Kompong Cham

Getting There

From Phnom Penh, buses to Kompong Cham run frequently from the eastern bus station. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and costs between $5 and $7 USD. Popular bus companies include Capitol Tours and Mekong Express, which offer air-conditioned coaches. From Siem Reap, buses also run daily but take longer, around 6 to 7 hours, with prices from $8 to $10 USD. Some buses stop in Kampong Thom before continuing to Kompong Cham. Private taxis can be hired from either city for $60 to $80 USD, providing faster and more comfortable travel.

Getting Around

Within Kompong Cham, tuk-tuks are the main mode of transport. Short rides usually cost $1 to $2 USD depending on distance. Motorbike rentals are available from around $5 to $7 USD per day, which is useful for visiting sites outside the city. Bicycle rentals can be found for about $2 to $3 USD per day and are a good option for short distances and a slower pace.

What to See

Wat Nokor is a historical site located about 4 kilometers south of the city center. This 12th-century temple complex is free to enter and combines ancient ruins with a modern Buddhist pagoda. The Bamboo Bridge, constructed each dry season across the Mekong River, connects Kompong Cham to the opposite riverbank and provides a local cultural sight. Entry is free, but small donations are welcome. The Provincial Museum displays artifacts and information about local history and culture; entry costs around $2 USD. The Old French Colonial buildings in the town center illustrate architectural styles from the 1920s and 1930s and can be viewed on foot. Wat Nokor Bachey is another temple worth visiting, about 5 km from Kompong Cham, entry free.

Food & Drink

Local food in Kompong Cham includes typical Khmer dishes such as fish amok (steamed fish curry) and kuy teav (noodle soup). The riverside street markets and small eateries in the town center offer meals at $2 to $5 USD. Fresh seafood from the Mekong River, including grilled fish and prahok (fermented fish paste), is popular here. For drinks, local coffee shops serve Khmer iced coffee for around $1 USD. The area near the riverfront is the main zone for dining, with several casual restaurants and street vendors.

Where to Stay

Budget options include guesthouses with prices ranging from $5 to $12 USD per night, offering basic rooms with fan and shared bathrooms. Mid-range hotels charge between $15 and $30 USD nightly and typically provide air conditioning, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Some examples are the Mekong Hotel and Golden Sand Hotel. Higher-end accommodations are limited but a few hotels offer rooms at $40 to $60 USD per night with additional amenities such as swimming pools and breakfast included.