FILLED · 4 spots

Kampong Thom (កំពង់ធំ)

Capital: Kampong Thom · 165 km from Phnom Penh · 3h by road

Halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk (UNESCO, 7th century — older than Angkor by 400 years), and the steep climb up Phnom Santuk for sweeping views. A worthwhile half-day stop for temple lovers.

TemplesStopoverPhotography

Known for: Sambor Prei Kuk · Phnom Santuk · Stueng Saen river

Top spots (4)

Sambor Prei Kuk

សម្បូរព្រៃគុក

★ 5/5

temple · Cost: $10 entry · 07:30–17:00 daily

Why visit: UNESCO World Heritage. Pre-Angkorian capital of the Chenla Kingdom — over 100 brick temples in jungle clearings, dating to the 7th century. Older than Angkor by 400 years, far less crowded.

How to get there: 30 km north of Kampong Thom town, $15 tuk-tuk return.

#must-see#temple#world-heritage

Phnom Santuk

ភ្នំសន្ទុក

★ 4/5

temple · Cost: Free · Daylight

Why visit: Steep climb of 980 steps to a hilltop pagoda full of stone-carved Buddha images and beautiful bas-reliefs cut into the rock face. Rewarding views of the rice plains.

How to get there: 20 km from town, $10 tuk-tuk return.

#temple#hike#photo-spot

Stueng Saen Riverside

★ 3/5

food · Cost: $3–8 dinner · Best 17:00–22:00

Why visit: Quiet riverside in Kampong Thom town. Riverside restaurants serve excellent fish amok and local Cambodian classics. Sunset is calm and the Mekong-tributary view is underrated.

How to get there: Town centre, riverside.

#food#sunset#walking

Prasat Andet

ប្រាសាទអណ្ដែត

★ 4/5

temple · Cost: Free · sometimes a $1 caretaker tip · Daylight

Why visit: A small but exquisite 7th-century Chenla brick temple, often missed by travelers. Single tower; the foundation's carved doorway is photo-worthy.

How to get there: Off-road from Highway 6, north of Kampong Thom. 4WD or tuk-tuk in dry season.

#off-beat#temple#photo-spot

← Back to all Cambodia provinces