Name: Kampong Thom

Khmer Name: កំពង់ធំ

Status: Province

Area: 13,814 km²

Population: 19,951 inhabitants in 2008

Located at the very heart of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Kampong Thom province is a wonderful tourist destination where you can make a stopover for a quick bite en route to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Beyond the province's striking natural beauty and charming villages, Kampong Thom offers numerous monuments and historical sites worth exploring.

History

During the Funan kingdom, Kampong Thom was a powerful capital in Southeast Asia's southern reaches. Under French colonial rule, the province was populated by the Stiengs, who later blended with Khmer society. Originally, the province was named "Kampong Pos Thom," which referred to giant serpents. Legend has it that beside a large natural lake, on the banks of the Sen River, there was a cave inhabited by enormous serpents. Local inhabitants claimed these serpents only emerged during Buddhist festivals.

To this day, residents have shortened the province's name to "Kampong Thom."

Present Day

Description

Kampong Thom is the second-largest province in Cambodia, situated on the Sen River, a tributary of the Tonlé Sap. Its capital, bearing the same name, is a picturesque town within the Stung Saen district. This town lies on National Road 6, connecting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Kampong Thom province is divided into two distinct regions:

• The northeast section, composed of forests and plateaus. Its lands are rich in natural resources and highly fertile.

• The southwestern section of National Road 6, covering 30% of the province's surface, consisting of flat terrain extending to Tonlé Sap Lake. This area is ideal for rice cultivation and fishing, capable of meeting the country's needs.

Moreover, the province is one of Cambodia's major cashew nut producing regions.

What to See in Kampong Thom?

I/ Historical Monuments of Kampong Thom

• Sambor Prei Kuk Temple

Sambor Prei Kuk is a celebrated temple in the province, located 35 km from the provincial capital. Considered a pre-Angkorian site established in the early 7th century under King Ishanavarman I, it is also Cambodia's oldest monument. The temple complex is divided into three groups: the northern Prasat Sambor, the central Prasat Tao or Lion Temple, and the southern Prasat Yeaye Peou. In total, 52 small and large sanctuaries remain well-preserved within the complex, while 52 others lie buried, forming small hillocks. To reach it, you'll need to hire a motorbike taxi for a round trip lasting approximately 2 hours. Temple entrance is 3 USD per person.

• Prasat Kuh Nokor Temple:

This other celebrated temple in the province is located in Trodoc Poung village and forms part of the Wat Kuh Nokor complex (a Buddhist pagoda). Dating from the 11th century, it has been well preserved. Prasat Kuh Nokor sits 69 km from Kampong Thom. These sanctuaries were constructed across a vast expanse of land, on a square laterite and sandstone terrace oriented toward the east.

• Prasat Phum Prasat Temple:

This temple stands 27 km from the city. It is distinguished by its brick and sandstone structure dating from the 8th century.

• Prasat Andet Temple:

Built in the second half of the 7th century, between 627 and 707 CE, it is located in Prasat village and was constructed from brick, laterite, and sandstone.

• Kohear Nokor Temple:

A temple better known as a Hindu sanctuary dating from the 11th century.

II/ Other Sites to Visit in Kampong Thom:

Beyond Kampong Thom's temples and historical monuments, you can also visit the Boeng Tonle Chmar bird sanctuary. You may also explore Prasat Kok Rokar temple, Wat Kampong Thom pagoda, and Wat Kdei Deum temple. The historic site of Preah Bat Chan Tuk, with its sculptures carved into ancient stone and its impressive Buddha statue, is equally worthwhile. Finally, you can make a detour to the natural seaside resort of Prey Pros.

III/ Kampong Thom's Culinary Specialties

Kampong Thom province boasts several restaurants serving typical Cambodian dishes, while others offer Western cuisine.

The local culinary specialty that makes Kampong Thom particularly famous is the fried tarantula dish from Skun village. Sold by the dozen, tarantulas are available either alive or cooked. If you wish to purchase some, you'll see women carrying them on trays balanced on their heads as they stroll through the market.

You'll also find excellent Khmer restaurants around the market area.

IV/ Cultural Experiences:

Visiting Ka Kos Artisan Village

To enrich your visit to Kampong Thom, you are invited to explore Ka Kos artisan village, located 16 km from Kampong Thom city. Artisans extract rocks from the foot of Santhuk Mountain to craft statues and various decorative figurines for home use. Another fine artisanal product is the Krama, a worthy purchase during your stay. This is a scarf traditionally worn as a headwrap or towel by Khmers. As souvenirs, you can also purchase silk shirts and handbags.

Visiting Kampong Thom's Artisan Villages

If you wish to experience traditional Cambodian crafts such as silk weaving, lacquerware, pottery, leatherwork, stone and marble sculpture, silversmithing, and more, the province's artisan villages will enchant you.

The Countryside Around Kampong Thom

This part of the province is an ideal place to discover daily rural Cambodian life. You'll still find numerous ox-carts, fishermen casting their nets, and residents living at the pace of the countryside. Along the road leading to Sambor Prei Kuk temple, motorbike taxis await tourists, ready to take you on tours through the surrounding villages. If you enjoy tuk-tuk rides, you can hire one from the main road, and drivers will show you many small villages.

Geography and Population

The province covers a total area of 15,061 square kilometers and is divided into 8 districts, 81 communes, and 737 villages. Kampong Thom's north is bordered by Preah Vihear and Siem Reap, the east by Kratie, the south by Kampong Cham, and the west by Kampong Chhnang.

Two of the three main zones of the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve are located in Kampong Thom: Boeng Chhmar (14,560 hectares) and Stung Saen.

Population:

Kampong Thom is home to just over 700,000 inhabitants, representing 4.5% of Cambodia's total population. Of this, 48.3% are men and 51.7% are women. Economically: 85.0% of inhabitants are farmers, of which 4.60% are fishermen, 15% are merchants, and 0.97% work as government officials.

Climate

The country enjoys a hot, humid tropical climate. Abundant rainfall during the monsoon season enables Cambodia to sustain highly diverse agriculture. Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or tropical storms do not directly affect the country. Average temperatures in Kampong Thom range from 16°C to 27°C.

To reach Kampong Thom province, you can take buses, taxis, and minibuses from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampong Cham. Fares range from 7 to 8 USD from Phnom Penh and 5 to 6 USD from Siem Reap. The province is also served by National Road 6, which connects Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

To explore Kampong Thom province, you can rent a motorbike taxi or take a tuk-tuk.

What to Do in Kampong Thom?

• Kampong Thom boasts wonderful riverside quays perfect for leisurely evening strolls. Here you can witness hundreds of massive bats taking flight at sunset, beside colonial-era buildings.

• You can also visit the forested hilltop of Phnom Santuk, a pilgrimage site nestled in lush vegetation with beautiful panoramic views.

• Take walks along the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake.

• Visit Kampong Thom's temples and historical sites.

• Taste the local culinary specialty that has made the province famous: fried tarantulas.

Best Times to Visit Kampong Thom

Like other Cambodian provinces, Kampong Thom can be visited year-round. However, during the rainy season, certain country roads become nearly impassable. The most favorable months for visiting the province are December and January, while April is typically the hottest month.