Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is the third largest city situated in southeastern Cambodia on banks of Mekong River. Important trade and transportation center because of its favorable position on the river, relatively close to Phnom Penh and Vietnam. From first sight rural countryside village, with unexpectedly developed city center full of French colonial buildings, large boulevard streets beside the river. Making this city a great mix of both old and new.

There is not much to explore here besides the rural countryside which has its own charm to it. There are couple amazing temples situated near or on top of hills surrounded by monkey filled forests quite near the city. Not mentioning the colonial architecture which is a worth wile sight and finally toping everything with Khmer cuisine. It is not very different from any other regular Cambodian city and most visitors who comes here are regular backpackers on their way around the country. This place could be great getaway for couple days getaway from busy Phnom Penh or a base for couple days enjoying the rural countryside life of Cambodia.


Helpful tips


Restaurants. There are multiple places in the city where you can find descent food. In most of the local restaurants you will find price and quality ratio alright and food fresh, especially fish as city is close to massive Mekong River. Stop by and try local food in street markets, look for a cleaner place and enjoy!

We usually enjoyed food not far from where we stayed in local and nameless restaurants around the area or city center. Not only because it was way cheaper than chain restaurants, but also to touch how ordinary people who live here eats. There is always an option to eat at your hotel, although, it is usually a bit expensive, as many accommodation providers will have a restaurant installed, so you do not need to go look for food.

Markets. In Kampong Cham as in almost every other city in Cambodia you will not easily find a lot of cheap souvenirs to put on your fridge. However, we encourage to walk around and look for hand made goods in local markets. Here they will charge you more if you look like a tourist. In shops all over city prices vary around same level, thus, choose a more convenient for you. We did not find any shops where they would accept card payment, except one gas station in the middle of the town. Mostly town is full of small shops and markets which do not accept it, thus, be prepared and have some cash with you!

Transportation. To get to Kampong Cham you can use car, bus, plane or even boat as it is the third largest city of Cambodia, it has great accessibility by road or by bullet boats which are the main transportation on Mekong River. We traveled to Kampong Cham using hitchhiking from Phnom Penh. The road quality is great, they are not massive but well maintained. We got lucky and reached Kampong Cham in less than couple hours. Either way you choose, be aware that infrastructure is not bad but clearly not the best, roads are small and sometimes two-line road (one line each direction) is already considered as a highway. So, do not forget to enjoy the trip not only the destination.

Inside the city you will find yourself using local Tuk Tuk’s, bikes or mopeds which are one of the most convenient transportation devices used to get around. However, exploration is doable on foot if you decide to skip on bike.

Best of luck planning your holidays in Cambodia!

Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Cambodia?

If you have anything in mind, please let us know and let’s discuss it.

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