Kompong Thom
Where to lay your head
Where to lay your head
Despite long being off the tourist radar, guesthouses that cater to a more international market are developing in Kompong Thom, which even has its first boutique hotel now. Standards are still not as high as Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, but they're getting there.
Tropical gardens bursting with flowers, pretty chalets with romantically decorated rooms, a small shady pool and a modern restaurant in a traditional Khmer villa: this is Kompong Thom's lovely Sambor Village. When someone first mentioned that Kompong Thom now has a boutique hotel, many eyebrows had to be retrieved from the ceilings of Siem Reap; but it’s not just there, it’s booming. With... Read our full review of Sambor Village.
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By far our favourite in town, this is a bright, modern, four-storey building, with decent sized, simply but tastefully decorated rooms, many with balconies, large flat-screen TVs, hot water showers and mini-fridges. Downstairs the large reception area also has a small shop for basic toiletries and snacks. The staff were friendly and very helpful and spoke passable English. They can help you to... Read our full review of Vimean Sovann Guesthouse.
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One of the longest-running of Kompong Thom’s hotels, the Arunras holds a soft spot in the minds of most people who pass through Kompong Thom on a regular basis because of its ability to deliver the basics in a consistent manner. The hotel is huge (by local standards), with 58 clean, spacious and well-maintained rooms done up in a surprisingly old-fashioned style (note the wonderful control... Read our full review of Arunras Hotel & Restaurant.
With ease of access and rock-bottom prices, this sweet little guesthouse is hard to beat. In a two-storey villa set back from the road, the rooms are simple but clean and light, while some have balconies attached. The staff are friendly, though no one here appeared to speak English when we stopped by. It is quite small so can fill up quickly with local custom, so it might be a good idea to ring... Read our full review of Sakun Lalita Guest House.
After Arunras, this is another big player with 31 rooms some of which will have a view on the river. It’s darker and more old-fashioned than Arunras, and perhaps an option if you want to get away from the hurly burly around the bus stop. They also have baths, which might be a clincher for some. The rooms are clean and pretty spacious, with wide, comfy-looking beds. The staff were a little... Read our full review of Stung Sen Royal Garden Hotel.
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With an aspect looking across the river, make sure to ask for one of the upstairs balcony rooms at Mittapheap in order to take advantage of the views -- although there is nothing to sit on when you’re there. This is a standard Khmer guesthouse, with clean and simple rooms that are quite bright compared to other offerings in town. The showers are hot water, which is not always the case with... Read our full review of Mittapheap Hotel.
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