Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is the seventh largest city in Cambodia and the capital of the province of the same name.

Kampong Cham Halal Travel Guide

This relatively small city has yet to be heavily visited like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. It carries with it plenty of colonial French charm, and has a genuine "wild west" feel to it. Most travellers who do find themselves in Kampong Cham are in transit to elsewhere in the nation, but those who choose to spend at least a couple of days in the provincial capital will enjoy the laid back atmosphere and quaint charm.

Most people in Kampong Cham are ethnic Khmer, but there is a sizeable Cham minority in the province's towns, including a disproportionately high number of Muslims and Christians.

Because there is little foreign investment and no large scale tourism, this city is very poor, with few modern buildings, though not lacking in French architecture from the colonial period. However, with the completion of a modern two-lane bridge across the Mekong and the city has begun a slow recovery from decades of decline. The people of Kampong Cham are, like all Cambodians, very friendly and open to engaging with tourists.

If recent projects seem to be improving the state of things here (relative to other Cambodian cities), it may be because both Prime Minister Hun Sen and former Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara are originally from this province and the current governor is the PM's brother.

Travel to Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham has road links to major Cambodian cities, including Phnom Penh. The highway between Kampong Cham city and the capital Phnom Penh runs along the Mekong, and buses frequent this route daily, so you should have no trouble getting between the two cities.

By car

Hwy 7 from Kampong Cham to Skun is in excellent condition and one of the best in Cambodia. Shortly after Skun however and the quality declines dramatically with frequent potholes and unpaved stretches. There is an alternative route to Phnom Penh east of the Mekong.

When travelling to/from Siem Reap, it may be worth going via Skun due to the better quality of the road instead of the Route 71 short-cut.

Travel on a Bus in Kampong Cham

To get from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham and there are several bus options. The standard rules for buses apply here. Try taking an early bus, to avoid arriving close to or after dusk, when your choice of lodging will be limited. The phone numbers listed here are for locations in Phnom Penh.

• Sorya, Tel. +855 23 210359. Approximately USD8, with buses leaving throughout the day at 06:45, 07:45, 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:15, 15:00, and 16:00. Typically a 3-4 hours trip.
• GST, Tel. +855 23 335199. Also USD8.50, but only leaving twice daily, at 09:00 and 15:00 with a 3-4 hours trip.

When departing from Kampong Cham, bus stations tend to be found near the roundabout on the primary street in the downtown. One is southwest of the roundabout, on the right side. You buy your ticket at the counter.

• Bus Hoh Wa Genting, Tel. +855 12 923551. Approximately 7,000 riel, with buses leaving throughout the day at 07:30, 08:10, 09:00, 10:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 for a 3-4 hours trip.
• GST Express, at the west end of the boulevard,
• Rith Mony, on Highway 7 about 200 m from the Mekong bridge roundabout, has buses to a couple of destinations including Kratie and Phnom Penh. It is generally a bit cheaper than other bus companies but the buses are also a bit older.
• Capitol, USD8, runs two daily buses leaving Kampong Cham, from near Highway 7 one block west of the Mekong bridge roundabout. Departing at 08:00 and 14:00 with a 15 minutes break. Also takes about 3 hr.

Most shuttle vanes and other non-bus transport leaves from or stops for a short time at the petrol station at the roadside of Highway 7 close to the Mekong bridge roundabout.

Taxis are a less popular and more expensive method, costing about USD 17-15 one way. These do, however, offer more comfort and speed than a bus usually does, but make sure the vehicle's air conditioning is functional before getting in.

Trucks are also an option, but with much less comfort than buses or taxis, and are not advised.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kampong Cham

Beware that boat services may have been discontinued completely.

As for all of Cambodia and there used to be also two types of boats in Kampong Cham: the slow boats and the fast boats. The slow boats are obviously slower than the other option, but are safer.

• Slow boats don't have a pier, but simply land on the muddy river bank north of the bridge. Buy your ticket via eHalal Travel Groups (for roughly 12,000 riel to either Phnom Penh or Kratie) underneath the huge cigarette advertisement. You can sit either on the roof or inside, and regardless of whichever you choose, you're in for a noisy, crowded ride. Get on the boat 1 hours prior to departure. To Phnom Penh the trip takes about 2-3 hours to Kratie about 5-6 hr, with both boats departing throughout the day.
• Fast boats are located on the riverside road, 20 min north on Highway 7. These are more comfortable. As a result of the competition with road transport, however and there are no scheduled boats going to Kratie and Stung Treng anymore. Occasionally and there might be a fast boat doing the run. Kampong Cham to Phnom Penh costs 15,000 riel, and takes less than 2 hr, while to Kratie costs 20,000 riel and takes 3-4 hr.

Get Around

The downtown is easily walkable and is found north of the highway. A couple of hotels and Asian-style restaurants cluster around the river front and couple of streets further east, is the central market area.

Most of the sites worth seeing are however outside the city itself, so you're going to need some form of motorized transport.

By motorcycle

An increasing number of visitors to Cambodia are buying their own motorcycles and then reselling them when they leave the nation (or return home), and this is a great way to see Kampong Cham. Smaller 110 cc bikes are the ones seen driven by practically every Khmer in the city, while the larger 250 cc bikes are more often driven by foreigners or expats. The smaller bikes are cheaper, but less suited for long distance travel and are more susceptible to theft. It's your call, though most travellers end up buying 250 ccs. If you choose to buy a 250 cc, expect to pay anywhere from USD800-2,500, depending on the age of the bike. Note that Vietnam currently does not admit anything larger than 150 cc, but this will likely change in the near future. There are very few places to rent a motorcycle in Kampong Cham. A few are available from the Mekong Hotel (USD9) or Lazy Mekong Daze (USD8). Both are on the river front to the north of the bridge.

Best way to travel in Kampong Cham by a Taxi

There are plenty of motodops offering their service for travel not only within the city, but to outlying areas of the province. For a scant USD8, you can be shown the temples at Nokor Wat and the endless jackfruit fields, and other attractions near the city. Be warned though, if your driver takes you to stalls or shops to purchase souvenirs, he will be receiving commission off of whatever you choose to buy. As usual, bargain with your driver. It's okay to set a price beforehand, but sometimes best to agree on the price afterwards.

There are tuk-tuks in Kampong Cham, but as the city is not nearly as heavily visited as others in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and there won't be many of these, but if you arrive by bus there will be plenty waiting at the bus station.

Travel by bicycle in Kampong Cham

Some of the larger hotels and guesthouses (such as the Mekong Hotel and Mekong Sunrise) have bicycles for hire. They're a good way to get to Wat Nokor and Phnom Pros/Phnom Srey as well as around the city, or for making a day tour to Wat Hanchey. Be sure to always lock your bike to a tree or leave it with someone trustworthy.

What to see in Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham isn't chock full of tourist attractions, but its colonial charm and atmosphere will endear itself to you. There are a few temples to see in the area, and one of the nation's mass graves.

• Abandoned US Airstrip | A short distance west of town. To get there take Highway 7 to Phnom Penh for about 3 km. Just before the factory on the left hand side (looks a bit like a prison) there is a dirt road going to the right between street vendors and two red-white striped poles. Follow this road for about 2.5 km. Formerly used by B52 bombers. There is not much left to see apart from the pavement of the airstrip and two decaying buildings next to it, a pillbox and the control tower probably. Leaving the airstrip on the left (west) will eventually lead to Mountain Pros and Srey. Going right (east) to the end of the strip and turning right again will lead you back to Kampong Cham.

• Apsara Dancing Traditional Cambodian dances | There are occasional performances at 17:00, mainly on weekends and holidays, behind (east of) Wat Nokor (Nokor Bachey Temple) by the children and teenagers looked after and educated by BSDA, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) located at the temple site and managed by the monks. Entrance is free, donations are certainly welcome. Performances seem to be mainly on request, and the children and teenagers will be very happy to show off their talents.

• The Bamboo Bridge and Koh Paen A solid bamboo structure built on Koh Paen Island across the Mekong. On the other side are Cham and Khmer villages, entirely mounted on stilts. This is a great place to drive along if you want to check out the people. The bamboo bridge can even withstand trucks, so don't worry about whatever you're taking, just be careful not to fall into the river. The bridge is washed away as the river rises in the wet season, and access to the island is only feasible by boat, but it is rebuilt again every dry season.Sometimes the local residents might try to charge you a dollar for walking across, which is much more than the local toll.

• French Lookout Tower Once used for monitoring river traffic. It's still standing but in a decaying state. You can climb the stairs inside the tower and have a good view on the bridge and the Mekong and the small village next to the tower. The stairs are difficult and dangerous to climb, and there is a hornet's nest at the top.

• Nokor Wat An Angkorian temple dating from the 11th century, containing a standard assortment of Angkor architecture. Some of the mausoleums are open to tourists and contain piles of bones and skulls from the Khmer Rouge's genocidal reign. Inside one of the buildings is a very elaborate series of wall paintings, depicting torture and executions (of a religious nature), followed by scenes of heaven and the afterlife. This is not always an accessible building, as a monk has to unlock it for you. He usually does, though your driver may ask you to refrain. The tourist police may ask you for money for their own purposes. If you are stingy, you can enter the temple from the other side for free. Don't miss the beautiful sunset in the old Angkorian ruins. The visit to this site can easily be combined with a trip to Pros and Srei Mountains.

Dancing_Performance_(1) - Traditional dances in Nokor Wat

• Phnom Hanchey Temple on a hilltop. The view of the beautiful Cambodian landscape on the way there makes it worth it! If you can make it up very early (around 05:00) you'll see a gorgeous sunrise over the Mekong.

• Pros and Srei Mountains West of the city are a pair of "mountains", with temples on top of them. It makes an easy ride on a bicycle, but road traffic can be heavy by Cambodian standards. Mt Pros has a dull peak and is roughly 30 m tall. There are a series of temples at the top, with the centrepiece being a five pagoda temple. There are outlying temples, most of which are ruined and falling apart. Sip sugar cane juice from one of the many stalls on the top while watching the monkeys fooling around and stealing bananas from the vendors tables. The Mt Srey has 308 steps running up it, with a ruined temple at the top. There are no monks at this one, but there are several women and old men who collect donations from visitors. Between the two mountains lies one of the nation's many killing fields where the Khmer Rouge dumped countless bodies, though in this case it's nothing more than a cement shed and a pile of bones.

• Wat Maha Leap One of the few remaining wooden pagodas in Cambodia, it is really quite beautiful. You'll probably need a local guide to find it, or ask your tuk-tuk driver. Nearby is a village known for its weaving. You can see silk being weaved and dyed and, of course there is always some for sale.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is a sleepy provincial capital, and as such there isn't a whole lot to actually do, and those seeking plenty of activities to keep themselves occupied will become bored within a day.

Bamboo bridge (Kompong Cham, Cambodia 2011)-2 - The Bamboo Bridge

• Buddhism and Society Development Association - A registered NGO running several charitable projects for the local community. This includes Mekong Kampuchea's Kids Project (a street children's theatre), Natural Resource Management and livelihood project (food security and livelihood for single women and the poorest of the poor), Education Project (School For Life, vocational training and life skills), Health Project (HIV/AIDS Prevention and Harm Reduction Drug Abuse Project), and as well as a Social Accountability Project (good governance). There are opportunities for volunteering.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham features a few markets, but the best is the one the local residents use. It features all sorts of food, ranging from standard mangoes and other fruits, to pig heads and live fish. As with all other food places in the area, use common sense when buying here, as there are health hazards to the unsuspecting Westerner. It's just down the road from the Mekong Crossing restaurant, but stalls only open during daylight hours. Some food and juice stalls stay open until late, around 21:00.

• Cambodia Public Bank (5-7, Ph Angduong, coming from the bridge turn right at the roundabout from where it is about 200 m) exchange money and has an ATM accepting VISA, MasterCard and Maestro. This is the last ATM when heading north until Pakse in Laos.
• Canadia Bank, not to be confused with Canada, this bank is wholly Cambodian-owned. This particular branch doesn't take Baht, and exchanges money at a slightly poorer rate (roughly 4,000 riel to the USD) than you'll get at your hotel or on the street. They will cash traveller cheques and offer free advances on MasterCards. Best to avoid unless you need to replenish your supply of US dollars.
• Acleda Bank (31-33, Ph Khemarak Phomin) also has an ATM but doesn't yet accept international cards. They can change dollars and (Thai) Baht only, but they accept traveller's cheques. Western Union services are also available.
• Money changers are available throughout the city, particularly in and around the markets - look out for packets of money on display. They will give you a slightly better rate than the banks but you have to ask around for the best deal. Some of them do also change other currencies than dollars such as (Thai) Baht and Vietnamese dong. Occasionally, other western currencies are changed as well but expect a poor rate. It is not feasible to change Lao kip.
• Internet cafes and there are a couple of Internet cafes around town, especially on Ang Duong Street between the market and the bridge over the Mekong. The going rate is 2,500 riel per hour.

Halal Food & Restaurants

According to eHalal.io no halal restaurants have been spotted in Kampong Cham.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kampong Cham, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kampong Cham. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kampong Cham and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kampong Cham. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kampong Cham. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKampong Cham: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kampong Cham.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kampong Cham: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kampong Cham, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kampong Cham.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kampong Cham, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kampong Cham, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kampong Cham and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kampong Cham, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kampong Cham, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kampong Cham without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kampong Cham is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kampong Cham.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kampong Cham is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kampong Cham, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kampong Cham Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kampong Cham

eHalal Group Kampong Cham is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kampong Cham. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kampong Cham.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kampong Cham ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kampong Cham. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kampong Cham, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kampong Cham are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are hotels and guesthouses offering decent lodging options. Although a large number of guesthouses can be found around town and the decent places are concentrated at or close to the riverside. For USD8 you can get a fan room of a comfortable size with TV and private bathroom with water. There are many more lodgings than mentioned here, especially near the market. They are sometimes, but by no means always, cheaper than a fan room in a hotel but offer tiny and dull rooms in some cases more often rented out by the hour than by night. They are rather a last resort if everything else is fully booked or if you are really on the affordable of the cheap.

• Bophear Guesthouse | Cheap, but not the cleanest room in town.

• Kim Srun Guesthouse Rooms come with fan, cold shower and TV. While the windowless single rooms are merely OK and the double rooms are much better value. Compared to other guesthouses the rooms are large (about the size you can expect in the hotels around) and there is a nice balcony with good views of the river.

• Leupviraksa Hotel The standard is almost identical to the Mittapheap Hotel. It is mainly the view from the upper floor rooms that is better. The drawback is its location a bit outside of the centre. The rooms are OK and come with a fan, cold shower and TV and optional air-con and hot shower.

• Mariya Hotel and Restaurant | Nice hotel facing the Mekong with cosy rooms and a decent, if slightly pricey restaurant. Staff are friendly and willing to help with travel plans, but may push their own services first. Lobby has comfortable chairs, book exchange and free Wi-Fi.

• Mekong Hotel Good quality and good value for money. Rooms have fans, TV and a private bath with hot water and optional air-con. Sometimes eHalal Tour Groups fill all the rooms, but in general you don't need a reservation. Most rooms are doubles. Make sure you ask for a view of the Mekong, as the only view from the windows on the other side of the building is of piles of garbage. Price for a refurbished, air-conditioned room with a view of the Mekong is USD15.

• Mekong Sunrise | Places to relax on sofas and hammocks on the balcony. And a good view on the Mekong. Owned by a friendly Frenchman who will give you good advice. Rooms are clean and spacious, with free Wi-Fi. Double room with a huge private balcony on the top. No air-con or cable TV, but does have a PlayStation. Bikes and motorbikes for rent. The restaurant is the only place you can drink a draught organic juice on the riverside. A good variety of food: the traditional Khmer foods, sandwiches, salads, crepes, omelette and a few International foods. The kitchen opens on the dining room so you can also take a cooking class, and see the kitchen is clean. Free Wi-Fi and free swimmingpool table for guests.

• Mittapheap Hotel The outside of the hotel looks better than it is in the inside. Still it is one of the better options in town. The rooms are of a comfortable size and come with a fan, cold shower and TV and optional air-con and hot shower.

• Monorom Hotel This place seems to be very popular, but probably not for the quality of the rooms but rather the massage services provided. The staff hardly speak any English. It might be a place to consider if the other options are full.

• Monorom VIP Hotel - High quality, spotlessly clean, spacious and inviting rooms. The best rooms look like little palaces, with beautiful Khmer-style furniture. Stunning views of the river, even better than the views of Mekong Hotel.

• Rana Country Home Stay - Traditional Khmer house. Home cooked meals with home grown food in a country setting. A couple of pleasant walks can be taken from there. ☎ or email in advance to check occupancy due to small number of rooms.

• Serey Pheap Guesthouse Very large and good quality rooms. A quiet, family-run establishment with helpful staff.

• Spean Thmey Guesthouse The rooms are basic, but OK.

• Chaplin's Guesthouse - A six-suite guest house along the Mekong. Each room has air-con, flat screen with cable, ensuite bathroom, and private balconies overlooking the Mekong River.

Travel Next

Since many travellers who pass through here are on their way north to Kratie and other areas and the best thing to do is to simply hop on a bus to wherever it is you are going. If you have your own transportation, just get out and drive. Highway 7 is in good condition all the way up to the border with Laos.

• Phnom Penh

Two Wheels

• Bicycle and Motorbike, Kratie is about a 100 kilometers ride from Kompong Cham along the Mekong. It is mostly a dirt road in good condition so it is feasible even by bicycle to reach Kratie in one day. Otherwise stop in Chlong for the night. Take Route 223 north out of Kampong Cham up to Stung Trang (Preaek Barang) and then take the ferry over the Mekong (1,500 riel) and continue along Route 338. It should also be feasible to first cross the bridge in Kompong Cham and take Route 338 from there but this stretch of road is in a very bad condition (although the first few kilometers are smooth) and not recommended.

Border Crossing to Vietnam

The border from Trapeang Phlong in Cambodia to Xa Mat in Vietnam is open to international tourists. On the Cambodian side you have to organise your own transport either all the way from Kampong Cham or take first a Kratie bound bus to Krek and then a motorbike for the remaining 14 kilometers to the border crossing. On the Vietnamese side there are regular public buses running to Tay Ninh a few hundred metres from the border crossing. Visas are not available at the border and the formalities may take a while. People in Kampong Cham may tell you that this is not an international border. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.