Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is located along the Mekong River, this charming and peaceful town has preserved its colonial heritage.

The surroundings are also known for the Wat Nokor Temple and its Aspara sculptures and the Cham minority villages, the third ethnic group of Cambodia.

Kampong Cham is a relatively small city has yet to be heavily touristy like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Most travellers who do find themselves in Kampong Cham are in transit to elsewhere in the country, but those that choose to spend at least a couple of days in the provincial capital will enjoy the laid back atmosphere and quaint charm.

Most people in Kampong Cham are of course ethnic Khmer, but there is a sizeable Cham minority in the province’s towns, including a disproportionately high number of Muslims and Christians and those of Chinese origin.

Kampong Cham isn’t a city chock full of tourist attractions, but its colonial charm and atmosphere will endear itself to you. There are a few temples to see in the area, including one of the country’s mass graves.

Ruins at Nokor Wat: an Angkorian temple dating from the 11th century, containing a standard assortment of Angkor architecture. Some of the mausoleums are open to tourists and contain piles of bones and skulls from the Khmer Rouge’s genocidal reign. Inside one of the buildings is a very elaborate series of wall paintings, depicting torture and executions (of a religious nature), followed by scenes of heaven and the afterlife. This is not always an accessible building, as a Monk has to unlock it for you to enter. He usually does, though your driver may ask you to refrain.
The Bamboo Bridge and Koh Paen, located a few blocks south of the bridge spanning the Mekong, is a solid bamboo structure built to Koh Paen island across the Mekong. On the other side is endless Cham and Khmer villages, entirely mounted on stilts. This is a great place to drive along if you want to check out the people of the land. The bamboo bridge can even withstand trucks, so don’t worry about whatever you’re taking, just be careful not to fall into the river. The bridge is washed away as the river rises in the wet season, and access to the island is only possible by boat, but it is rebuilt again every dry season.
Wat Maha Leap: one of the few remaining wodden pagodas in Cambodia, it is really quite beautiful. About 20km from Kampong Cham on the other side of the river, you’ll probably need a local guide to find it, or ask your tuk-tuk driver.