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Kampong Cham Destination Guide
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Kampong Cham Destination Map
Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham is the capital of the province of the same name and the third largest city in Cambodia. With its Mekong River location and relatively close proximity to Phnom Penh (123km) and Vietnam, Kampong Cham has always been an important trade and transportation hub. The highway from Phnom Penh is in excellent condition-you can get here in just under two hours by road or by the bullet boats that are a main mode of transportation between towns on the Mekong River. Either way it’s a nice fide, with views of the rural countryside or river area, depending on which way you go.
The town itself is quaint and charming with its bustling morning river scene and wide boulevard streets beside the river. There are a few worthwhile attractions nearby and with its location on the way by boat or road to Kratie, Mondulkiri, Rattanakiri and Stung Treng Provinces; it’s a nice jump-off point.
Kampong Cham is a mix of the old and the new, with a new temple being built in and around old ruins and the big ferry boats taking people and goods to the other side of the Mekong, right next to the construction of the first bridge ever built here.
Because there is little foreign investment and no massive tourism (almost every foreigner who comes here is a backpacker), this city is quite poor with a few modern buildings, though not lacking in French architecture from the colonial period. It is similar to many other Cambodian cities, being rather dirty, with garbage a common sight. The people of Kampong Cham are very friendly and open to engaging with tourists.
If recent projects seem to be improving the state of things here (relative to other Cambodian cities), remember that both PM Hun Sen and former Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara are originally from this province.
- Where To Stay
- Dining Out
- Shopping
Pounleurasemei 2 Guesthouse:
Names this long should be illegal. It’s good value at US$ 5 for a fan room and US$ 10 a/c. The rooms have a Western bath and some have a view of the river.
Chamnortunle Guesthouse: (A shorter name than the neighbour, but not by much.)
There is a nice second-floor terrace over looking the Mekong River. There are US$ 3 fan rooms on the third floor. The other rooms have a Western bath and TV added. US$ 5 for a fan room and US$ 10 for adding a/c.
These next four places are close to the market ad river:
7 January Guesthouse:
It’s a dive, but at 5,000 riel that’s what you get. It has a share bath and a second-floor terrace.
Angkor Thom Guesthouse:
Same as the 7 January, US$ 30 on a monthly basis.
Chann Chhaya Guesthouse:
It’s the same as the others at 5,000 riel.
Nava Guesthouse:
In the middle of the pack of the three others. There are small, clean rooms with a Western bath in each room at US$ 5 a night.
Monorom Guesthouse:
Newly refurbished, they now have nice rooms with TV, fan, Western bath for US$ 5, adding a/c puts the cost at US$ 10. There is karaoke on the premises and the place always has working girls hanging around making this place fairly lively for Kampong Cham. It’s located behind the Mekong Hotel.
Bopharik Guesthouse:
It has a nice terrace overlooking the market, Simple fan rooms with Western bath for US$ 5, $ 10 for a/c.
Bopear Guesthose:
Located one block in from the river, it’s a clean and well-run place. There is also a nice second floor terrace. Western bath and a big fan room go for US$ 4.
Sengly Guesthouse:
This place has simple rooms with attached bath for US$ 4 w/fan or US$ 10 a/c.
Hakly Guesthouse:
Unfriendly staff makes this place a bad choice even though the rooms are fairly decent.
Kimsrun Guesthouse:
A simple place with a small restaurant on the premises. US$ 3 a night.
Kampong Cham Hotels
Apsara Restaurant:
Near the Kampong Cham Market. They serve a good breakfast and continue throughout the day. They have some western food and an English menu.
Kimstrun Guesthouse & Restaurant:
The guesthouse has a small rice dish and noodle soup restaurant.
Hoa An Restaurant:
This place is popular with locals and the Kampong Cham NGO crowd. It looks like a two-story hotel and has some a/c rooms for private dinners, in addition to the main eating area. Good Chinese and Khmer food along with the usual beer girls.
This newer hotel also has a restaurant. Good Chinese, Khmer and a bit of western food.
Two Dragons Restaurant:
Located in the centre of the city, this restaurant has a menu in English and a range of good Khmer food (some international dishes).
Boeng Kan Seng Restaurant:
Located in the West of the town on the lakeside this peaceful restaurant offers more than 100 Khmer and Chinese dishes.
There are also small food and drink stands along the River Parkway.
