Skun

Name: Skun

Khmer Name: ស្គន់

Status : City

District : Cheung Prey

Province : Kampong Cham

Skun is a city located in the Cheung Prey district of Kampong Cham province, situated approximately 70 km northeast of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Famous for its fried tarantula dishes, the city also boasts a unique charm. During your trip to Cambodia, don’t miss visiting Skun and trying its signature fried spider, which is crunchy on the outside and reputed to taste like chicken on the inside.

Today

Skun, or Skuon, as the Cambodians refer to it, means "spiderville." Tourists recognize the city by its fried spiders sold on every street corner. The city is known for being a commercial hub that gained momentum at the intersection of National Roads 6 and 7. To reach Skun, travel along the road connecting Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham, at the junction of Kampong Cham province.

Ambiance

Skun is a small town characterized by a peaceful atmosphere, though it has not yet evolved into a modern city in Cambodia. Skun retains its authenticity as its residents live at a more leisurely pace. During your visit, you might stop at a street stall for a refreshing sugarcane juice from a local vendor. Skun is rarely visited by tourists and is primarily known as a stopover for travelers. However, the Skun market offers budget guesthouses and restaurants for visitors. The city is known for its unusual local eating habits, particularly the consumption of insects.

Once in Skun, you can also take a motorcycle tour of the town. During your ride, you may come across a villager climbing a tree to harvest palm fruit, which is later turned into alcohol.

Visiting small roadside markets

Numerous small stalls line the roads of Skun, offering a variety of food. You can sample the region’s delicious pineapples and fresh cashews. As you pass another vendor, you’ll find fish products from the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Small huts also sell dried fish, as well as water snakes prepared in various ways. Some snakes are fried, while others are skewered and grilled. The market also sells a range of insects, including crickets, giant water bugs (lethocerus), silkworms, small frogs, grasshoppers, and scorpions. Crickets, silkworms, and grasshoppers are sold at 1,500 riels per box, while other insects can fetch up to 1,500 riels or more.

Try Skun’s fried tarantulas

Tarantulas were once consumed by locals who endured hardships during the Khmer Rouge era when food was scarce and famine prevailed. These insects were also used in traditional medicine for their reputed healing properties for heart and lung diseases. Over time, eating these creatures became a local custom in Skun. Today, the sale of fried tarantulas has become a source of income for the city’s residents.

Although tarantulas are often described as terrifying creatures, this does not deter visitors to Skun from trying this unusual snack. Despite their large size, black and hairy appearance, and long legs, tarantulas no longer frighten locals, even the smallest children. The villagers hunt them in the wild, where they live underground. After capturing them, the women of the town prepare the spiders and sell them on the streets in large trays with a delicious sauce.

Visiting Temples in nearby cities

After sampling the fried tarantulas, head toward the road to Kampong Cham, where you’ll find impressive temples. You can also visit Phnom Santuk, the majestic mountain home to two temples and several Buddha statues.  

Climate

Skun has a tropical climate. Precipitation is higher in the summer than in the winter, with an average annual rainfall of 1,533 mm. The average annual temperature in Skun is 27.8°C. April is the hottest month of the year, while December is the coldest.

What to do in Skun?

• Take a motorcycle tour of the city and stop at the roundabout to try fried tarantulas and other insects that make Skun famous.
• Visit temples and historical monuments in nearby cities.
• Enjoy the tranquility of Skun and interact with the locals.

How to get there?

Since Skun is located on National Road 7, north of Phnom Penh, it is easy to reach. Buses and minibuses are available for transport. The trip will take approximately two and a half hours from Phnom Penh.

Buses

Buses from Phnom Penh connecting all northern and northeastern provinces of Cambodia pass through Skun. If you plan to travel by bus, take the one that stops at Kompong Cham, as it is the most affordable option.

Minibuses

Minibuses serve the cities of Phnom Penh, Kompong Cham, Kompong Thom, Kratie, Siem Reap, and others, and may stop in Skun. Expect to pay between 8,000 and 10,000 riels for the trip from Phnom Penh to Skun.

Best time to visit Skun

Skun can be visited year-round. However, it is recommended to visit during the dry season to make the most of your stay.