Travel Kampong Speu

Travel Kampong Speu, a small town in central Cambodia that's more than just a pass-through

When talking about Kampong Speu Province, many might think of it as just a small town between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. But for me, mr.hotsia, Kampong Speu is more than just a transit route. It is a central Cambodian province that fully preserves the local lifestyle and authentic Khmer way of life.

I had the chance to pass through Kampong Speu town, the capital of this province, while traveling from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. It was early afternoon with intense heat that made me rush to find cold water and change my plan from resting in the town to just a quick stop to buy some items and continue. This town is not ideal for strolling under the strong sun. However, in this small town, I experienced a lively local market filled with life, with bicycle shops, pharmacies, and small eateries scattered around.

Local Lifestyle and Culture

Kampong Speu is a town where most locals speak Khmer. Although some can speak Mandarin, the simplicity and friendliness of the people made me feel like I was truly exploring the real life of Cambodians, not just a commercial tourist area like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.

In this town, there is a local market that serves as a community hub, surrounded by small shops. I witnessed simple daily shopping habits and also found small guesthouses like “Pheng Ang Guesthouse,” which locals recommend to travelers who want to experience the authentic life of this town.

Attractions in Kampong Speu

Although Kampong Speu does not have as many prominent tourist attractions as other provinces, it is home to the famous Phnom Aoral, the highest peak in Cambodia at 1,813 meters above sea level. It is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers who want to try hiking and enjoy beautiful views not far from the big cities.

Another place I recommend stopping by isKirirom National Park(Kirirom National Park), located not far from Kampong Speu. It features mountains about 700 meters high, covering an area of 35,000 hectares, and offers full facilities for tourists including waterfalls, lush nature, and many outdoor activities. It is ideal for relaxation and escaping city bustle.

Accommodation and Resorts in Kampong Speu

Although there are not many luxury hotels like in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu has interesting accommodations I want to recommend, such as Nang Apsara Guesthouse, suitable for travelers wanting to experience the local atmosphere, and Hillside Resort Kirirom near Kirirom National Park, which offers full amenities including restaurants, a zoo, swimming pool, and outdoor activities like cycling, canoeing, horseback riding, and ziplining.

Hillside Resort also has tennis courts, basketball courts, sauna, spa, and a fitness center, perfect for those seeking both adventure and full relaxation. Here, I truly felt that visiting Kampong Speu is not just a stopover but a complete and diverse experience in this small province.

Connections to Nearby Provinces and Travel

Kampong Speu is surrounded by important provinces such as Kampot, Pursat, Kandal, and Koh Kong, a coastal province I have previously shared stories about inArticle about Koh KongTravel between these provinces is quite convenient and offers opportunities to experience Cambodia’s diversity.

If you are interested in authentic Khmer local food, try visiting Kampot Province, not far from Kampong Speu. I have tasted Khmer dry noodles there and captured the atmosphere inKhmer Dry Noodles Clip in Kampot ProvinceOr explore local markets and villagers’ lifestyles for an equally profound experience.

Summary of Experience and Recommendations

For those planning to travel in Cambodia, Kampong Speu may not be the main destination, but if you want to experience the real lifestyle of Cambodians, try changing your plan from just passing through to stopping or exploring this small town. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee you will have a unique and impressive experience comparable to big cities.

And if you want travel information or recommendations for interesting nearby attractions, don’t forget to follow my stories at hotsia.com, where I share real travel experiences from the field for you to read.