Kampong Pos Thom was the original name of the present day Kampong Thom Cambodia. It originated from a big cave near the Sen river and a natural lake, which were home to two large snakes. The locals would see them every Buddhist Holiday. Eventually, the snakes disappeared and the area was referred to as Kampong Pos Thom, using only the first two words. During the French colonial period in Cambodia, the French divided the country into provinces and named them according to the spoken words of the people, thus creating ‘Kampong Thom Province’, which remains the name until now.
How to get to Kampong Thom Cambodia
Situated along national route 6, Kampong Thom is a convenient spot for buses and minivans traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, and back. The journey usually takes around 3-3.5 hours. To make sure you get the best experience, we recommend booking your tickets ahead of time, especially during peak seasons and public holidays.
In the city center, many explorations can be done by foot. For those wanting to explore beyond the center or into the countryside, renting a bicycle or motorbike is available. If one doesn’t feel comfortable driving themselves, they can use the moto taxis or hire a tuk-tuk to take them out of the city.
What to see and do in Kampong Thom Cambodia
Kampong Thom is Cambodia’s second largest province by area. Its capital, Kampong Thom, is a picturesque town situated on the banks of the Stung Saen River. Among the province’s main attractions are the two pre-Angkorian temples: the Sambor temple and Prei Kuk temple. In addition, the provincial capital is a popular stopover for travelers journeying between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on National Highway No 6. Although the town itself does not have many tourist attractions, people do come to explore the pre-Angkorian Chenla capital Sambor Prei Kuk, the remote temples of Preah Khan and Prasat Vihear.
Wat Prasat (Prasat Pagoda)
This 8th century (706) temple is located in Prasat Village, Prasat Commune, Santuk District, Kampong Thom Province of Cambodia. It is 31 kilometers from the Provincial Town of Kampong Thom and the road to it is 500 meters long from the south. Constructed with brick, masonry and sandstone, this temple is of the Kampong Preah style and is dedicated to Siva. It is a sanctuary built temple on a flat terrace without a false door, facing east. In the past, the door was made of two wooden boards; one carved with sculptures of male divinities and the other with female divinities.
In 1996, the ancient sanctuary of Prasat Phum Prasat suffered severe damage due to the growth of trees, strong winds and the absence of conservation and protection. The brick of the southern and western towers collapsed, and valuables were taken away during the French colony. Furthermore, the construction of a new temple by Buddhist monks nearby caused further damage. An inscription, inscribed with six lines of Sanskrit scripts, was discovered six kilometers from the Police Post on National Road 6. Unfortunately, this sanctuary remains in a seriously ruined condition.
Prasat Kok Rokar (Preah Theat)
Prasat Kok Rokar is situated 14km from the Provincial Town of Kampong Thom in Rokar Phum, Srayov Commune, Stung Sen District of Kampong Thom Province. Constructed in the Khleng style of sandstone and laterite in the late 11th century during the reign of King Suryavarman I, it is a temple dedicated to Siva.
This sanctuary, measuring 6m x 5m and 8m in height, was built on a hill and faced east. Its conical central temple had porches to the east and a doorway, as well as three false doors. Its diamond column was octagonal and its three lintels had various styles. Based on research, the sanctuary was rectangular in shape, with an outer rampart of 25m x 25m and four Gopuras that connected to the surrounding laterite rampart. Signs of a likely moat that surrounded the temple were still visible. When observing the court, lintels and inscriptions were found in various styles, including Sambor Prei Kuk, Prei Khmeng, and Kulen. According to an elderly local, during the French colonial period in Cambodia, ancient objects were brought from other temples to this area, with the intent of breaking them into small pieces to pave roads. However, due to the war that happened in the country, the roads were never constructed and the ancient objects remained there. This does not mean that the artists had built the mixed styles.
At the hilltop 1km away from the temple, a midnight ceremony was held every full moon day. Virgin girls were required to dance around the fire to pray for rain. This ritual was strictly limited to the participation of only virgin girls.
Wat Kampong Thom
Wat Kampong Thom, better known as Wat Indrisamavora, is located in Kdei village, Preykahu commune, Stung Sen district, approximately a kilometer away from the provincial town. This ancient temple is a sacred site, covering 2,053 square meters, and is adorned with statues related to the Buddha story. The pagoda is surrounded with fences painted in various colors and patterns, providing a serene and calming atmosphere, especially during festivals.
Prasat Kuhak Nokor
Prasat Kuhak Nokor is situated in Trodork Poung Village, Pong Ror Commune, Baray District, Kampong Thom Cambodia. It is part of the complex of Wat Kuhak Nokor Buddhist Pagoda. Reaching there is easy as it is just 2km away from National Road 6. It is 79km away from Kampong Thom Provincial Town.
The construction of Prasat Kuhak Nokor in the 10th-11th century by King Suryavarman I (1002-1050) was contested in the same year (1002) with the emergence of Preah Bat Jayviravarman claiming the throne (1002-1010). This resulted in a four-year war between the two kings, ending in 1010 with the victory of Suryavarman I over the city of Yasodharpura and gaining control over the entire territory.
The sanctuary was built on a flat ground, with a square laterite and sandstone terrace facing east. There is a rampart surrounding the area with a length of 35m (East to West) and a width of 25m (North to South). The rampart is one meter high and 0.8 meter thick with two gateways: the Eastern gateway is 9m tall and is divided into three rooms, while the Western gateway is small and has a square shape.
The architecture of the buildings is a mix of laterite and sandstone decorations. Located east of the temple are two ponds – the smaller one measuring 45 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and with a depth of one meter, while the larger one is 160 meters long, 88 meters wide, and more than one meter deep.
Prasat Kuhak Nokor features a square-shaped throne made of sandstone, adorned with lotus flowers and pointed-diamond style carvings, with a square hole at its center. Additionally, there are two male statues; one which remains from the thigh to the shoulder, and the other extending from the thigh to the navel. The latter statue is known locally as “Neak Ta Bark Kor”, although it is difficult to identify due to the broken arm and foot.
Phnom Santuk (Santuk Mountain)
Located in Ko Koh village, Ko Koh commune, Santuk district, approximately 17 kilometers south of Kampong Thom provincial town, Phnom Santok is a cultural and natural site which consists of four mountains: Phnom Srah Kmao or Phnom Tbeng, Phnom Penhum or Phnom Kraper, Phnom Champa and Phnom Santuk.
The ancient heritages atop the mountain are plentiful. Three large Buddha statues, reaching Nirvana and each with a length exceeding 10 meters, were carved from the rocky mountain. A pyramid-shaped Prasat Touch made of sandstone, standing three meters tall and with three stories, sits beside an ancient wooden temple (now made of cement) and a rectangular pond (10m x 4m). Further, a Preah Bat Chann Tuk stone sculpture in the shape of a sacred human was created. Additionally, many other small sculptures were erected during the reign of Preah Ponhea Dharma Reacha (1474-1494) and have been preserved to this day.
The ancient town of Phnom Santuk has been renamed Chorn Chong Kiri and Phnom Krop Tuk. Local people refer to two stones, Chan Dare and Chan Chare, as having been joined together in a marked symbol and placed in a small hole. When visitors arrived, they would traditionally drop cash coins into the hole, producing a soft, weak sound like the singing of birds or a melody of joy. This has been a custom since ancient times.
Prey Pros Resort
Visiting The Prey Pros in Kampong Thom Cambodia is a must for travelers looking to explore the Tourist Attractions in Kampong Thom. Filled with natural wonders and cultural insights, The Prey Pros, located 16 kilometers northwest of Kampong, is a great destination for those seeking to experience the beauty of this area. From its Prey Pros Village in the Prey Preal Commune, Kampong Svay District, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. The Prey Pros, Kampong Thom is a popular tourist destination and a great option for travelers looking to explore the attractions in this area.
Located in Prey Priel village, the Prey Pros, Kampong Thom is an expansive man-made resort providing an array of exciting experiences to its visitors. It has been the venue for numerous races and national festivals, drawing in tourists from near and far. As well as running, cycling and other games, the resort offers activities including fishing, swimming and boating. For those looking for a relaxing break, the resort also features a luxurious resting cottage.
Visitors coming to the resort will experience the best of vacationing with its facilities and amenities. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while staying at the resort. Be captivated by the river and stunning topography of the area. Marvel at the enchanting views and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for a restful break.
Sambo Preykuk Historical Site
Sambo Preykuk, located 25 kilometres northeast of Kampong Thom provincial town, is a cultural and historical site of great significance. Once an old capital known as Isanapura, it was a religious centre for the worship of Shiva Brahmanism during the reign of King Isanavarman I in the 7th century. More than 140 temples have been found at the site, built with solid brick, laterite and sandstone, some adorned with beautiful bas-reliefs and door frames made of sandstone.
Sambor Prei Kuk is a cluster of ancient temples set amidst a wooded area. Formerly known as Isanapura, the site predates Angkor Wat and was the capital city during the rule of King Isana Varman 1, the son of King Citrasena.
In the forest, around 100 temples can be found, many in ruinous states or overgrown with vegetation. Of these, 52 are still visible in their original form with the other 52 buried beneath the ground, only identifiable by the mounds of earth left behind.
The Prasat Sambor temple complex, dedicated to Gambhireshvara, one of Shiva’s many forms, is renowned for its carvings still visible on its towers, although many are now hidden by vegetation. As we strolled through the tranquil atmosphere of the shady trees, a horde of child vendors had gathered, selling scarves, bracelets, and trinkets. They were very persistent, reducing their prices to nearly a quarter of the original, as we made our way back. Sambor Prei Kuk may not be as grand as Angkor Wat, but its peaceful forests and serenity offer a refreshing change from the crowds of its famous counterpart.
Preah Bat Chan Tuk or Buddha Statue
The Preah Bat Chan Tuk or Buddha Statue in Kampong Thom Cambodia is a must-see tourist attraction of the city. With its impressive beauty and historical significance, visitors flock by the thousands to this 16th century structure built by King Ang Chan I. Historians and travelers alike can learn about the way of life of the ancient era while taking in the tranquility of its surroundings. Preah Bat Chan Tuk or Buddha Statue, Kampong Thom is an essential part of any trip to the city, making it one of the most popular destinations in the area.
Visitors to the Preah Bat Chan Tuk or Buddha Statue in Kampong Thom can enjoy the magnificence of the ancient sculptures carved into the large stones. These carvings tell many a stories and serve as a narrative of the history of this place. The imposing Buddha Statue, which has been present since the 16th century, is also located at the site.
Prasat Andet Temple
Prasat Andet is located approximately 27km northwest of Kampong Thom, a Provincial Town in Prasat Village, Sankor Commune of Kampong Svay District, Kampong Thom Province. Built in the second half of the 7th century (627-707) during the reign of King Jayavarman I, it was dedicated to God Hirihara in the Kampong Preah style. The structure is made of brick with masonry, laterite and sandstone, and is perched atop a 5.30m tall artificial hill of rectangular shape with 7.50m length, 5.50m width and 1m thick. It faces east and its lintel is decorated with carved garlands in a traditional Khmer style.
The coronet was adorned with rings decorated with garlands and bulb flowers joining each other at the end of the decorations. In its former time, the temple contained a Harihara Statue standing on a decorated royal throne, the body sides being Siva and Vinu. The framed door was 1m width, 2m height, and 0.20m thick. On the northern framed door, the marks of a cloven hoof of a tiger cat which used to go to the upper box of the door remained visible until now.
Bird Sanctuary of Boeng Tonle Chhmar
Boeng Chhmar, located 30km from the town of Stoung in Kampong Thom Province, consists of fishing lots 5 and 6. Villages of Nesat, Kamong Kdei, Svay Kor, Mo Doung, Kampong Bradom and Msa Trang Tboung are situated in the Peam Bang Commune. People living here inhabit floating homes which move up and down according to the water levels of the jungle and flooded forest. The bird sanctuary of Boeng Chhmar has a land area of 400 hectares, with an interconnecting network of water channels along the lake’s bank, rich in flooded forests. Boeng Chhmar is fed by two big river tributaries, Stoung and Stung Chik Kreng, which flow down into the lake. It is home to many species of birds, making it a sanctuary.
Kampong Thom Cambodia is a must-see destination for travellers. With its captivating ancient temples, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, it offers plenty of interesting things to do and see. From ancient temples and pagodas to lush green forests and traditional villages, Kampong Thom has something to offer everyone. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk, visit the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, or take a boat trip to the remote floating villages. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of trekking and biking opportunities, as well as kayaking and rafting. With its unique mix of culture, nature, and adventure, Kampong Thom is an unforgettable destination for travellers.
Comments