Kampong Thom is a busy town and makes for the perfect stopover between Phnom Penh and Siem Riep. The principal features in the town itself are the double bridge crossing the Sen River and the very gaudy Wat Komphong Thom.

However, about 35km north of Kompong Thom, is Sambor Prei Kuk, which is the ideal pre-curser for those en route to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor. It served as the capital of Chenla during the 7th Century reign of known Isanapura, this was the first significant temple city constructed in Southeast Asia and represents the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments found anywhere in Cambodia. The site consists of three main groups of monuments, mostly built of brick. Much of the origins of Angkor era architecture can be seen in these temples.