Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RIVER TRIPS AROUND KOMPONG CHAM
There are several interesting places within the vicinity of Kompong Cham that can be
reached by boat and make for a rewarding day out if there are a few of you to share the
cost - although note that most of these sites can also be reached more cheaply by moto
or tuk-tuk. Trips can be arranged through
Mekong Crossing
(see p.214), with possible
destinations including
Wat Maha Leap
(about 20km south of Kompong Cham), an old
wooden building with gilded teak columns;
Prei Chung Kran
village (just upstream from
Maha Leap temple on the Tonle Tuok), where silk is woven on traditional hand looms; and
Wat Hann Chey
, about 20km north of Kompong Cham, where there are fantastic river views
from Chenla-era ruins and a modern temple.
Wat Pra Tohm Nah Day Doh
Around 1km south of Kompong Cham centre, opposite the dry-season bamboo bridge to Koh Pbain (see p.214) • Daily • Free
Just over 1km south of the centre of Kompong Cham,
Wat Pra Tohm Nah Day Doh
is
well worth a wander, though it's less than a hundred years old. In front of the complex
is a huge standing Buddha, while the grounds are scattered with intriguing statues of
people and animals, and a forest of miniature stupas.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
KOMPONG CHAM
By bus
The majority of buses to and from Kompong Cham
are run by Phnom Penh Sorya, arriving and departing from
their o
ce on Preah Bat Monivong St, the boulevard
northwest of the market, a 10min walk (or less) from most of
the hotels. Buses operated by other companies including Rith
Mony, GST and Capitol Tours stop at their various ticket o
ces
along NR7, just northwest of the centre. Leaving Kompong
Cham there are regular buses to Phnom
Penh until late
afternoon, although services to other destinations are much
less frequent, and generally leave in the morning only.
Destinations
Banlung (1 daily; 9hr); Kompong Thom (3
daily; 2hr 30min); Kratie (5 daily; 3hr); Phnom Penh (13 daily;
3hr); Poipet (1 daily; 7-8hr); Sen Monorom (1 daily; 4hr);
Siem Reap (3 daily; 5hr); Stung Treng (1 daily; 7hr).
By shared taxi and minibus
Shared taxis and minibuses
to/from other destinations in the east arrive and depart
from the Caltex petrol station on the roundabout just
before the bridge. Services to/from Siem Reap via
Kompong Thom use the Psar Bung Kok transport stop two
blocks north of the post of
ce. Transport to other
destinations, including services to Phnom Penh, can be
found on the northeast side of the market. Shared taxis
also cover the more direct route (not covered by any buses)
to Kratie via Chhlong.
Destinations
Banlung (1-2 daily; 9hr); Kompong Thom
(6-8 daily; 2hr); Kratie (6-8 daily; 2hr 30min); Phnom
Penh (20 daily; 2hr 30min); Poipet (3-4 daily; 7hr); Prey
Veng (4-6 daily; 2hr); Sen Monorom (1-2 daily; 4hr); Siem
Reap (6-8 daily; 4-5hr).
By moto or tuk-tuk
Taking a moto or tuk-tuk you'll pay
around $3/$5 for the return trip to Wat Nokor, and $7/$10
to Phnom Bpros plus Wat Nokor.
4
GETTING AROUND
The three Ms - the
Mekong Crossing
and
Lazy Mekong Daze
restaurants
and the
Mekong Sunrise
hotel, conveniently close to
one another on the riverfront - are the best places to enquire about tours, transport and to sort out a rental bike or
motorbike. They may also be able to help out with hiring a car and driver (about $40-50 per day), if required.
Motos and tuk-tuks
It's easy to get around town on foot,
but there are plenty of motos and tuk-tuks available.
Motorbike and bike rental
Motorbikes and bicycles
can be rented at
Lazy Mekong Daze
and
Mekong Crossing
(bikes $1.50/day, motorbikes $5/day).
Boat trips
Mekong Crossing
can arrange boat trips along
the Mekong (see p.214) for around $70-80/day.
ACCOMMODATION
Mekong
Riverfront
T
042 941536.
The town's longest-
running hotel, and still a reasonable choice despite the slightly
institutional atmosphere. Accommodation is in a mixture of
fan, a/c and plusher “VIP” rooms, all with hot water and TV.
Some a/c and all VIP rooms
co
me
with b
alconies giving great
views over the Mekong. Fan
$8
; a/
c
$18
Mekong Sunrise
Riverfront
T
088 805 7407.
Popular
new backpacker place in a prime riverfront location. Rooms
(private bathroom $3 extra) are simple but decent value,
and it's also a good place to sort out transport and tours.
Ten
ds t
of fill
up q
uickly, so arrive early or reserve in advance.
Fan
$5
; a/
c
$10
