Despite being Cambodia’s third largest city, Kompong Cham is a little recognised name to foreign travellers. It is not on the package tour trail and is most often frequented by backpackers on their way through to a connecting town or city. In some ways this is a shame because although there are not any significant sights to see like Angkor Wat, the city is much more representative of Cambodian life without the tourist thrills and spills that tend to colour the look and vibe of some of the other cities. This is however a good thing for those travellers who do stay for more than a passing visit as they actually experience a way of life that others might just miss in their hurry to make tick off the highlights on their checklist. 

As with any Cambodian city, there are temples to explore and the main one in Kompong Cham is Nokor Wat. This large temple complex dates back to the 11th century and consists of a collection of Angkor architecture, together with some elaborate wall paintings depicting religious torture, which are now behind locked doors but can be accessed if a monk is there to guide you in. As temples go, Nokor Wat has some interesting ruins to explore, although they will pale into insignificance if you’ve come from Angkor Wat. 

At around 5pm every day there are traditional dance ceremonies performed by local children cared for and educated by an NGO located at the temple site and managed by the monks. 

Another interesting day trip from Kompong Cham would be to cross the Bamboo Bridge to Koh Paen Island. Koh Paen Island is a unique place to gain yet another insight into a life very different to your own. The island is home to numerous villages inhabited by Cham and Khmer people, who live in poorly mounted homes on stilts. An unusual sight missed by the hoards that pass through Kompong Cham without a second look. By nature Cambodians are both humble and welcoming and although it is unlikely any of the Koh Paen Island villagers will speak your language, they inevitably speak the language of smiles.