This city has yet to be heavily touristed like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. It carries with it plenty of colonial French charm, and has a genuine "wild west" feel to it. Most travellers who do find themselves in Kampong Cham are in transit to elsewhere in the country, but those that choose to spend at least a couple of days in the provincial capital will enjoy the laid back atmosphere and quaint charm.

Most people in Kampong Cham are of course ethnic Khmer, but there is a sizeable Cham minority in the province's towns, including a disproportionately high number of Muslims and Christians.

Because there is little foreign investment and no large scale tourism (almost every foreigner who comes here will be a backpacker), this city is very poor with few modern buildings, though not lacking in French architecture from the colonial period. It is similar to many other Cambodian cities, being rather dirty, with garbage a common sight (This is no longer true - a campaign to clean up the town has been put in place, resulting in a very clean, pleasant city). However, with the completion of a modern two-lane bridge across the Mekong, the city has begun a slow recovery from decades of irrevocable decline. The people of Kampong Cham are (like all Cambodians) very friendly and open to engaging with tourists.

If recent projects seem to be improving the state of things here (relative to other Cambodian cities), realize that both PM Hun Sen and former Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara are originally from this province and the current Governor is actually the PM's brother.

Kampong Cham isn't a city chock full of tourist attractions, but it's colonial charm and atmosphere will endear itself to you. There are a few temples to see in the area, including one of the country's mass graves.

 
Ruins at Nokor WatNokor Wat. An Angkorian temple dating from the 11th century, containing a standard assortment of Angkor architecture. Some of the mausoleums are open to tourists and contain piles of bones and skulls from the Khmer Rouge's genocidal reign. Inside one of the buildings is a very elaborate series of wall paintings, depicting torture and executions (of a religious nature), followed by scenes of heaven and the afterlife. This is not always an accessible building, as a Monk has to unlock it for you to enter. He usually does, though your driver may ask you to refrain. To get there by bicycle follow the road to Phnom Penh for about 1 km and turn left when you see a dusty road going down through a gate (there's also a sign). The tourist police may ask you for money for their own purposes. If you are stingy, you can enter the temple from the other side for free. Don't miss the beautiful sunset in the old Angkorian ruins. The visit to this site can easily be combined with a trip to the mountains Pros and Srei.
 
Traditional dances in Nokor WatIf you are interested in traditional Cambodian dances, there is a daily performance at 5 p.m. (except Sunday) in the Wat Nokor (Nokor Bachey Temple) by the children and teenagers looked after and educated by BSDA, a Non Governmental Oranization (NGO) located at the temple site and managed by the monks. Entrance is free, donations are certainly welcome. No need for reservations.
Pros and Srei Mountain are priced in every tourist guide, however actually noweverdays they are only two 'breandnew' concrete buildings on the top of some smalls hills. If you don't have too much time, rather go for Phnom Hanchey.
About 8km out of the city in direction Phnom Penh.

Located 25km north of Kampong Cham, Phnom Hanchey is another temple on a hilltop in the area. The view of the beautiful Cambodian landscape that you get when you go there however is certainly worth it! If you can make it up very early (around 5am) you'll see a gorgeous sunrise over the Mekong that will be on your right side all through the way.
There is also a French lookout tower on the other side of the river, once used for monitoring river traffic. It's still standing but in a decaying state. You can climb the stairs inside the tower and have a good view on the bridge, the Mekong and the small village next to the tower. The stairs are difficult and dangerous to climb, however.
An abandoned US airstrip that has been used by B52 bombers is a short distance west of town. To get there take the Highway 7 to Phnom Penh for about 3 km. Just before the factory on the left hand side (looks a bit like a prison) there is a dirt road going to the right between street vendors and two red-white striped poles. Follow this road for about 2.5 km. There is not much left to see apart from the pavement of the airstrip and two decaying buildings next to it - a pillbox and the control tower probably. Leaving the airstrip on the left (west) will eventually lead to Mountain Pros and Srey. Going right (east) to the end of the strip and turning right again will lead you back to Kompong Cham.
 
The boats that cruise to Mekong River in Kampong
La Marguerite River Ship
Jayavarman River Ship
Toum Tiou River Vessel
R.V Pandaw Cruise
M.S Ama Lotus Ship
R.V Toum Tiou II
R.V. Indochine Cruise Kampong
R.V. Landiep Cruise Kampong

 
Restaurants
SMILE Cafe is the smartest eatery in town. Run by a local NGO, Buddhism and Society Development Association, (BSDA) as a training restaurant for orphans and vulnerable youth, it serves tasty Khmer and western dishes and the decor is a cut above everywhere else. The food’s is good quality but many of the Khmer dishes are quite similar. Don’t forget to try the delicious fruit shakes. There is a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant, with a few sofas having direct few on the Mekong in front of it. If you’re around with your laptop, it’s one of the few eateries in town offering free Wi-fi. Looking for a nice place to eat and enjoy your time, this might just be it. Prices are reasonable with food between $2½ -5 – and you’re helping a good cause. Riverside Kampong Cham, just north of the Monorom VIP Hotel, Tel.: (+855) 42 69 00 605,
 
Mekong Crossing, Street, ''042''-67 555 98.. , Cnr Sihanouk and Pasteur Street, 042 -67 555 98. A popular (at least among foreigners) restaurant run by an American expat, this small place serves up a variety of western foods, including burgers, pasta, and pizza. Though it does serve "khmer" food, it's heavily westernized as well. Free wifi.  edit
Lazy Mekong Daze, Ph Sihanouk (at the riverside), is very similar to Mekong Crossing. The style of the place as well as the menu targets mainly foreign customers. Since last april, the new french owner Frank, offers a new choice of dishes and cocktails. They have also a free pool table and good music. A nice restaurant to hang around. In the tourist season they run a Sunset cruise and they also have a couple of bicycles and motorbikes for rent as a sideline.
Hao An, 012-941234 - Large restaurant on Monivong Blvd. Very tourist friendly, and serves plenty of genuine Khmer food, as well as other Asian cuisine. Excellent place to lounge about and drink beer, and good for shared dishes. Most dishes fetch for around $2-$3 USD.

San Te Hap Rest. Southeast side of the market in front of pharmacy. Cheap, tasty tofu and seafood dishes for around 2,000 to 4,000 riel. Try the seaweed curry.
Spien Thmei Restaurant, Ph Preah Bat Sihanouk. Down the road from the Mekong Hotel, Spien Thmei Restaurant (New Bridge Restaurant) is your standard Khmer and Asian restaurant. It's quite large, with oversized doors that never close as long as it's open, though without a doubt you'll remember this place for it's whacky menu. The food is of great quality, but rarely matches what's on the menu. Still, since it's good food regardless of what arrives at your table and you aren't charged more (or perhaps because the staff don't speak much English), be a good patron and don't complain.

Destiny Coffee House, Shop 12 Vithei Pastuer (near the riverfront, opposite Sophary Internet- on the road between the food market and the riverbank), ☎ 017-328-034. 7:00-4:30. Destiny Coffee House is run by a community based NGO that enables rural youth to access employment and high quality vocational training. The cafe serves fresh and vibrant quality food that is a relief to the travelling foreigner! The Coffee House also has a reputation for it's delicious homemade cakes and cookies (~ $1.50), as well as it's real espresso coffee. The decor is clean and crisp, and the complimentary wi-fi makes it a great place to relax and revitalize. Some travellers report that it is often closed. $2-$4