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This short hop links two provincial capitals and takes you from the Mekong riverfront into the flat plains of central Cambodia. Kampong Thom is the base for Sambor Prei Kuk, a temple complex in the forest about halfway from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.[1] UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 2017.[2]
Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom by Van
The VIP van takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and costs about $8 on booking platforms (October 2026).[3] These are small minibuses, so the ride is quicker than a large coach. The road passes villages, rice paddies and local markets. Arrive at the departure point 15 to 20 minutes early so your bag is loaded and your seat is secure, and keep your hotel name and address on your phone for the tuk-tuk drivers in Kampong Thom.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| VIP van | About $8[3] | About 2h 30min[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom
- Book ahead: Book a day or two before, so you do not have to hunt for a seat at the station.
- Pick-up point: Confirm where your van leaves from, since some depart from an office and others from the market area.
- Water: The trip is short and stops are brief, so board with a bottle of water.
- Temple day: Take a morning van if you want to see Sambor Prei Kuk the same day.
Timetable
| Van Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom $ 7.64 2h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom, including current prices and schedules.
The VIP van is the way to go, at about $8 per person on booking platforms (October 2026).
The VIP van, which takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
About 2 hours 30 minutes by VIP van.
Space is limited in a minibus. A standard backpack or suitcase fits, but very large items may not.
An electronic ticket on your phone is usually enough.
On a trip of this length, stops are brief. Bring water and a snack.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] National Authority for the Protection and Development of Sambor Prei Kuk: History. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.
