Kampong Cham

Cambodia's third-largest city was also an ancient Khmer center of culture and power on the Mekong River, and it has a pre-Angkorian temple, Wat Nokor. (Sadly, the temple itself is in a state of disrepair and the US$3 entry fee unmerited.) Just outside town are the twin temple-topped hills, Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei. Ask a local to explain the interesting legend surrounding their creation. In the ecotourism village of Cheungkok, about 5 km (3 mi) south of town, you can see silk-making, carving, and other traditional crafts in progress and also buy the wares directly from villagers. All profits are reinvested in the village.

Kampong Cham can be visited in a few hours, but with Cheungkok it is an all-day trip.