
Kompong Thom is the capital of Kampong Thom Province in Cambodia. It's
situated about half-way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and thus most
travellers will only rush through on their transfer between these two major
attractions.
Nevertheless it is a pleasant and relaxed place and a good starting
point for exploring the countryside and the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk.

There is an interesting fruit bat roost in the grounds of the old
governors residence (a nice colonial era building). This is behind the market
on the first road off the river. If the gate to the old governors building is
open, you may be in luck, the house itself is sometimes left unlocked. All of
the original furnishings are missing, but some of the bathroom fixtures remain
and the house itself gives off a haunted vibe.
The grasslands and rice-fields surrounding Kompong Thom of an extreme
importance for wildlife conservation. These areas hold the largest global
population of the endangered Bustard the Bengal Florican as well as occasional
large waterbirds from the Tonle Sap floodplain (Adjutants, Pelican, Painted
Stork). Other species include large numbers of wintering palearctic passerines
(including Dusky Warbler, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Siberian Rubythroat) and the
globally vulnerable Manchurian Reed Warbler. In March large numbers of Oriental
Plover pass through the area making this possibly the best area in the world to
see this species.
The areas also offer a glimpse of everyday life in the Cambodian
countryside with many fishermen, ox-carts and small scale farmers. The best way
to visit the grasslands is by en-listing the help of a moto-dop driver from
in-front of the Arunras guesthouse. A number of these know the area (around
Rolous village about 5km towards Phnom
Penh) and speak English.