Overview of Kampong Thom, Cambodia
Location & Significance
Kampong Thom — translating to “Great Port” — is a central province in Cambodia, bordered by Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kratie, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, and Tonle Sap Lake. Its capital, Stung Saen, sits on the Stung Sen River and serves as a gateway to notable historical and natural landmarks.
The Sambor temple and Prei Kuk temple are the two main temples in Kompong Thom as well as other less significant Angkorian sites. Kompong Thom was a former capital in Southeast Asia during the Funan period. Later on, during the French rule, the province was home to a large group named the Stieng, but they have long been assimilated into Khmer society.
Key Attractions & Cultural Highlights
Sambor Prei Kuk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the most important Pre-Angkorian archaeological sites. Once the capital of the Chenla Kingdom (7th century), it features three temple clusters with iconic brick architecture and historical layout.
Phnom Santuk
A sacred hill (≈207 m) with a white-walled temple, reclining Buddha statues carved into rock, shrines, and panoramic views over the plains. Pilgrims and monks frequent the site, and there’s a fascinating legend tied to its name.
Prasat Phum Prasat
Located in Santuk District, this 8th-century Hindu temple (dedicated to Shiva) features four structures of brick and sandstone, with original inscriptions, and was historically used to store royal valuables.
Prasat Kuh Nokor
Situated in Baray District, this Buddhist temple dates from the 10th–11th century (King Suryavarman I). It’s noted for its square courtyard, lotus-decorated throne, and two large temple ponds.
Santuk Silk Farm
A social enterprise founded in 2006, this silk farm near Kakaoh village showcases the silk-making process—from silkworm to weaving—and employs local women to produce scarves and textiles available on-site.
Opened in 2011 in Stung Saen, the museum displays around 150 artifacts from pre-Angkorian to post-Angkorian periods. The collection includes Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and stone lintels from Sambor Prei Kuk, housed in a traditional-style building.
Local Experiences & Travel Vibes
- Old Colonial Governor's Mansion & Bat Colony: An atmospheric site behind the market, where the riverbank hosts large colonies of fruit bats—especially dramatic at dusk.
- Countryside Walks or Bike Rides along the Stung Sen River: Travelers describe peaceful rides along the river, past rice paddies, fishing villages, and ox-carts—a quiet immersion in rural Cambodia.
- Wildlife & Grasslands: The surrounding grasslands are vital conservation areas for endangered birds like the Bengal Florican, Oriental Plover, and Manchurian Reed Warbler. Perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
What Locals and Travelers Say
“Very pleasant countryside walk or bike ride… lots of fishing villages, glowing green rice paddies… you might not see another foreigner for hours.”
— TripAdvisor review Tripadvisor
“Weaving quality silk products … a sustainable business… perfect stop to explore the ancient art of silk production…”
— TripAdvisor review of Santuk Silks Tripadvisor
From a Cambodia travel forum:
“You can go to Kampong Thom to see Prei Kuk or Phnom Santuk…” — an easy detour on the Phnom Penh–Siem Reap route. Reddit
Suggested Itinerary Highlights
| Category | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Heritage Sites | Sambor Prei Kuk, Prasat Phum Prasat, Prasat Kuh Nokor |
| Spiritual & Scenic Views | Phnom Santuk |
| Local Culture & Products | Santuk Silk Farm, Kampong Thom Museum |
| Nature & Atmosphere | Bat colony, countryside rides, grassland birdwatching |
Tips for Visiting & Best Time
- Best Season: The cool season (November–March) offers the most comfortable weather and beautiful light.
- Suggested Duration: A full day can cover Sambor Prei Kuk and one or two nearby sites; plan 2–3 days for a fuller experience.
- Getting There: Located along National Road 6 between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, offering easy detours.
- More than Temples: Add scenic walks, museum visits, and craft experiences for a balanced itinerary.
Attraction in Kampong Thom
Sambor Prei Kuk Temple
Sambo Prey Kuk Temple is a cultural and historical site located in Sambo village, Sambo commune, Prasat Sambo district, about 25 kilometers northeast of Kampong Thom provincial town. The site was once an old capital named Isanapura and a religious center for the worship of Shiva Brahmanism.
Many temples were built in Sambo Preykuk during the reign of King Isanavarman I (AD 616- 635) in the 7th century. The temples of Sambo Preykuk constructed of solid brick, laterite and sandstone and decorated by bas-reliefs. The lintel, pillars and the door frames are all made of sandstone. So far, 140 temples have been discovered in the forest.
Sambor Prei Kuk, located near Kompong Thom, 150km south-east of Siem Reap, lies off the main road towards Cambodia?s capital Phnom Penh. Kompong Thom is a sleepy little town. The only hive of activity was the market place next to the Stung Sen River where we bought some brown palm sugar and Cambodian fragrant rice. The local ?taxi? was actually an open-air wooden cart pulled by an antiquated motorbike. Its owner was an elderly man wearing spectacles with thick lenses.
Phnom Santuk
Phnom Santok is a cultural and natural site located in Ko Koh village, Ko Koh commune, Santuk district, about 17 kilometers south of Kampong Thom provincial town. The site include four mountains: Phnom Srah Kmao or Phnom Tbeng, Phnom Penhum or Phnom Kraper, Phnom Champa and Phnom Santuk. Since the ancient time to the present, Phnom Santuk Mountain has been called in many names as below:
- Phnom Thom (in history)
- Phnom Arth Santuk (In history)
- Phnom Chorm Chong Kiri
- Phnom Krop Tuk
- Phnom Preah Bat Chann Tuk
The ancient heritages on the top of the mountain:
– Many Buddha statues were carved from great mountain rock including three big Buddha statues reaching Nirvana, each has more than 10-meter length.
– Prasat Touch of pyramid shape, made of sandstone, has three stories and three-meter height, and is located next to the ancient wooden temple (presently, it is made of cement) with a rectangular pond (10m x 4m).
– Preah Bat Chann Tuk statue was carved on the stone shaped as food of a sacred human, and there are many other small sculptures. By the stories, the construction and the statues were erected during the reign of Preah Ponhea Dharma Reacha (1474-1494) and have been maintained until now.
Lion Temple Group
Lion temple group comprise 18 temples with two ramparts closed to the pond. The reasons why the people called Lion Temple because on the tops of all stairs from the four directions, there were sitting lions with forelegs standing up, hind-legs humbling down, its head rose up and its mouth opened to the sanctuary. Now the pond is empty during the dry season.
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