Kompong Thom

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Cambodia

It's situated about half-way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and thus most travellers will only rush through on there transfer between these to major attractions.

Nevertheless it is a pleasant and relaxed place and a good starting point for exploring the countryside and the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk.

Transport
Getting There: 

Buses, minibuses (~8000 Riel) and shared taxis (~12000 Riel) connect from Phnom Penh. The same selection of transport should be available from Siem Reap.

Current prices (June 2006) for Phnom Penh to Kompong Thom (due to petrol increases) about 25,000 riel for one place in a share taxi, $4 for a bus. Mekong Express buses stop at the Arunras Guest house and tickets can be bought from there.

Current Prices (August 2008)for a share taxi (7 seats) from PP to KT is $5 per seat. If you want the front seat to yourself (2 seats) you pay $10. Highly recommended.

Getting Around: 

Sambor Prei Kuk
Hire a moto-taxi to take you to the complex. It's an approx. 2 hours ride through nice scenery and small villages with friendly inhabitants. The Pre-Angkorian site dates back to the beginning of the 7th century and was the capital of the Chenla-Kingdom. Unlike Angkor, the temples are constructed from brick and sandstone. The complex consists of three main groups: Central Group, South Group, North Group, all covered by shady forest.

Kompong Thom is the starting point for an adventurous tour to the seldom visited jungle plains of northern Cambodia. This 3-4 days motorbike ride to Preah Vihear is offered by some of the moto-taxi drivers, who will propose it to you once they spot you getting off the bus. With you sitting on the back of the bike, your driver will take you through peaceful villages and rice paddies, passing by friendly locals, spending a night with a local family and visiting the temples of Preah Khan Kompong Thom and Koh Ker on your way. A part of the journey leads you along an old Angkorian road and over its ancient bridges. The ride itself is hardship, skidding over sticks and stones, through sand oceans and bamboo forest, sometimes fording small rivers. From Preah Vihear, you will head to Siem Reap via Anlong Veng, the place where Pol Pot is said to have died.

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