About Kampong Thom accommodation

Kampong Thom sits roughly halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on National Road 6, which makes it a handy overnight stop if you're driving between Cambodia's capital and its temple town rather than flying straight through. The provincial capital, known locally as Steung Sen, spreads along the banks of the Stung Sen River, surrounded by the rice paddies and quiet countryside typical of central Cambodia.

Accommodation here is straightforward rather than flashy: a cluster of budget hotels and guesthouses in the town centre, plus a small number of riverside properties just out of town with more garden space and a slower pace. There are no big international chains, so expect small, independently run hotels with a local, unpolished feel.

Where to stay in Kampong Thom

• Kampong Thom town (Steung Sen): the main hub, where most guesthouses and budget hotels cluster around the market and the main road, handy if you want food, transport and shops within easy walking distance.
• Along the Stung Sen River: a short drive from the centre, a handful of properties sit right on the riverbank with garden grounds and pools, trading in-town convenience for quieter surroundings.

How much is Kampong Thom accommodation?

• Budget: AU$30-55, simple air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and WiFi in guesthouses and small hotels around town.
• Mid-range: AU$90-120, riverside bungalow-style rooms set in garden grounds with a swimming pool, a step up in comfort and setting.

What Kampong Thom is known for

• Sambor Prei Kuk: a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site about 30 kilometres from town, where hundreds of brick temple towers stand scattered through quiet forest. Narrow paths link clusters of ancient brick and sandstone structures, making it one of the more atmospheric ancient sites in Cambodia to explore on foot or by bicycle.
• A halfway stop on National Road 6: Kampong Thom sits roughly midway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, so many travellers break up the drive here with a meal or an overnight stay before continuing on toward Angkor.

Top-rated hotels in Kampong Thom

• Sambor Village Hotel: individual bungalows set in a garden on the bank of the Stung Sen River, with a swimming pool, free bicycles and a quiet, resort-like feel away from the main road.
• Kampong Thom Palace Hotel: a straightforward hotel in town with Khmer-influenced architecture, handy for travellers who want to stay close to the market and main road.
• Kampong Thom Royal Hotel: a central, no-fuss option popular with travellers passing through, offering clean rooms and a convenient location for short stays.
• Glorious Hotel & Spa: a budget-friendly hotel with spa services, a practical choice for an overnight break between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Travel tips for Kampong Thom

• Most visitors treat Kampong Thom as a stopover rather than a destination in itself, so a single night is usually enough before continuing your journey.
• Sambor Prei Kuk is around 30 kilometres out of town, so hire a tuk-tuk or car for a half-day return trip rather than trying to reach it on foot.
• If you'd rather wake up to river views than road noise, book a riverside property instead of one right in the town centre.
• Card acceptance is limited outside the larger hotels, so carry US dollars or Cambodian riel for meals and local transport.