“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

Kampong Thom

Location

Kampong Thom province is the place that has its long history but it is not well known much as other tourist cities such as Kep City, Phnom Penh City or Seam Reap. However this name is reminded always in the tour in Cambodia because it is located in the middle in the road connected Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Kampong Thom is located in the location as the center of the country. The province is bordered with Preah Vihear and Siem Reap to the north, with Kratie to the east, with Kampong Cham to the south and with Kampong Chnang to the west.


  • Districts: The provincial town in Kampong Thom province is Kampong Thom and there are 8 districts in this province. The districts are Baray, Kampong Svay, Stueng Saen, Prasat Balangk, Prasat Sambour, Sandan, Santuk and Stoung Districts.
  • Climate: The climate in Kampong Thom is not so special if compared with other places in Cambodia. It is also in the area of tropical climate. The rain time here is from May to October. The dry time is from November to March. The average temperature is 23 to 28 C degree. 
  • Transportation: Travel conveniently by land to the province and from it to other provinces.

        The distance (by airlines) is for reference as below:
        From Kampong Thom to Ha Noi, Vietnam: 906 km
        From Kampong Thom to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 278 km
        From Kampong Thom to Vientiane, Laos:  629 km
        From Kampong Thom to Phnom Penh, Cambodia:  156 km
        From Kampong Thom to Siem Reap, Cambodia:  158 km
        From Kampong Thom to Sihanouk Ville:  314 km
        From Kampong Thom to Stung Treng:  110 km
        From Kampong Thom to Kratie:  82 km
        From Kampong Thom to Kampot:  266 km
        From Kampong Thom to Kep:  280 km



Landscapes

  • Phnom Santuk: The famous site of the Kampong Thom. There are 4 mountains in the area and Koh Koh Village with the rich culture. Phnom Santuk belongs to Santuk District. It is located far from Kampong Thom Town more than 15 km to the south.
  • Prasat Andet Temple: the old temple was built in 7th century under the time of the King Jayavarman. The temple is in the area of Kampong Svay District. It is located far from the Kampong Town center more than 25 km to the northwest.
  • Prasat Kok Rokar: called Preah Theat. This is the many years old sanctuary. The temple was built in 11th century under the time of King Suryavarman I. It is in Stung Sen District and far from Kampong Thom town center about 14 km.
  • Prasat Kuhak Nokor: this is the complex of Buddhist pagoda located in Baray District. The location of this site is far from Kampong Thom Town more than 75 km. The specific structure was built in the period of 10th to 11th century under the time of King Suryavarman I.
  • Prey Pros: Prey Pros is considered one of the most attractive sites in Kampong Thom province. It brings to tourists the nice space with fresh air and beautiful natural view around. There are many activities in this area for tourists to explore especially the time of holidays. The place belongs to Kampong Svay District and it is far from Kampong Thom Town more than 15 km to the northwest.  
  • Wat Kdei Deum: The scared temple where many people usually visit. Wat Kdei Deum is considered the temple which is same with Banteay Srei Temple in Siem Reap in style.  The temple is located in the area of Stoung District and far from Kampong Thom Town more than 50 km to the northwest.    
  • Wat Prasat: the temple with its special architecture was built in 8th Century. It is considered one of the very old aged temples in Kampong Thom Province. The temple belongs to Santuk District. It is located far from Kampong Thom Town center more than 30 km.    

And there are many other famous destinations in the cities.



Festivals:

  • Independence Day: the event is happened in 09 November each year in Kampong Thom Province and all provinces in Cambodia.
  • Victory Day: the event is happened in 08 January each year in Kampong Thom Province and all provinces in Cambodia. .
  • Khmer New Year: it is happened from 13 April to 16 April in Kampong Thom Province and all provinces in Cambodia.

And there are many other unique festivals and events in the province.



Local specialties

Kampong Thom Province is considered the stop point for tourists in the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and return. So, there are many things from local specialties to introduce to visitors who have time to stop by. Of course the main thing is cuisine. There are very good dishes in Khmer cooking style that you should enjoy if you have your stop in here. If not you may taste the Chinese food, it is good also. The most popular dishes that many people enjoy here are simple rice and noodle fish.