Old French Bridge (Old French Bridge Kampong Thom)

The Old French Bridge in Kampong Thom is a viewpoint and a trace of the past along the Stung Sen River.

Speaking of Kampong Thom, a key stopover province between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, one place that Mr.Hotsia highly recommends not to miss is the “Old French Bridge” or the bridge crossing the Stung Sen River. This is not just an ordinary bridge but a small window revealing historical traces and the local way of life in this province.

This bridge was built during the French colonial period in Cambodia. It is an old concrete bridge that once served as a main route for transportation. Later, when a new parallel bridge was built to accommodate larger vehicles, the old bridge was limited to pedestrian use and became a resting spot for locals as well as a popular photo spot for tourists visiting Kampong Thom.

Stroll along the bridge and the public park to experience the local atmosphere.

Mr.Hotsia's experience with the Old French Bridge began with staying atStung Sen Garden Hotela hotel located right at one end of the bridge, allowing me to easily walk out from the accommodation and stroll on the old bridge. The bridge stretches across the Stung Sen River. The evening atmosphere is peaceful and cool with the breeze and the sound of flowing water.

Opposite the bridge next to the hotel is a riverside public park about one kilometer long. I saw many Kampong Thom locals and tourists walking, jogging, or cycling quietly to enjoy the view. This small green space brings life to the town and offers a more relaxing feeling than walking in the city itself.

Riverside lifestyle and nearby Kampong Thom market

After strolling along the bridge and the park, I continued toKampong Thom Marketa small evening market offering fresh produce, dried goods, and local food. I tried Khmer fried fish cake wrapped with long bean, a traditional Khmer dish, as well as shaved ice with palm sugar syrup that helped cool me down that afternoon. This market is lively in a simple way, serving as a true center of daily life for Kampong Thom residents.

If you want to know Kampong Thom more deeply, try readingmy article on local Kampong Thom foodwhich I wrote before. The food here tastes similar to Thai cuisine but has the unique charm of authentic Khmer dishes. Grilled snakehead fish from Tonle Sap and the snakehead fish rice porridge stall at Kampong Thom market are good examples of local food not to be missed.

Travel experiences and recommendations from Mr.Hotsia

For traveling to Kampong Thom, I mostly took a bus from Siem Reap which takes about 2 hours. There are several departures daily and the price is quite affordable, making Kampong Thom a suitable rest stop between routes to Phnom Penh or Preah Vihear (details can be found inTraveling Kampong Thom)

My accommodation at Stung Sen Garden Hotel is near the old bridge, making it very convenient for evening walks or photography. However, if you are interested in other accommodations in Kampong Thom, there are not many options. You can check reviews and recommendations inRecommended Hotels in Kampong Thomby me

Summary of impressions and recommendations

The Old French Bridge in Kampong Thom is not a flashy or large tourist attraction but a place that allowed me to experience the simplicity and atmosphere of a small town along the Stung Sen River. It is suitable for those who enjoy walking, sightseeing, and photography while learning about the local lifestyle and small historical stories of the town.

If you visit Kampong Thom, don’t forget to take a walk on this old bridge and stop by the nearby market to taste delicious local food and experience the simple atmosphere of Kampong Thom that remains unchanged.

For those interested in seeing the real atmosphere and lifestyle of Kampong Thom, don’t forget to follow my video clips onEating Khmer Food in Kampong Thom - Kampong Thom Local FoodandKhmer Fried Fish Cake - Unique Khmer Foodto enhance your travel experience.

mr.hotsia
April 2012