KAMPONG THOM

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Kampong Thom is a province of Cambodia. Its capital is Kampong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Saen river. Kampong Thom is one of the provinces that borders the Tonle Sap Great Lake.

Although Kampong Thom Province has some important attractions to offer, it has not yet been exposed to mass tourism, preserving its unspoilt and authentic feel. Kampong Thom itself is a typical small Cambodian town, with a pleasant riverside and some beautiful French architecture. One unique feature of the town is its colony of over 700 bats. For a great photo-opportunity, look out for them in the cluster of trees near the provincial government building at around 5.30 pm to 6pm. Catch them flying off into the sunset.

Tourist Information

Some quirky landmarks are also worth a mention, such as the statue of an elephant stepping on a tiger  – the town’s emblem. Another interesting statue is the well-preserved statue of the Rearing Lion, from the tenth century, which was brought to Kampong Thom from a jungle temple complex in Preah Vihear.

Wat Kampong Pagoda (built in the twelfth century) is another of the town’s highlights. It features, among stupas and shrines, some strange-looking statues of monsters. A mural inside the main sanctuary was painted in 1960 and depicts Norodom Sihanouk surrounded by the world leaders of the time. Kampong Thom also boasts one of the country’s few churches not destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. Designed by Vann Molyvann, it is definitely worth a look.