Kampong Cham Province

Kampong Cham is a province of Cambodia located on the central lowlands of the Mekong River which is 124 kilometers from Phnom Penh along National Road 6 and 7. Kampong Cham, covering 4,549 square kilometers. Its neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kampong Thom and Kratié provinces to the north, Tboung khmum province to the east, Kandal and Prey Veng provinces the south, and Kampong Chhnang Province to the west.

The background of the name of Kampong Cham province was mentioned from various sources. According to Doek Keam’s book on Khmer geography, published in 1968, the word Kampong Cham is a Cham port, but we do not know whether it is a Cham port for bathing or a Cham port for fishing. Moreover, according to a map by Marsel Ner of the Cham in Indochina, there are many Cham in Cambodia such as in Trea village, Krouch Chhmar district, Kampong Cham province (now Tbong Khmum province) and Chroy Changva area. These two places where there are many Mulsulman religious centers. In Kampong Cham province also have Cham, but not much today (1968). Therefore, this legend word can also be inferred because some villages are also called Cham villages because there are many Cham people, but this legend word does not seem to be written. Moreover, conferring to Mr. Baudoin in the book called “Monographie de la circonscription résidentielle de Kampong-Cham”, mentioned that Kampong Cham province is Waiting Port (Kampong Rorng Cham).

Mr. Madrolle said he traveled to Cambodia and wrote a book and mentioned that Kampong Cham was originally Waiting Port (Kampong Chaim). If this name as Mr. Madrolle said, so what are they waiting for? Here, he said, they wait for the ferry crossing between the Tonle Bit City and Kampong Cham. The ferry station is at Chroy Thmor. This seems appropriate because even today (1968) or in the past, many people are waiting for the ferry crossing between Tonle Bit City and Kampong Cham. According to the documents of Mr. Keo Hang, the retired head of Suong commune (in 2008 it became Suong city), Tbong Khmum district, which is deposited in the traditional group suggested that Kampong Cham, was originally called Waiting Port (Kampong Chaim). According to the legend of this document, they came to the port to wait for the Sdach Baksei Cham Krong to cross to the east bank. If we compare Mr. Keo Hang’s document with Mr. Madrolle, we see that there is a parallel with slightly difference:

• Mr. Keo Hang mentioned that “waited for the Sdach Baksei Cham Krong” to cross to the east bank.
• Monographie de la circonscription résidentielle de Kompong-Cham mentioned that is Waiting Port (Kampong Chaim).
• Mr. Madrolle said waiting for the ferry to cross the river, the word “Waiting the ferry” seems to be consistent.

The story of Kampong Cham, in addition to looking at the geographical map, also has to check the spelling of the writing, which may be the reason for the origin of the name used today. In short, in terms of spelling references, a source from Madrolle, from the Monographie de la circonscription résidentielle de Kampong-Cham, and a document by Keo Hang Kdei, are synonymous as Waiting Port (Kampong Cham).

Kampong Cham has played an important role in the geopolitical and military geography of Cambodia at all times, inscribed in the history and territory of the Cultural Revolution, promoting the role of women through the Khmer literature of the history of Phnom Pros – Phnom Srey and the theory of cakes is not bigger than the basket in the legend story of Tum – Teav.

Present day, Kampong Cham is divided into 9 administrative districts and 1 municipality, Kampong Cham City. With over 1,000,000 people (As of 2022), the province is Cambodia’s eighteenth largest area and seventh populous.

History

Kampong Cham’s history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability through various historical periods, from ancient times through colonial rule, independence, and contemporary development. Here are some key points about its history:

Pre-History or Early History Period

Kampong Cham was an important area during the Funan (1^st to 6^th centuries) and Chenla periods (6^th to 9^th centuries) and later during the Angkorian period (9^th to 15^th centuries). The region has several ancient temples and artifacts that highlight its significance during these eras. According to The Indianized States (George Cœdès, 1968), after Jayavarman II returned from Java around 802, he set up his capital at Indrapura (probably Banteay Prey Nokor, Tbong Khmum district, east of Kampong Cham province), before he moved to the northern part of the Tonle Sap Lake, Bhavapura.

Post-Angkor Period

After the fall of Angkor in the 15^th century, political and economic shifts led to the rise of other regions, including Chatomuk, Longvek, Toul Basan (Srey Santhor, Kampong Cham), Oudong. These may reflect the Cambodia’s transition to “Trading Kingdom” with involvement with the outside world and the growth of international maritime trade at that time, by way of the Mekong Delta, to the international trade routes that connected the Chinese coast, the South China Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

King Ponhea Yat, also known as Borom Reachea II (បរមរាជាទី២) was the last king of the Khmer Empire and the first Khmer King of the post-Angkor period from 1421 to 1463. He moved the capital and established his royal capitals called Srey Santhor (Tuol Basan) in 1432, before fled to Chatomuk in 1434 due the area became flooded. However, it is not the only reason for the changing. The other reason is economic purpose due to the well-established trade with China and other states in the early history. Srey Santhor is located in south-western Kampong Cham and was briefly the capital of Cambodian during the post-Angkor era (known as the Middle period) from 1432 to 1434. It was then known as Srey Sarchhor.

Among the ancient provinces that became part of Kampong Cham province, Tbong Khmum (Tbong Khmum province as 2008), Srey Santhor (Tuol Basan), Kampong Siem (now Kampong Siem district) and Cheung Prey (Skun) highlighted a number of notable historical activities.

During the Siamese-Cambodian war (1591-1594) in Banteay Longvek, Reamea Thipadei Ong (later Reamea Cheung Prey), an influential royal dynasty in Cheung Prey province, received a royal order from the Satha I (He was the Cambodian king ruled from 1576 to 1584) to mobilize manpower in the provinces to help defeat the besieged by the Siamese but still unable to defend Banteay Longvek, which was completely destroyed by the Siamese in 1593. Until 1594, he defeated the Siamese army and ascended the throne at Tuol Basan under the name of Reamea Cheung Prey or Preah Ram I (1594 -1596).

Kampong Cham province has suffered many civil wars, including the coup d’état between Preah Srei Reachea, Preah Srei Soriyoatey and Preah Srei Dhamma Reachea, which divided the country into three areas of control; the war (1509-1512) between Preah Srei Sokunthbot (the eldest son of Dhamma Reachea II, ruler of Cambodia from 1476 to 1486) and Sdach Korn (also known as Srei Chethha II was the King of Cambodia from 1512 to 1525) and the battle at Toul Basan (1516-1525)  between Sdach Korn and Preah Chan Reachea or Chao Ponhea Chan (he is the second son of Dhamma Reachea II).

Colonial Period

During the French colonial period (1863-1953), Kampong Cham developed further as the French invested in infrastructure, including health, roads, and schools. The province became an important administrative and commercial center. By that time, Kampong Siem and Tbong Khmum provinces were important administrative centers on the east and west banks of the Mekong River.

Between 1905 to 1907, when François Marius Baudoin was assigned as Colonial Administrator of Kampong Cham with the help of Dr. Brenard Menaut, the health sector of Kampong Cham Post has improved by harmonizing Cambodian and French medicine and attracting people to access health services. Later, he was appointed as senior resident of Cambodia in 1911 and served as interim governor general of Indochina in 1922-1923.

Since 1920, Kampong Cham has been an important administrative center of France​​ Colonial, with the French began to study the Topography of the city and complete it in 1930, defining the road network, drainage system, administrative area, commercial area, residential area, etc. It was during this period that a number of provinces in the French administrative post, including Kampong Siem, Tbong Khmum, Cheung Prey, were consolidated into the districts of Kampong Cham (the new French administrative system), with Kampong Cham city as its center and managed by the French Administrator.

The French established large rubber plantations in Kampong Cham, which became a significant part of the local economy. Rubber was first planted in Cambodian history in 1910 by Mr. Boulliard, a Frenchman, in Prey Nob district, Kampot province (now Sihanoukville), on more than 150 hectares. Then, in Kampong Svay district, Kampong Thom province, another rubber plantation was cultivated on 120 hectares of land and exploited on 80 hectares of land. It was not until 1921 that large-scale industrial rubber plantations were established by five major French investment companies on other red soil area in Kampong Cham, Kratie and Ratanakkiri provinces on more than 50,000 hectares, namely Cambodian Rubber Plantation Company in 1921, Memot Rubber Plantation Company in 1926, Mekong Rubber Plantation Company in 1926, Kampong Thom Rubber Plantation Company in 1926, and Kratie Rubber Plantation Company in 1927. This industry attracted many workers and influenced the social and economic landscape of the Kampong Cham till today.

Independence and Conflict Period

After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Kampong Cham experienced the political turmoil and civil conflict that affected the entire country. During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), the province suffered from the brutal policies and purges that characterized this period. Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Kampong Cham, like the rest of Cambodia, faced the challenges of reconstruction and recovery. The province has since made significant progress in rebuilding its infrastructure and economy.

Modern Day

Today, Kampong Cham remains an important agricultural region, producing crops such as rubber, tobacco, and cashews. The province is also focusing on diversifying its economy, with investments in education, health care, and tourism.

Dignitaries who were former governors of Kampong Cham since 1935

There were 28 Governors of Kampong Cham Province from 1935-Present, including:

Colonial period

1. H.E. Va Kem Mel (ឯកឧត្តម វ៉ា គឹមម៉ិល) 1935-1936
2. H.E. Nhoek Chou Long (ឯកឧត្តម ញឹក ជូឡុង) 1937-1938
3. H.E. Me Kun (ឯកឧត្តម មេ គន់) 1938-1944
4. H.E. Chao Sen Kosal (ឯកឧត្តម ចៅសែន កុសល) 1944-1946
5. H.E. Pho Preoung (ឯកឧត្តម ផូ ព្រឿង) 1946-1948
6. H.E. So Kham Khouy (ឯកឧត្តម សូ ខាំខូយ) 1948-1952
7. H.E. Khem Tit (ឯកឧត្តម ឃឹម ទិត) 1952-1953

Independence and Conflict period

8. H.E. San Yun (ឯកឧត្តម សាន យុន) 1953-1955
9. H.E. Oab Kem Ang (ឯកឧត្តម ឱប គឹមអាង) 1955-1961
10. H.E. E Tuy (ឯកឧត្តម អី ទុយ) 1961-1967
11. H.E. Nhien Thieng (ឯកឧត្តម ញៀន ធៀង) 1967-1970
12. H.E. Chan Kem Iang (ឯកឧត្តម ចាន់ គឹមអ៊ាង) 1970 (Only 7 days)
13. H.E. Inn Tam (ឯកឧត្តម អ៊ិន តាំ) 1970-1971
14. H.E. Em Mé (Ly Tai Soun), 15. Mol Phleng, 16. H.E. Sor Hao, 17. H.E. Srey Ya, and 18. H.E Nou Tho (ឯកឧត្តម អែម មេ (លី តៃសួន), ឯកឧត្តម មូល ភ្លេង, ឯកឧត្តម សរ ហោ, ឯកឧត្តម ស្រី យ៉ា, ឯកឧត្តម នូ ថូ) 1972-1975

Khmer Rouge (1975-1979)

19. H.E. Keo Pok (ឯកឧត្តម កែវ ពក) 1975-1978
20. H.E. Mam Sabun (ឯកឧត្តម ម៉ម សាប៊ុន) 1979-1979
21. H.E Kem Yin (ឯកឧត្តម គឹម យិន) 1979-1980
22. H.E. Sem Ka (ឯកឧត្តម ស៊ីម កា) 1980-1981
23. H.E. Preap Pichey (ឯកឧត្តម ព្រាប ពិជ័យ) 1981-1984

Kingdom of Cambodia

24. H.E. Hun Neng (ឯកឧត្តម ហ៊ុន ណេង) 1984-1999 and 2005-2013
25. H.E. Chieng Om (ឯកឧត្តម ជៀង អំ) 1999-2005
26. H.E. Lun LemThay (ឯកឧត្តម លន់ លឹមថៃ) 2013-2017
27. H.E. Kouch Chamroeun (ឯកឧត្តម គួច ចំរើន) 2017-2019
28. H.E. Un Chanyada (ឯកឧត្តម អ៊ុន ចាន់យ៉ាដា) 2019-Present

Geography

Kampong Cham Province is situated between latitudes 11.59° North and longitudes 105.27° East. The province is located in lowlands of Mekong River in Cambodia and is characterized by diverse geographical features that influence its climate, economy, and way of life. Here are some key aspects of the geography of Kampong Cham:

Topography: Much of Kampong Cham consists of lowland plains and fertile floodplains (These floodplains are regularly replenished with nutrient-rich silt during the monsoon season) due to located along the Mekong River, which are predominantly used for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. The flat terrain makes it suitable for extensive farming. The area of red soils is also favorable for rubber, pepper, and other plantations.

Water Bodies: One of the most significant geographical features of Kampong Cham is the Mekong River, which runs through the province from north to south. The river is crucial for transportation, irrigation, and fishing, and it contributes significantly to the local economy.

Climate: Kampong Cham has a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically lasts from May to October, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, while the dry season spans from November to April. The province experiences warm temperatures year-round, with average highs ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 35°C (95°F).

Vegetation and Land Use:​ As mentioned above, the fertile soil and ample water supply from the Mekong River make Kampong Cham an important agricultural region. Key crops include rice, rubber, tobacco, cashews, pepper and various fruits and vegetables (mango, durian, maize, red corns, sesames, sugarcane etc.). While much of Kampong Cham’s land has been converted to agricultural use, there are still areas of natural forest that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to biodiversity.

Administrative divisions

As of 2024, the province is divided into 1 municipality (Krong) and 09 districts (Srok), 04 Sangkat and 105 communes (Khum), and 947 villages. Based on Commune Database as of 2022, the total population is 1,127,727 people (female 576,062), the number of households is 282,602 households, and the density is 248 people/km². The population of the province is predominantly rural, with many small villages and towns spread throughout. The population relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for their livelihoods. Kampong Cham municipality is the seat of government, commonly known Krong Kampong Cham or Kampong Cham City. It is the largest city in the province and serves as a central hub for commerce, education, and administration.

1. Kampong Cham Municipality (04 Sangkat)
2. Chamkar Leu District (08 Khum)
3. Cheung Prey District (10 Khum)
4. Kampong Siem District (15 Khum)
5. Kang Meas District (11 Khum)
6. Koh Sotin District (08 Khum)
7. Prey Chhor District (15 Khum)
8. Srei Santhor District (14 Khum)
9. Stueng Trang District (12 Khum)

The provincial symbol is decaled by Ministry of Interior via a Prakas No.1369 BrK dated 13 March 2019 on the Establishment of Kampong Cham Province Symbol. The symbol has shape and image as follow:

• The circle shape
• The Garuda image represents the greatness and power of national liberation in the cause of the motherland under all circumstances.
• The image of the Neak Pean (the intertwined serpents) represents a land of wonder and the holy land with the greatness power, prosperity and harmony, in which the Mekong River is being the main waterway and fertile sediment irrigating agricultural land throughout the province.
• The image of Reahou Chab Chantr (Rahu swallowing the moon or the eclipse of the moon) represents the abundance and glory
• The image of Trees represents the growth of agriculture and agro-industry
• The Chan flower image represents the glory of Cambodia’s rich culture and civilization.
• The image of ten rays represents the ten municipality-districts of Kampong Cham province
• The image of 109 grains of rice represents all 109 Sankgats-communes throughout Kampong Cham province that have enough food for the daily life of the people

Accessibility

• Road: The National Highway No. 6 and 7 is a major thoroughfare that passes through Kampong Cham, linking Phnom Penh to the northeastern provinces. Additionally, the province has an extensive network of roads connecting it to other parts of Cambodia.
• Waterway: The Mekong River is a vital transportation route for both goods and people, with the distance from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham is 105 kilometers. 
• Airway: Kampong Cham has a small airport (domestic airport) located in Kampong Siem district, but no service operation.

Tourism Products

Kampong Cham province is an​​ ancient territory with a lot of traces of pre-Angkorian and post-Angkorian history. Kampong Cham province has many ancient temples, ancient mounds, and other archeological sites in this province. Not only that, there are natural resources such as forests, mountains, fields, rivers, lakes and other water sources that are potential for tourism and investment. Here are some of the key points of interest for tourists in Kampong Cham:

Nokor Bachey Temple (ប្រាសាទនគរបាជ័យ): A 11^th century Mahayana Buddhist temple complex that combines ancient Angkorian architecture with modern additions. It’s a unique blend of historical and spiritual significance. Situated around 2 kilometers from Kampong Cham city, The monument was built out of sandstone and laterite, and dates from the last years of the reign of Jayavarman VII. It is composed of a central tower surrounded by four laterite wall enclosures. The central tower of the temple of Wat Nokor is decorated with motifs characteristic of Bayon with Buddhist scenes on the pediments.

Phnom Cheung Prey temple (ប្រាសាទភ្នំជើងព្រៃ): a cultural and natural tourism resort located in Kouk Rovieng village, Kork Rovieng commune, Cheung Prey district, Kampong Cham province, 55 kilometers from Kampong Cham city, and about 3 kilometers east of Ph’Av market, north of National Road 6.

Kuk Khvet Temple (ប្រាសាទគោកខ្វិត) is a lava and sandstone structure for worshipping and religious celebrations. Built in the reign of King Suryavarman I, it is protected by two moats, with an east-facing entry and a tower decorated by 8-sided pillars. The temple is located in Khvet village, Krasang commune, Batheay district, Kampong Cham province.

Kuk Lvea Temple (ប្រាសាទគុកល្វាទេរ ឬប្រាសាទគុកល្វា) was built at the end of the 6th century or the early 7th century with bricks. Currently, this temple is in weak condition, however it is a potential cultural site that has attracted both national and international tourists to visit. Around the temple, there are plenty of trees that are worth seeing. The temple is located in Lvea Te village, Hanchey commune, Kampong Siem district, Kampong Cham province

Andaung Breng Temple (ប្រាសាទអណ្តូងប្រេង) is a brick temple located in Hanchey village, Hanchey commune, Kampong Siem district, Kampong Cham province. In the center of the temple, there is an ancient well which currently the local people use as a worship site. The elders in the village have said that people always drop the coconuts into this well and it flows into the Mekong River. This ancient well’s water was regarded as holy water in Hinduism. The existence of this well is believed to be the house of angels, and the temple is believed to be a very sacred place.

Kuk Ampil Tvear Temple (ប្រាសាទគុកអំពិលទ្វារ) is located in Kor koh or Slor Kram village, Sampong Chey commune, Chueng Prei district and was built in the same architectural style as Koh Ker. There is a single tower left which has a colonette with carvings of humans riding elephants (suppodely is the mythology of Indra, who rides the elephant Airavata when he defeats Vritra). The temple originally had 3 square towers with a single tier. The temple faces to the east and is surrounded by a strong laterite stone fence.

Phnom Hanchey (ភ្នំហាន់ជ័យ ឬភ្នំជ័យគិរី): is a cultural and historical tourist site located in Hanchey village, Hanchey commune, Kampong Siem district, about 20 kilometers from Kampong Cham provincial town. Hanchey Mountain is 63 meters high with 295 stairs. On this mountain, there is a temple and a group of Hanchey temples built on the same hill, but with different periods (These temples were built during the transition period of Funan and Chenla periods). Of the many brick and stone temples that cannot be quantified, only three remain intact. Besides, only the body and brick foundations of the ancient temples remain. Phnom Hanchey has important tourist potential, such as ancient temples and crops along the Mekong River. Here, visitors can visit ancient temples built in the early 6th century. The first temple is North Hanchey or Kuk Preah Theat temple (ប្រាសាទគុកព្រះធាតុ), or known by local as Neang Khmav temple. Siuated on the slope of the mountain, this pre-Angkorian temple in Sambor Prei Kuk style is made of laterite stone in square shape. This temple is 7 square meters and 4.5 meters length as well as 5 meters high, which is almost entirely broken down due to age, nature, and humans. In addition, the roof is curved tiles, which are made clay and regarded as the skin of the Naga, the “King of the Snakes”. The tower of the temple is decorated in a very beautiful style.

Kuk Pring Chrum Temple (ប្រាសាទគុកព្រីងជ្រុំ) is a cultural and historical resort in​ Pring Chrum village, Pring Chrum commune, Cheung Prei district, Kampong Cham province. This temple is made of sandstones and is now surrounded by forests, including palm trees, that make it worth visiting. It is a temple dedicated to Hinduism located in the middle of a rice field. Tourists can learn more about the history of this temple and see the beautiful view of the local rice fields.

Kuk Yeay Ham temple (ប្រាសាទគុកយាយហម), located in Chres village, Prey Chhor commune, Prey Chhor district, is a single sandstone building with a covered rooftop situated in an open space about 22 km before Kampong Cham city from Phnom Penh. This temple has 4 doors at the 4 cardinal directions. Moreover, there are doorframe and diamond pillars made of sandstone. Around the temple, there are also irrigation systems such as ponds, a river and a stream that create a fantastic view.

Preah Theat Baray (ប្រាសាទព្រះធាតុបារាយណ៍): This ancient now has only one sandstone and laterite stone tower left. This tower has 2 doors facing to the east and the west, while the other north and south doors are just blind doors. It is believed that this temple originally had three towers, according to a carving on the colonette and gables of this temple that are currently being renovated. Based on the decoration style and the carvings, the temple was assumed to be constructed in the 11th century, in the Bapoun style.

Preah Theat Teuk Chha Temple (ប្រាសាទព្រះធាតុទឹកឆា) is a potential cultural and historical site that has attracted many tourists. This temple has a beautiful decorative style and is surrounded by many trees. This temple was built in the reign of King Suryavarman I in 1005, during the Angkorian era. Lingam, representing Shiva, can be found in the center of the temple’s pond. Therefore, temple was originally dedicated to Hindu god Shiva.

Wat Praes Temple Meas (ប្រាសាទវត្តប្រើសមាស) is located on the top of the Trop Mountain range which has 7 mountains. The temple has 4 square lava towers that were built on a single tier facing to the east and now it has become a potential cultural and historical site that attracts many tourists who wish to learn about the history of the temple. In the temple area and the mountain, there are many pieces of the broken ancient temple scattered about. By the four main lava towers on the peak, the view is eye-catching and breathtaking.

Phnom Srei and Phnom Pros (ភ្នំប្រុស ភ្នំស្រី): These twin hills, known as “Man Hill” and “Woman Hill,” are associated with local legends and offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Both hills have pagodas and stupas that attract visitors. It is a cultural and historical resort located in Trapeang Char village, Krala commune, Kampong Siem district, west of Kampong Cham city, 7 kilometers north of National Road 7.

Mekong River (ទន្លេមេគង្គ): The river is a focal point for many activities, including boat tours, fishing, and scenic riverside walks. The riverbanks are often bustling with local markets and eateries.

Koh Pen Island (កោះប៉ែន): An island in the Mekong River accessible via a bamboo bridge during the dry season. Koh Pen offers a glimpse of traditional rural life, with cycling paths, stilt houses, and lush landscapes.

Chhrouy Chek​ Dam (ទំនប់ជ្រោយចេក): The location is approximately 15 kilometers north of the provincial center in Kampong Siem District. This site is a serene spot for nature lovers and offers a refreshing escape from the heat. The site was designed to store water for irrigation of rice crops. Its gorgeous vegetation and water sources have made it a popular destination for Kampong Cham residents, particularly on weekends and holidays. Swimming is particularly popular among young people there.

Teuk Cha Resort (រមណីយដ្ឋានទឹកឆា) is located in Thmey Village, Krouch Commune, Prey Chhor District, about 42 kilometers from Kampong Cham provincial town. The area has attractive potential, including ancient temples and irrigation for agricultural land. Most tourists go to dive into the clear water that flows from the water source.

Thmor Da Teuk Chha Agro-Tourism Resort (រមណីយដ្ឋានកសិទេសចរណ៍ថ្មដាទឹកឆា): located in Thmor Da village, Boeung Naii commune, Prey Chhor district, about 42 kilometers from the Kampong Cham city and 800 meters from Teuk Chha resort. This resort established in 2007, initially as a fish farm, later the farm owner set up more livestock for serving the tourists such as wild boar, peacock, crocodile, ostrich, Crowned gibbon, bear, wild chicken and so on.

French Colonial Architecture: The city of Kampong Cham has several well-preserved French colonial buildings, reflecting the province’s history under French rule. The Governor’s Mansion and various shophouses add a nostalgic charm to the cityscape.

Local Markets: The central market in Kampong Cham city is a vibrant place to experience local life. Visitors can find fresh produce, traditional Cambodian foods, and a variety of goods.

The tourism services in Kampong Cham cater to a range of visitor needs, offering a variety of facilities and activities to enhance the travel experience. These services include:

Accommodation: A mix of budget-friendly guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and a few upscale accommodations, where there are 17 Hotels (equally 780 rooms) and 103 Guesthouses (equally 1,195 rooms).

Restaurant and Eatery Services: There are 28 restaurants and 167 eateries, offering A variety of dining options, from local eateries serving Cambodian cuisine to Western-style restaurants. Moreover, Cafés and Coffee Shops are popular spots for relaxing and enjoying local coffee and snacks. Markets and street vendors offer local snacks and traditional dishes.

Transportation Services: Local transportation options, including taxis, auto-rickshaw and manual-rickshaw, and motorbike rentals or Moto-taxis, are available for tourists to navigate within the province and are convenient for short distances and local tours. Bicycle and Motorbike rentals are popular among tourists wanting to explore the countryside independently. Car Rentals and Private Drivers are available for day trips and excursions to nearby attractions. Moreover, Regular bus services connect with Phnom Penh, other major cities in Cambodia.

Other Activities:

• Workshops and Craft Classes: Opportunities to learn traditional crafts such as silk weaving, pottery, and basketry.
• Cultural Performances: Traditional dance and music performances, particularly during festivals and special events.
• Eco-Tourism Activities: Visits to ecotourism sites like Chhrouy Chek, which include picnicking, bird watching, and exploring natural landscapes.

Kampong Cham’s tourism resources offer a rich and varied experience, combining historical exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Whether interested in ancient temples, river adventures, or authentic local experiences, visitors can find plenty to enjoy in this province.

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