Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom Province is the second-largest province in Cambodia, located approximately 165 kilometers north of Phnom Penh. It serves as a gateway to the country’s northern regions and is known for its serene countryside, ancient temples, and vibrant local culture. The province is divided into 8 districts, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Geography and Administrative Divisions

Kampong Thom is administratively divided into eight districts (ស្រុក, Srok) and one municipality (ក្រុង, Krong), encompassing a total of 81 communes (ឃុំ, Khum) and 737 villages (ភូមិ, Phum).

The districts and municipalities are:

Baray District (ស្រុកបារាយណ៍): Known for its vast rice fields and traditional villages, Baray is one of the province’s most significant agricultural areas.
Kampong Svay District (ស្រុកកំពង់ស្វាយ): Home to several ancient temples and historical sites, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Prasat Balangk District (ស្រុកប្រាសាទបល្ល័ង្ក): Features scenic landscapes and is known for its local craftsmanship.
Prasat Sambour District (ស្រុកប្រាសាទសំបូរ): Contains parts of the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sandan District (ស្រុកសណ្តាន់): Characterized by dense forests and wildlife, offering eco-tourism opportunities.
Santuk District (ស្រុកសន្ទុក): Notable for Phnom Santuk, a sacred hill with numerous Buddha statues.
Stoung District (ស្រុកស្ទោង): Located along the Stung Sen River, it is an important area for fishing and agriculture.
Stueng Saen Municipality (ក្រុងស្ទឹងសែន): The provincial capital, serving as the administrative and economic center of Kampong Thom.

Religion and Climate

Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion in Kampong Thom, deeply influencing the province’s cultural and spiritual landscape. This is evident in the numerous pagodas and religious ceremonies that dot the region. Additionally, there are communities of Cham Muslims and a minority of Christians, contributing to the province’s cultural diversity.

Kampong Thom experiences a tropical climate characterized by three distinct seasons:

Cool Season: November to February, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Hot Season: March to May, with soaring temperatures and dry conditions.
Rainy Season: June to October, marked by heavy rainfall and lush landscapes.
These climatic variations significantly influence agricultural practices and daily life in the province.

Economy

Agriculture is the backbone of Kampong Thom’s economy. The fertile plains are ideal for cultivating rice, corn, rubber, and cotton. Notably, the province is renowned for its cashew nut production, with vast plantations contributing to both local consumption and export. The abundant freshwater resources from the Tonle Sap Lake also support a thriving fishing industry, providing sustenance and livelihood to many local communities.

Kampong Thom Travel Guide

Sambor Prei Kuk: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient temple complex dates back to the 7th century, showcasing pre-Angkorian architecture amidst dense forests. Exploring its intricate carvings and structures offers a journey back in time.
Phnom Santuk: A sacred hill that requires ascending over 800 steps, rewarding visitors with panoramic views of the countryside. The summit is adorned with numerous Buddha statues and shrines, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
Kampong Thom Market: Located in the heart of Stung Saen, this bustling market offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handcrafted goods. It’s an ideal spot to immerse oneself in the daily life of the locals and sample traditional Khmer cuisine.

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modernity. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking budget-friendly hostels or a luxury traveler in search of top-notch amenities, Phnom Penh has something to offer for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into the accommodation options available in this captivating city.

  • FIVE STAR
  • FOUR STAR
  • STANDARD
  • HOSTEL

These are just a few options, and Phnom Penh has many more dining choices to explore, catering to various tastes and budgets.

  • FINE DINING
  • MID-RANGE
  • CHEAP EAT

For booking bus and flight tickets in Cambodia, you have several reputable options. Here are some recommendations:

Emergency Contacts:
Police: 117 (General emergency number)
Ambulance: 119
Fire Department: 118
Tourist Police: +855 97 799 9955

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