Kampong Cham, Cambodia

Kampong Cham is the third largest city in Cambodia. Despite not having as many tourist attractions as Phnom Penh or Angkor Wat, this charming city is the best place to get a feel of the "real" Cambodia. The remnants of French colonial rule are here, as are modern improvements to this one poor area's infrastructure.

Though there are a few temples, the best things to do in Kampong Cham and the surrounding area (Kampong Cham Province) is just to hang out or cruise the countryside. Within the city, it is worth checking out the markets. There is all the hustle and bustle of a Southeast Asian market, but with Kampong Cham's unique charm and friendly local people. It's a great place to socialize, even if you don't speak Khmer.

Gateway to to the 12 th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor and the twin holy mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, or Man and Woman Hill.

Kampong means "the side of a river or any other water body" with Cham meaning Cham ethnicity of Champa. A similar Malay word "Kampung" means "village."