Although Cambodia has undergone many periods of renovation in recent history, those looking for a spot to explore the country's dynamic culture should head to the city of Kampong Cham.
While Kampong Cham is Cambodia's third-largest city, it has expertly retained its more rural feel. The bridge built to the nearby island of Kuhn Paen, for example, is rebuilt by hand with bamboo every year following the rainy season. While exploring the city, travelers will pass by many ancient wats, fields of crops, and the small fishing boats of locals.
Kampong Cham, while it has preserved many of its relic structures, has also found new ways to reuse them as well. Found inside an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine, the Wat Nokor is today a Theravada Buddhist pagoda. Although new structures have been added to the wat's interior, many of the original archways are incorporated into the modern designs, making this a true piece of spiritual fusion.
To refuel, guests can satisfy their appetite for authentic cuisine at many of the silted restaurants found along the Mekong River. Many eateries here also feature live music, although some restaurants have modernized to include karaoke offerings instead. Those looking for a classic Kompong Cham dinner experience should head to Hao An restaurant, a local favorite that has been dishing up yummy plates of Khmer and Chinese entrees for many years.
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