An easy stopover if you have travelling over land between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom is starting to draw more visitors thanks to several unique sites, including the pre-Angkorian temple of Sambor Prei Kuk and the extraordinary hilltop shrines of Santuk Mountain (Phnom Santuk).
Kampong Thom located about 146 km east of Siem Reap on the road to Capital City of Phnom Penh. Kampong Thom is one of five Provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap lake. It is another sleepy provincial capital, but the ruins of nearby Sambor Prei Kuk Temple do make it a more rewarding stop than many others.If you are travelling on the road between Siem Reap and Phnom Penhit is a pleasant place to stop, and is a good base from with to explore the pre-Angkorian Tchen-la capital of Sambor Prei Kuk.
Getting To The Ruin Temple
The road between Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk Temple is greatly improved.The 35km ride takes about 1 hour. There are two routes, beither of which is straightforward. It is best to take a guide from Kampong Thom even if you have our own transport. Arrange a moto driver for the day and expect to pay $6 to $8. The cheapest way to get here is by remorque-moto, but it will take closer to 3 hours to get there. Locals often refer to the temple themselves as Prasat Prei Kuk.
Sambor Prei Kuk Temple
Sambor Prei Kuk Temple located in Sam Bor Village, 37km from Kampong Thom Province on National Highway No.6. Sambor Prei Kuk is a former capital, and was previously named Ey San Borak. A religious center dedicated to Shiva, Sambor Prey Kuk temple is made of solid brick and some laterite stone, and is decorated with sculptures.
The artistic front of Sar Sar Pich and the door frames are made of sandstone. Sambor Prei Kuk temple was built during the reign of King Isanavarman I in the 7th century. The temple was abandoned in 1971 and restored in 1980. A further 140 sites have been found in the forest near by and two others, known to exist, have yet to be discovered.
Getting There & Around
Kampong Thom is on NH6 165km orth of Phnom Penh and 150km southeast of Siem Reap.
Dozens of buses on the Phnom Penh to Siem reap (both US$5) route pass through kampong Thom and can easily be flagged down near the Arunas Hotel. Share Taxis, which leave from the taxi park (one block east of the Arunras Hotel)
Where To Stay in Kampong Thom
There is a range of accommodation available in Kampong Thom, tailored to every budget. At the inexpensive end, there are several guesthouses which double as brothels and make more money from this oldest of trades than from tourism. These are down a side road off Highway No. 6, opposite the market.
Sambor Village Hotel
This atmospheric place brings boutique to Kampong Thom. Room are set in spacious bungalows and the verdant gardens include an inviting pool.
Democrat Street (Brochea Thebatey)
Kampong thom-Cambodia
Tel: (855) 062 961 391
H/P:(855) 017 924 612
E-mail: info@samborvillage.com
STUNG SEN HOTEL
Stung Sen Hotel is the most expensive hotel in town has fully furnished air-con rooms for US$20 or US$25 if you want something slightly bigger.
Tel/Fax: (855) 062 961 228
Tel: (855) 012 309 495
NEAK MEAS HOTEL:
On national Road 6. has Aircon double rooms with TV, fridge and bathroom for US$15 (US$10 if you are prepared to walk to the top floor.)
ARUNRAS HOTEL
Fax: (855) 062 961
Tel: (855) 062 961 294 238
KOMPONG THOM VILLAGE
Tel: (855) 062 962 911
Where to Eat & Drink in Kampong Thom
In Kampong thom there are many restaurants , and most restaurants are more like nightclubs. There is little food available , but beer flows like a river, next door to the 7 Makara Nightclub. The location and the atmosphear is very similar to the Khmer restaurant beyond the Japanese bridge in Phnom Penh. It is raised up on stilts, and is home to a good number of Khmer regular at night. The Arunras Restaurant is another reputable place with good food, and is located in the center of kampong Thom Town.
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