You Won’t Believe What’s Waiting in Kampong Cham Along the Mekong!

A country as culturally enriched and authentic as Cambodia stands out in Southeast Asia. It is famous for the Angkor temples in Siem Reap and the capital, Phnom Penh, yet there is a lot more it has to offer. Step into Kampong Cham, a province on the eastern edge of Cambodia's capital. Highly accessible, it offers you a tour that is least touched by time in a quiet, authentic city in Cambodia.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 11-02-2025

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Table of contents

An Overview of Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham: Little-Known, but Is It Worth Visiting?
How to get there?
Things to Do and See in Kampong Cham
Which Site Can You Combine with Kampong Cham?

An Overview of Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham lies within eastern Cambodia. However, it borders Kratie, a province famous for being home to freshwater dolphins, to the northeast, and beyond the east, it shares other borders with Vietnam. The proximity of the province to the capital city makes it very easy to reach, and the journey takes about three hours from Phnom Penh.

Kampong Cham not only serves as an example of a slow-paced life along the banks of the Mekong River, but it is also a completely different world from the usual busy cities in Cambodia, bringing in a sense of peacefulness as a riverside city. This place almost reminds me so much of Phnom Penh ten years ago.

In Khmer, "Kampong" means port or riverside, and "Cham" is the name of a relatively large community of people who belong to the Cham ethnic group, which has Islamic origins. Therefore, it means "Port of the Cham".

*Kampong Cham is located in the east of Cambodia*

Kampong Cham: Little-Known, but Is It Worth Visiting?

Varied Discoveries Along the Mekong River

The large commune of Kampong Cham is spread over a peaceful western bank of the Mekong River and is an all-round destination, offering sights ranging from temples to deep forests, where ancient rubber plantations date back to the French colonial era.

Authentic rural charm

Despite a possible lack of amenities of a large city, Kampong Cham more than makes up for it with its authentic rural charm. For those who aspire to a direct immersion in the heart of Cambodian culture, this is the place to be.

It is also a perfect stopover in a long tour of Phnom Penh- Kratie - Mondulkiri or Phnom Penh - Siem Reap.

Red Earth and an Abundance of Tropical Fruits

Kampong Cham is so rich in red soils and water resources from the Mekong River that regardless of the existing conditions, they still produce fruits such as durians, rambutans, lychees, etc. A paradise for fruits in Cambodia, it offers you quality tropical fruits at attractive prices.

A Historic Land You May Have Never Known

Once, Kampong Cham was a Khmer village in antiquity, of worth that stretched behind pre-Angkor eras, the West Bank of the Mekong River is now this city, which today serves as an important city that has surely stood the test of time over the years. Today, modern-day people still find ancient temples that harbor mystery and history.

*Kampong Cham, a historic land you may never know*

Climate Insights for Optimal Travel Planning

The average temperature is usually around 27 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of around 16 degrees Celsius per year. Most of the time, the sun shines brightly in Kampong Cham. December and January are the coldest months, with an average temperature falling between these values. Below are some concrete examples of the climate:

Rainy season: June to October (27-35°C with 90% relative humidity).
Cool season: November to March (17-27°C).
Hot season: March to May (28-36°C).

How to get there?

Kampong Cham has several access routes, depending on the point of origin and arrival preferences. The main roads to Kampong Cham come from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

You can actually ask the hotel where you are staying to help you book bus tickets. Another option is to directly book tickets at https://12go.asia/en, which allows foreigners to easily book online with a whole lot of information. Do note that ticket prices might be slightly higher, but this will be the most convenient and hassle-free option available for foreigners.

You could also rent a motorbike or bicycle to ride along the banks of the Mekong River. There are taxis and tuk-tuks parked at the site. Both can be negotiated on the street, although bargaining requires some caution. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel for assistance.

*During your trip to Cambodia, don't forget to take a tuktuk for a unique experience*

Things to Do and See in Kampong Cham

Wat Nokor Bachey

Wat Nokor Bachey, otherwise known as Wat Nokor, serves as a cultural and historical collection 2.2 km from the provincial city of Kampong Cham, more specifically along National Highway 7, approximately 122 km northeast of Phnom Penh.

In addition, Nokor, an 11th-century pre-Angkorian Buddhist temple, lies partly concealed by exuberant vegetation. The laterite and sandstone temple still retains some original features. Inside, a pagoda with sculptures of the ancient temple has recently been built. This feature makes this colorful temple famous for its Buddhist decorations and an inspiration for walks with monks in a peaceful ambience.

The Bamboo Bridge and Koh Pen Island

Biking the short distance from the city center, via the Bamboo Bridge (or ferry, if you happen to be visiting during the rainy season), you'll find yourself at Koh Pen: a destination that features some of the most beautiful villages in rural Cambodia.

*Kampong Cham's unique bamboo bridge connects to Koh Pen Island*

At 800 meters long, it is the longest bamboo bridge in the world, connecting Kampong Cham to the island known as Koh Pen. It is destroyed every year by the rising waters of the Mekong River and is rebuilt laboriously when the rainy season ends.

*The peaceful atmosphere here promises beautiful bike rides through small hamlets dotted with temples, plantations,...*

Skun Village

Skun Village, 49 km west of Kampong Cham, is a bustling little town otherwise known as "Spider Town." It also represents an unusual culinary specialty. You won’t believe it, fried spiders! After being flavored and fried, they are neatly stacked on hundreds of plates, creating terrifyingly monstrous mounds for the arachnophobe. As one wanders around, one can also find different kinds of insects prepared in the same way, such as locusts, all seasoned and fried. It is a must-visit for those who are interested.

*The fried spiders of Skun Village, also known as "the city of spiders"*

Take a Walk or Enjoy a Drink on the Banks of the Mekong

The scenery at dusk along the Mekong River Promenade is absolutely beautiful and serene, especially with the Kizuna Bridge in the background. Here, you will actually be able to witness the quiet life of the local populace. The boardwalks are packed with people hanging out and enjoying the breezes. Visitors can enjoy watching children playing along the river, teenagers zooming past, and the elderly exercising.

There are several different restaurants and cafes along the promenade, each one selling a drink or providing some sort of culinary offering. Cambodian food is delicious and full of variety. All in all, this is the perfect riverside walk for those looking for a memorable evening.

*The riverside walk is ideal for a pleasant evening*

Wat Hanchey

Wat Hanchey is an edifice of Hindu and Buddhist temples situated atop a hill that is about 20 km north of Kampong Cham. It overlooks the wide Mekong River. One of the most notable buildings in this temple complex is a brick sanctuary, dating back to the seventh or eighth century during the Chenla era. Previously, it was dedicated to the deity of Hinduism, namely Harihara; today, it is used by Buddhists.

There is also another important building not very far away: the Theravada Buddhist Pagoda. It is Khmer in design, and it has long walls and ceiling paintings as well as carvings of striking beauty, not to mention its wonderful naga statues, which show lions in various colors.

To reach this temple, you have to climb over 290 steps. It is a favorite place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei – Hills of Men and Women

Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei are two Buddhist pagodas built on two hills facing each other. On Phnom Pros, which rises to a height of 30 meters, there are more imposing and aesthetically appealing temples and pagodas than those found on the nearby hill. On the other hand, at the top of Phnom Srei, though its pagodas are less spectacular, climbing an uphill slope of 308 stairs offers a splendid view over the countryside of Kampong Cham.

The Old French Lighthouse

Located just next to Kizuna Bridge-probably Cambodia's mighty first bridge of the Mekong River-the French observation tower dates back to very much earlier times. About 20m high, this observation tower was built in the 1900s to protect rubber plantations. A fire lit in the "cabin" tower informed the coming of the bandits. It was renovated in 2005. Quite a steep iron stairs leading to the top allows travelers to enjoy the magnificent view over the Mekong River and Kampong Cham.

The colonial rulers of Kampong Cham constructed this watchtower in the 1920s to serve as a protection mechanism for the lucrative rubber plantations in the area. Thus, every time bandits neared the perimeters of the city and reached close proximity to the Mekong River, fire was kindled in the tower to warn the governor, who could see the tower directly from his residence.

*The old French lighthouse in Kampong Cham*

Preah Theat Teuk

Preah Theat Teuk is a temple cluster located in two communes, Thmo Da and Thmei. Located 39 km southeast of Kampong Cham, it was constructed in 1005 AD under the reign of King Suryavarman I in the 11th century. It is home to 551 smaller temples, influenced by the theory of Brahmanism as well as Buddhism. Most of them have been severely damaged over the years.

Which Site Can You Combine with Kampong Cham?

Phnom Penh

Kampong Cham is near Phnom Penh, at an approximate distance of 120 km (a 2h30 drive). Therefore, for people who have already been to Phnom Penh and want to visit a nearby place, Kampong Cham is an option.

Also, Kampong Cham can be considered a stopover between Phnom Penh and Kratie.

Siem Reap (Home to Tonle Sap and Angkor Temples)

In Kampong Cham, you have a 120-kilometer drive to Tonle Sap in Siem Reap. As the largest expanse of freshwater in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap is not only diverse in culture but also very famous for its floating villages, where one gets to experience a very typical life and many discoveries.

Further on, we are off to the temple land of Angkor, a proud symbol for Cambodians but also a World Heritage Site. From Kampong Cham to Siem Reap, it might take you between 4h30 and 5h to travel.

*From Kampong Cham, one can reach the Tonle Sap Lake and the Angkor temples in Siem Reap*

You can check out our suggested tour, including Kampong Cham, from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh:

DAY 1: SIEM REAP – ARRIVAL

Arrival in Siem Reap. Free time to rest or discover the city on your own (Siem Reap Night Market, Pub Street, etc.). Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 2: SIEM REAP (ANGKOR WAT AND ANGKOR THOM TEMPLES)

Day dedicated to the discovery of the mystical temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom – the former capital of the Khmer Empire (9 – 15th century). Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon. In the evening, dinner Apsara music and dance show in a charming local restaurant.

DAY 3: SIEM REAP (THE REMAINS OF THE TEMPLES)

After breakfast, visit the temples: Banteay Srei (Women's Citadel) – one of the most beautiful temples in pink sandstone, with the Apsaras and deities intricately carved in stones. Visit the very sacred temples of Takeo, Bantey Kdei and the impressive temple of Ta Prohm – an abandoned Buddhist monastery overgrown with trees and its gigantic snake-like roots. Return to Siem Reap and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4: SIEM REAP – TONLE SAP – KAMPONG THOM (195 KM ≈ 3.5 - 4 HOURS DRIVE)

Moving morning excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. Stop at the lakeside village of Kompong Khleang - authentic and not very touristy. Visit the village with dwellings on stilts or floating rafts, the market, the pagoda and a primary school with smiling children. Transfer to Kompong Thom. Overnight in Kampong Thom.

DAY 5: KAMPONG THOM – PHNOM PENH (190 KM ≈ 3.5 - 4 HOURS DRIVE)

Drive to Phnom Penh via Kompong Cham (literally "port of the Chams"). Visit the authentic villages of Kampong Thom, visit the village of Skun "spider town" to see its unique culinary specialty: fried spiders, and the bamboo bridge. Continue to Phnom Penh.

For more details on this itinerary, check out the link: Cambodia 7-Day Panorama.

Our last words,

Kampong Cham City is not the most modern or majestic by natural standards, but it has a peaceful charm that makes it a really "Cambodian" city. Few tourists, slow-moving lives, an obvious authenticity and very welcoming locals. The intend is that, through this article, you come to know it better about that city of Cambodia, rich in culture and nature, fully maintaining the distinctive vibe of a country of impressive times. He is dying to go to Kampong Cham to discover it!

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