A Bamboo Bridge

The bamboo bridge in the city of Kampong Cham is a truly unique architectural model. Spanning the Mekong River, it connects the city center to the river island of Koh Paen. Every year in May, with the arrival of the rainy season, the bridge is dismantled—only to be rebuilt the following January by a group of around thirty local residents. Stretching nearly one kilometer, the structure supports both pedestrians and vehicles and is made entirely of bamboo poles held together with steel cables.

Authenticity kept alive

Just two kilometers north of this location, a concrete bridge measuring 780 meters was completed in March 2018 to accommodate heavier vehicles. In the lead-up to the construction of this more modern structure, locals feared the disappearance of the traditional bamboo bridge due to its perceived obsolescence. However, those fears proved unfounded. The bridge’s tourist appeal, its charm, and the nostalgia it evokes inspired the people of Kampong Cham to preserve it.

Today, the bamboo bridge continues to be rebuilt every year, offering travelers an unforgettable experience and a glimpse into the region’s living traditions—right in the heart of this riverside city.