Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom is the capital of Kampong Thom Province in Cambodia. It's about halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and thus most travellers only rush through on their way between these two major attractions.

Nevertheless, it is a pleasant and relaxed place and a good starting point for adventuring the nationside and the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk.

Travel to Kampong Thom

Buses, shuttle vanes (~8,000 riel) and shared taxis (~12,000 riel) connect from Phnom Penh. The same selection of transport should be available from Siem Reap.

Current prices for Phnom Penh to Kompong Thom are about 25,000 riel for one place in a shared taxi, USD8 for a bus. Mekong Express buses stop at the Arunras Guesthouse and tickets can be purchased there.

from Kampong Cham local buses are available and they ask 6$US but the actual price is unknown; company buses seem to leave early in the morning.

Current prices for a shared taxi (7 seats) from PP to KT is USD8 per seat. If you want the front seat to yourself (2 seats) you pay USD 17. Highly recommended.

Get Around

The town is easily explored by foot. There are motorbike-taxis for hire to take you to more distant sights.

What to See

There is an interesting fruit bat roost in the grounds of the old governors residence (a nice colonial perioid building). This is behind the market on the first road off the river. If the gate to the old governors building is open, you may be in luck and the house itself is sometimes left unlocked. All of the original furnishings are missing, but some of the bathroom fixtures remain and the house itself gives off a haunted vibe.

The grasslands and rice-fields surrounding Kompong Thom of an extreme importance for wildlife conservation. These areas hold the largest global population of the endangered Bustard the Bengal Florican as well as occasional large waterbirds from the Tonle Sap floodplain (Adjutants, Pelican, Painted Stork). Other species include large numbers of wintering palearctic passerines (including Dusky Warbler, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Siberian Rubythroat) and the globally vulnerable Manchurian Reed Warbler. In March large numbers of Oriental Plover pass through the area making this possibly the best area in the world to see this species.

The areas also offer a glimpse of everyday life in the Cambodian countryside with many fishermen, ox-carts and small scale farmers. The best way to visit the grasslands is by en-listing the help of a moto-dop driver from in-front of the Arunras Guesthouse. A number of these know the area (around Rolous village about 5 kilometers towards Phnom Penh) and speak English.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kampong Thom

The American VIP School is a small ESL English school in KT town centre owned by an American and his Khmer wife. Native speakers wishing to donate 1 hours of their time to converse with eager Khmer students are appreciated. Normally classes are held 1 hour at night from 17:30-18:30. If interested, inquire beforehand at the American Restaurant near the Arunras Hotel.

Shopping

Halal Food & Restaurants

According to our information, 6 Halal restaurants are in Kampong Thom. Updates will be available after January 30, 2023.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kampong Thom

eHalal Group Kampong Thom is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kampong Thom. 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 Thom.

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 Thom 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 Thom. 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 Thom, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kampong Thom 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

At the bus stop, walk away from the main street along the little side side street for a minute and there are two simple but quiet guesthouses in traditional Khmer houses with reasonable prices.
Around the bus stop there are several guesthouses which apparently double as brothels in the evening.

The best place to stay is the Arunras Guesthouse (USD9 for a single/double room with a fan). It has cable TV (including Al Arabiya for English football) and is clean with friendly (Khmer speaking) staff. However it's very popular, particularly with Khmer government officials, and can be full.

More up-market are the Arunras Hotel next door and the (favoured by eHalal Tour Groups]) Stung Sen Garden Hotel. A number of affordable and dirty guesthouses also exist.

News & References

Travel Next

Sambor Prei Kuk South - Sambor Prei Kuk

Sambor Prei Kuk Hire a moto-taxi to take you to the complex. It's an roughly 2 hours ride through nice scenery and small villages with friendly inhabitants. The pre-Angkorian site dates back to the beginning of the 7th century and was the former capital of the Chenla-Kingdom. Unlike Angkor and the temples are constructed from brick and sandstone. The complex consists of three main groups: central group, south group, north group, all covered by shady forest. In 2017 it was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

While talked up by the guide books, Sambor Prei Kuk is a disappointment for people expecting temples that even vaguely vie with some of the other Khmer examples.At USD7 for a ticket its just about worth it though most of the temples appear to resemble 19th century European brick kilns. Lots of kids hanging around latch on to any visitors (there's not that many) so the 'peaceful' temple in the jungle experience doesn't really happen. While probably important in historical context a visitor to Cambodia with little time should probably give this temple a miss (Beang Meala outside DomDek is far better).

Phat Sanday is a large and remote floating village at the mouth of the Sen River (Stoung Sen). Despite Kompong Thom being the nearest town, it is about 80-90 kilometers down the meandering river. A boat leaves Kompong Thom for Phat Sanday everyday at around 10:00. The driver will sit in the boat, beneath the large bridge waiting for clients. On asking and the price was USD15 per person. It is unconfirmed where the boat finally ends up - although possibly Kompong Chnang, on the southern side of the Tonle Sap Lake.
Kompong Thom is the starting point for an adventurous tour to the seldom visited jungle plains of northern Cambodia. This 3-4 days motorbike ride to Preah Vihear is offered by some of the moto-taxi drivers, who will propose it to you once they spot you getting off the bus. With you sitting on the back of the bike, your driver will take you through peaceful villages and Rice paddies, passing by friendly local residents, spending a night with a local family and visiting the temples of Preah Khan Kompong Thom and Koh Ker on your way. A part of the journey leads you along an old Angkorian road and over its ancient bridges. The ride itself is hard, skidding over sticks and stones, through sand oceans and bamboo forest, sometimes fording small rivers. From Preah Vihear, you will head to Siem Reap via Anlong Veng and the place where Pol Pot is said to have died.