Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Kampong Cham, Cambodia

As the third largest city in Cambodia, Kampong Cham offers a plethora of experiences, sights, and culinary delights. The region features a predominantly rural landscape combined with a vibrant city center, allowing visitors to appreciate both traditional Cambodian culture through village tours and handicraft-making excursions while also immersing themselves in urban life, as local workers navigate to food during lunch hours.

The demographic composition of Kampong Cham is particularly distinctive within Cambodia. In contrast to the rest of the nation, which is primarily ethnically Khmer and Buddhist, Kampong Cham is home to significant populations of Muslims and Christians, along with residents of Chinese descent. This diversity creates a vibrant cultural blend, evident in its varied religious centers and an impressive array of culinary options.

Let us explore the noteworthy activities in Kampong Cham:

1. Visit the Local Market

This market, though lacking a distinctive name, is particularly easy to locate. Adjacent to the Mekong Crossing Restaurant, one can find a variety of stalls buzzing with trade and activity, indicative of the local economy.

This market epitomizes authentic Cambodian life, devoid of tourist-centric gimmicks. Instead, it serves as a hub where locals procure fresh produce, meats, spices, as well as clothing, hardware, and toys.

Here, visitors can sample local organic fruits such as mangoes and dragon fruits, along with dried seafood like squid and shrimp—don’t hesitate to request a sample! Some surprising finds may include whole pig heads displayed distinctively and live aquatic creatures such as fish and frogs.

2. Sunset Boat Tour on the Mekong River

Engaging in the Sunset Boat Tour provides an enriching experience beyond initial expectations.

Boarding a boat on the Mekong River around 3 PM, participants gain insight into Kampong Cham and the lifestyle of local fishermen, whom you will see during your excursion. The tour typically includes two stops: one on Koh Darch and another on Koh Pene, where you can immerse yourself in local village culture.

As sunset approaches, re-board the boat, relish a cold beverage, and experience the serene journey across the water as the sky transitions from blue to orange, providing a picturesque return to shore.

3. Koh Paen Island

Consider spending a leisurely day on a tranquil farming island. Rent a bicycle and explore Koh Paen Island, becoming immersed in nature as you traverse small dirt paths for miles. At times, it may feel as if you are alone until you encounter a friendly farmer or a leisurely cow.

Engaging with farmers is a rewarding experience; don’t hesitate to request assistance in obtaining a coconut from a nearby tree. The genuine interaction is entirely worthwhile, and local children often enthusiastically greet visitors, providing enjoyable exchanges.

Stop by local shops for snacks, even if they aren’t needed, and take a moment to relax in a restaurant, as it is these connections with the locals that make Koh Paen Island truly special.

4. Khmer Cooking Class

Although Khmer cuisine may not be as internationally recognized as Thai or Vietnamese, it is equally delectable and distinct. This cooking class provides an opportunity to acquire a skill that will surely impress friends and bolster culinary expertise.

For just $15, participants can engage in a 3-hour class where they will navigate a three-course Khmer menu. The experience begins with a visit to the local market to gather fresh, organic ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking session under the guidance of a seasoned chef. From curry to stir-fry, each step will be demonstrated, allowing you to recreate authentic Cambodian dishes independently. Participants also receive a cookbook to recreate these culinary delights at home.

5. Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros Mountain

A scenic journey on a rented scooter leads to the exploration of Mountain Pros and Mountain Srey, situated to the west of the city.

Your expedition to Mountain Pros, rising only 30 meters, reveals an array of fascinating sights. This peak features an assortment of impressive pagoda temples, intriguing fruit statues, playful monkeys that may steal food, and vendors selling refreshing sugar cane juice.

Nearby, Mountain Srey requires climbing 308 ancient-looking steps embraced by verdant forests. Upon reaching the summit, one is greeted by the ruins of an old temple, a breathtaking sight in itself.

Between these mountains lies a valley that the Khmer Rouge infamously utilized as a killing field during the genocide; it is a somber fact worth recognizing, though no memorial exists here.

6. Chup Rubber Plantation

Many may be unaware that rubber is derived from trees. Numerous rubber plantations are found throughout Southeast Asia, with one conveniently located approximately 20 kilometers from Kampong Cham.

The towering forest of rubber trees creates a stunning visual experience. These majestic, leafy columns possess thick trunks organized in neat rows, creating paths of dirt and light reminiscent of an enchanting scene.

Visiting in the morning is preferable to avoid the heat and observe farm workers in action. Guests can walk quietly among the trees, and for just $1, can enter the rubber processing facility where the rubber is manufactured amid the bustle of machines, overseen by drowsy workers.

7. Ko Paen Bamboo Bridge

Once yearly, locals gather to construct an extensive bamboo bridge spanning the dry areas where water flows in the rainy season. The bridge withstands daily use, accommodating both locals and curious visitors. However, the river’s current erodes the bridge, leading to its eventual degradation and subsequent reconstruction annually—an intriguing blend of tradition and practicality.

If one chooses to traverse the bridge on a motorbike, be prepared for the loud, shaky experience, while a cautious walk may be a more suitable option for those wary of the instability. A nominal fee of $1 is required for crossing in either direction.

8. Motorbike to Kratie Town

Experience a refreshing afternoon ride along the Mekong River en route to Kratie town, situated just 100 kilometers away, which will only take a couple of hours to reach, accompanied by breathtaking views and opportunities to stop for refreshments.

Kratie boasts numerous natural wonders, including the rare Irrawaddy River Dolphins in Kampi, birdwatching prospects along the river, and a turtle sanctuary operated by a devoted monk who, although not fluent in English, passionately tends to the creatures.

As Kratie is a traditional rural town, it is advisable to dress modestly, covering shoulders and avoiding short shorts. The local community will appreciate visitors’ attempts to engage in the Khmer language.

9. Eat at the Bamboo Café

Support the community by dining at the Bamboo Café, an NGO-sponsored establishment dedicated to training local youth in culinary and restaurant skills, offering free training to promote social progress.

The culinary offerings at Bamboo Café are exceptional, featuring traditional Khmer dishes such as fried fish with spicy sauce and Amok curry, alongside Western options like American continental breakfast and refreshing fruit shakes. The serene ambiance beneath a palm-thatched roof, surrounded by scenic farmland, creates an ideal setting to unwind after a day of explorations.

10. Phnom Hanchey Hilltop Temple

Rise early, around 4 AM, to reach Phnom Hanchey by 5 AM and witness one of the most stunning sunrises in Cambodia. As the sun ascends, it gradually illuminates the surrounding mountains, valleys, villages, and the Kampong Cham river.

Take time to explore the temple grounds, characterized by a traditional burnt orange roof atop an ornate gold and white pagoda. Nearby, observe a unique Buddhist statue resembling a Hindu deity with multiple arms and attributes. The vicinity also features remarkably lifelike statues of former monks that evoke a sense of anticipation of their animated return. This site is a rare find, significant not only to Cambodia but to all of Southeast Asia.

11. The French Lookout Tower

For those who rent a motorbike during their stay in Kampong Cham, a journey to the French Lookout Tower is recommended.

This tower, characterized by its Western architectural style, stands out distinctly beside the river, originally constructed to monitor river traffic—though such traffic is limited on a river this wide. Nonetheless, it offers outstanding views of the town, showcasing traditional Khmer stilt houses, allowing glimpses into the daily lives of the residents, and providing an exceptional viewpoint for sunset vistas.

Visitors must ascend over 100 creaky stairs to reach the top, making the experience both thrilling and rewarding, despite the tower’s gradual state of decay.

12. Destiny Coffee House

Finding authentic espresso in rural Cambodia is indeed a delight! At this coffee house in Kampong Cham, patrons can enjoy various items such as latte art, cake pops, iced Thai tea, fruit shakes, and more, providing all one may expect from a modern café.

The décor is minimalist, featuring free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, creating a refreshing escape from the warm weather.

The additional merit of Destiny Coffee House lies in its role as a Cambodian NGO assisting children and youth in developing skills for future employment, ensuring that a patron’s caffeine experience simultaneously contributes to community betterment.

13. Cheung Kok Village

Living conditions in NGO-supported Cheung Kok village contrast significantly with what many may consider typical. Here, one witnesses a simple lifestyle marked by families residing in single-room wooden houses on stilts, surrounded by banana trees and expansive farmland. Many homes feature silk-weaving machines below, where women dedicate their days to crafting scarves and garments for local markets, while men work the fields or engage in various tasks around the village. Children happily play in the dirt, clad in their school uniforms.

The hospitality within this village is genuinely warm, with villagers welcoming visitors and providing glimpses into their way of life. Engaging a tuk-tuk driver can enhance the experience by facilitating guided tours.

14. Nokor Wat Ruins

This Angkor-era temple, constructed during the 11th century, exhibits architectural similarities to the renowned temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.

Within the confines of this Kampong Cham wat lie tombs holding human remains from the Khmer Rouge genocide, depicted through poignant wall paintings illustrating themes of death, suffering, and souls striving for the afterlife, creating a somewhat haunting atmosphere.

To reach these ruins, one can cycle or take a tuk-tuk ride approximately one kilometer out of town toward Phnom Penh. Visitors will likely find themselves among few other tourists. Upon arrival, respectfully approach nearby monks to request entry into the temple. It is advisable for female visitors to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

15. Traditional Apsara Dance Performance

On weekends, a visit to Wat Nokor around 5 PM allows attendees to enjoy traditional Cambodian dance performances featuring Khmer children adorned in beautiful cultural attire.

Organized by the NGO Buddhism for Social Development Act (BSDA), these performances aim to educate Khmer youth on their rich cultural heritage and promote tradition within the community. Guided by Buddhist monks, the students participate in these meaningful dance expressions. If performances have yet to begin upon your arrival, simply wait, as they typically occur when there is an audience present. Although the performance is complimentary, donations are encouraged to sustain this valuable initiative.