

What is the local food like?

Khmer cuisine: fish amok, lok lak, fresh spring rolls, and noodle soups. Street food is cheap and tasty.

Can I visit Tonle Sap from here?

Yes, boat tours to floating villages on the lake are available from Kampong Thom town.

Kampong Thom

ProvinceCambodia, Asia

Kampong Thom is a STATE in Cambodia, Asia.

Kampong Thom, the 'Great Port' province of Cambodia, serves as the gateway to the ancient Khmer heartland and offers travelers an authentic journey through time. The crown jewel is Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 100 pre-Angkorian brick temples from the 7th-century Chenla Empire, nestled within a serene forest. Beyond archaeology, Kampong Thom boasts the vast Tonle Sap Lake ecosystem, where floating villages and bird sanctuaries showcase traditional Cambodian life. The province's rural landscapes feature sprawling rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and the sacred Phnom Santuk mountain with its hilltop pagoda offering panoramic views. Kampong Thom provides a peaceful alternative to crowded tourist destinations while offering deep cultural immersion, from witnessing traditional silk weaving in local villages to exploring lesser-known Angkorian-era sites scattered throughout the countryside. The province's central location makes it an ideal stopover between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, revealing Cambodia's rich history beyond the famous Angkor Wat.

Best time to visit Kampong Thom

November to February (cool dry season) offers pleasant temperatures (25-30°C) ideal for temple exploration and outdoor activities. March to May (hot dry season) can be extremely hot (up to 40°C). June to October (rainy season) brings lush greenery but flooded roads and mosquitoes. Key festivals: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival, November) features boat races on the Stung Sen River; Khmer New Year (April) offers vibrant local celebrations.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 29°
Feels like: 35°
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 3 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 24-31°C, rain easing

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Transition to dry season

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

REP

Siem Reap International Airport

International

120 km away

PNH

Phnom Penh International Airport

International

150 km away

Getting around

"Transport options include: tuk-tuks (most common for short distances), motorbike taxis, and rental bicycles/motorbikes (available in Kampong Thom town). For longer trips, shared taxis/minivans connect to Phnom Penh (3 hours) and Siem Reap (2.5 hours). No ride-hailing apps operate locally. Roads vary from paved highways to unpaved rural tracks. Hiring a local guide with vehicle is recommended for temple visits. Boats available for Tonle Sap lake tours."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in town hotels and cafes, slower in rural areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+855

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe, but watch for petty theft and traffic.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe, but watch for petty theft and traffic.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Kampong Thom is generally safe with low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night, and use registered taxis. Road safety is a significant concern—roads can be poorly maintained with erratic driving. Be cautious of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote rural areas; never stray from marked paths. Common scams include overcharging tourists for transportation/tours and fake orphanage visits. The provincial town is safe, but remain vigilant in crowded markets. Tourist police are available in major areas."

Police

117

Ambulance

119

Fire

118

Tourist Police

097 778 0002

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Kampong Thom are limited to basic provincial hospitals and clinics. For serious conditions, evacuation to Phnom Penh is necessary. Carry comprehensive travel insurance. Common health concerns include mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria in rural areas), food/waterborne illnesses, and heat-related conditions. Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural/long stays), and routine vaccines. Drink only bottled/purified water, avoid raw foods, and use DEET mosquito repellent. Pharmacies in Kampong Thom town offer basic medications."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders/knees). Remove shoes before entering homes/temples. Use right hand for giving/receiving items. Greet with traditional 'sampeah' (palms together bow). Tipping not expected but appreciated (10% in restaurants, small amounts for guides/drivers). Avoid touching heads (sacred) or pointing feet at people. Ask permission before photographing people. Respect Buddhist monks—women should not touch them. Bargaining expected at markets but be polite."

KhmerEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR) · ៛

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$2-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $2-5

Hotels

$10-30 | budget hotels range $10-30/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Kampong Thom is very affordable; luxury options are limited.

Timezone

Asia/Phnom_Penh +07:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

750,000

Area

13,814 km²

Government

Provincial Government

ISO code

KH-05

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: 캄퐁톰, KH-6, ខេត្តកំពង់ធំ, ខេត្តកំពង់ធំ, Kampong Thom, Kompong Thom, Khêt Kâmpóng Thum, 磅同省, Kampongtomo provincija, コンポントム, Кампонгтхом, Kampong Thum, Kampong Thun, Kampong Tom, Kâmpóng Thom, Kâmpóng Thum, kambwnj twm, kamponga thoma, kampwng tm, kaponga thauma, kaምፖniግ toም, kmpwng ٹm, kmpwnj twm, konpontomu, kyampam tama, Кампонг Том, كامبونج توم, کامپونگ تم, کمپونج توم, کمپونگ ٹم, कंपोंग थॉम, ক্যাম্পং টম, ਕੰਪੋਂਗ ਥੌਮ, ካምፖንግ ቶም

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric SiteTempleRuralCulturalOff the Beaten PathNature