Kampong Thom, Cambodia
Museums
If you are in Kampong Thom, Cambodia and want to visit museums, you can consider visiting the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Museum, which is located within the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex. This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Isanapura, which was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom during the 7th century.
If you are looking for similar types of museums nearby, you can also check out the National Museum in Phnom Penh, which is about 150 km away from Kampong Thom. It is the largest museum in Cambodia and has an extensive collection of Khmer art and artifacts from prehistoric times to the present day.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Kampong Thom, Cambodia according to local people are:
1. Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork served with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a side of clear chicken broth.
2. Fish Amok: A traditional Khmer dish made with fish fillets cooked in a coconut milk-based curry, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
3. Red Curry: A spicy, rich curry made with beef or chicken, coconut milk, and a blend of spices such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and galangal.
4. Khmer Noodle Soup: A hearty bowl of soup with rice noodles, meat (usually beef or pork), bean sprouts, and fresh herbs such as basil and mint.
5. Num Pang: A kind of sandwich made with a baguette filled with different types of meat such as grilled pork, chicken, or pate, along with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce.
These dishes can be found in many local restaurants and street food stalls in Kampong Thom.
Activities
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Kampong Thom, Cambodia include:
1. Visiting the Prasat Kuhak Nokor temple: This ancient temple is located about 20 km from Kampong Thom and is a popular spot for locals to visit on weekends.
2. Exploring the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex: This UNESCO World Heritage site is located about 30 km from Kampong Thom and features over 100 temples dating back to the Chenla era.
3. Shopping at the Kampong Thom market: This bustling market offers a wide variety of goods including fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs.
4. Taking a boat ride on the Stung Sen River: Locals often enjoy taking scenic boat rides on the beautiful Stung Sen River, which runs through Kampong Thom.
5. Trying local cuisine: Kampong Thom is known for its delicious freshwater fish dishes, so be sure to sample some of the local cuisine while you're there!
