Cambodia & Tourism: The unique charms of Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham, located along the Mekong River in eastern Cambodia, is a rare example of a town with understated charm and a unique cultural identity. The city offers visitors a captivating blend of diverse historical and architectural influences.

Wat Dey Doh, also known as Wat Dei Doh

This provincial capital, often overlooked by tourists in search of more popular destinations such as Phnom Penh or Angkor Wat, is a true testament to Cambodia's authentic culture and history, and Kampong Cham's charm and colonial architecture are evident in its buildings, witnesses to its rich past.

French colonial-style buildings rub shoulders with traditional Khmer and Chinese buildings, creating a unique architectural panorama

The main thoroughfares and alleyways are lined with colonial homes, whose plaster ornamentation and original wooden shutters bear witness to the town's architectural authenticity. This historic atmosphere is subtly balanced by the bustle of the local markets and shops, where a diverse range of products can be found, from foodstuffs to traditional handicrafts.

Local markets and cuisine

Kampong Cham has a main market offering a wide variety of goods, including clothes, haberdashery and an abundance of seafood. The market is famous for its giant snails, fish, crabs and prawns, which can be eaten fresh, dried or barbecued.

Insect market

And at night, the market is transformed, with barbecue stalls offering grilled fish and meat kebabs. Riverside Park, which stretches along the Mekong River, is a public green space that invites visitors to take a stroll and boasts a serene atmosphere, shaded by tall palm trees and vibrant bougainvillea vines. At dusk, the site comes alive with aerobics sessions, street food stalls and families strolling peacefully by.

Kampong Cham market

Ancient temples and cultural sites

Visitors can also explore ancient temples such as the hilltop Wat Hanchey, which dates back to the 8th century. Not only does this temple offer breathtaking views of the Mekong, it also serves as a home for young Cambodians cared for by the monks.

Wat Dey Doh

Wat Dey Doh, also known as Wat Dei Doh, is a Buddhist pagoda in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. It stands on the bank of the Mekong River, which runs through the heart of the city. There is little detailed information about its history or architectural features compared to other pagodas in the region.

Prasat Nokor Bachey, also known as Wat Nokor Bachey, is a major historical site in Kampong Cham province. It is one of the largest and most impressive Angkorian-era temples in the region. It features a mixture of architectural styles from different periods.

Prasat Nokor Bachey

Located in Ampil commune in Kampong Siem district, the temple dates back to the late 12th century and was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It has undergone modifications over the centuries, including the addition of a modern Theravada Buddhist pagoda within its ancient walls.

The complex has a double enclosure with a naga balustrade at the eastern entrance and a central cruciform temple. It also features libraries and a unique blend of Bayon Buddhist motifs and more recent Theravada Buddhist elements.

The bamboo bridge at Kampong Cham

The Kampong Cham Bamboo Bridge, also known as the Koh Pen Bridge, is a remarkable seasonal structure. It links the mainland town of Kampong Cham to the island of Koh Pen by crossing the Mekong River. The bridge was once the longest bamboo bridge in the world, spanning around 1 kilometre and requiring around 50,000 bamboo poles to build.

Prior to 2017, it was a vital transport link for the island's residents, enabling them to access markets and services on the mainland. The bridge was strong enough to support pedestrians, motorbikes and small cars.

The bridge is built every year during the dry season, when the water level of the Mekong River dropped, making ferry travel impractical.

In 2017, a permanent concrete bridge was built nearby, reducing the need for the bamboo bridge as the main transport link. However, a smaller pedestrian-only version continues to be built each year as a tourist attraction and to preserve the cultural heritage.

Sandbanks - Koh Pen

Although Kampong Cham is not an exceptionally busy tourist destination, it offers a unique opportunity to discover Cambodia in all its authenticity for travellers looking for an authentic cultural experience in the heart of Cambodia.

Photographs C.Gargiulo & Adam Cohn