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Kampot,
Cambodia
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 Kampot
City sits along the east side of the Kampong Bay River near the base
of the Elephant Mountains and is of quite a different character than
the beach town of
Sihanoukville. Kampot City is an old provincial
capital of quiet lanes and colonial period architecture, a bit worn
but radiating a quaint, welcoming, small town ambiance. A
partially destroyed bridge, bombed
 in the war, sits city center over
the river, it’s unique haphazard repair almost an iconic
symbol of the town. Kampot is a place to get a taste of
provincial Cambodia, both urban and rural. Use the city as a
base to explore and tour the surrounding countryside and as
a stepping stone to the nearby beaches and
islands of
Kep,
the Bokor Hill Station and the rest of southeastern
Cambodia. Come the end of the day back in Kampot City, a
little riverside cafe or pub is the place to be - relaxing
curbside over a glass of wine, watching the sun slowly set
behind the Elephant Mountains.. |
Getting
to/From Kampot
Kampot may be approached by road directly from
Sihanoukville,
Phnom
Penh, Kep and from Vietnam via the Prek Chak and the Phnom Den
international border crossings. There is no air service to/from
Kampot.
PHNOM PENH to/from KAMPOT
The most direct route to
Kampot from Phnom Penh follows National Route #3 (NR3.) The full
length of NR3 is in very good condition - fully paved and quite wide
in most places. The trip between Kampot and Phnom Penh can be made
in less than 3 hours.
An alternative route following National Route #2 (NR2) passes
several pre-Angkorian ruins in Takeo province including Phnom Chisor
and Prasat Neang Khmau. From Phnom Penh take NR2 south to Road #22
in Takeo. The intersection is very well marked. Take Road #22 west
to NR3 and then turn south to Kampot.
Taxis ~20,000R/person for a
shared taxi. ~$35-$40 for a private taxi. 3 hours. In Phnom Penh,
Kampot-bound taxis depart Phsar Dumkor. In Kampot taxis depart the
taxi stand.
Bus There are several bus
companies offering regular a/c buses between Phnom Penh and Kampot
including Phnom Penh Sorya. In Phnom Penh the Phnom Penh Sorya buses
depart from the station on Charles de Gaulle next to the Central
Market. In Kampot, the buses arrive/depart from the bus stand (see
map). Tickets can be purchased there or through your
hotel/guesthouse (~15,000-18,000R).
 SIHANOUKVILLE to/from KAMPOT
From Sihanoukville, travel north on National Route #4 to Veal Renh
(43km). Turn east on Route #3 to Kampot. Route #4 is in excellent
condition. Route #3 is in fair condition with stretches of broken
pavement and under construction. 1½ -2 hours, 110km total.
Bus Service Several bus
companies offer regularly scheduled full size buses between Sihanoukville and Kampot. Get the schedule and tickets from your guesthouse
or a local tour office.
Taxis In Sihanoukville, taxis
can be found at the downtown bus station. In Kampot, taxis wait at
the bus stop/taxi stand. Sihanoukville to/from Kampot is
$9-$10/person for shared taxi and $25-$30 for a private taxi.
VIETNAM to/from KAMPOT
Regular Vietnam visas are not available at the border. The gratis
‘economic zone’ visas formerly available at the Prek Chak border
crossing are no longer available. Visas are available through tour
operators in Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep and at the Vietnamese consulate in
Sihanoukville.
To/from Ho Chi Minh City: Three
possible overland routes to Phnom Penh: 1) the Moc Bai/Bavet
crossing via Phnom Penh (bus or taxi); 2) the Prek Chak crossing via
Ha Tien (bus); 3) the Phnom Den crossing (taxi.) Get tickets from
your guesthouse or a local tour office.
To/from Phu Quoc Island and deep south
Vietnam The nearby crossing Prek Chak/Xaxia is the
nearest, most easily accessed border crossing with Vietnam. The
crossing is near the Vietnamese town of Ha Tien, the primary jump
off point to Phu Quoc Island.
Regularly scheduled multi-daily vans and mini-buses travel from
Kampot, through the border crossing and all the way to Ha Tien, most
in time for the ferry to Phu Quoc. Price: $8-$11. Arrange a ticket
through your guesthouse or one of the listed tour operators in
Kampot. If you want to do-it-yourself, a motodup from Kampot to to
the Prek Chak crossing costs about $8; tuk-tuks run about $15-$20
and a taxi is $20-$25. Some motorcycle taxis from Kampot are also
able to cross the border with you and take you as far as Ha Tien for
an additional $2-$3.
For more on international border crossings see the
Overland page.
Getting
Around Kampot
The town is small and motodups are
common. Foreigner price for motodup: 1500-2000R across town.
Motorcycle rental: 100-125cc ($4-$6/day) and 250cc ($15-$20/day).
There are a couple of motorcycle shops just off the traffic circle
in the center of town (see map) and almost all hotels and
guesthouses and even some restaurants and bars can help you arrange
motorcycle rental and other transportation.
Kampot
Hotels and Guesthouses
Most guesthouses and hotels are located
in or near town center area within easy walking distance of the
riverfront. There is a cluster of 5 or 6 inexpensive places on
‘Guesthouse Street,’ near the Farmer Statue. Closer to the
riverfront, several stylish little hotels occupy classic old
colonial era buildings, offering a uniquely Kampot experience. For a
more rural, natural setting, a few guesthouses, both budget and
mid-range, dot the riverside stretching north from town, some
several kilometers up river.
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Blissful Guesthouse
Range: $2 - $8
Popular, inexpensive, friendly, clean,
western managed guesthouse/restaurant located on 'guesthouse
street'. Dormitory available, most rooms with attached bath. Free
wifi. Lush quiet garden with restaurant and bar. Great breakfasts
and a large varied menu. Quiz night every Tuesday. Some books,
postcards, souvenirs and traveler's sundries. Lots of travel and
local information available. Receiving lots of good reviews.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-848390
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Bokor Mountain Lodge
Range: $40 - $65
Lovely old French Colonial-era building
in a perfect sunset location on the riverfront road. All rooms are
smoke free with air-conditioner, Cable TV, safe and en-suite
bathroom. Some with a river view. Free wifi. Picturesque breakfast
balcony and a popular restaurant and bar on the ground floor.
Visa/MC
Tel: +(855)(0)33-932314
+(855)(0)17-712062
bokorlodge@gmail.com
www.bokorlodge.com
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The Columns Kampot
Range: $35 - $49
Fully restored French colonial era buildings a block off the river
in the old French quarter of town. Hardwood furnishings, Cambodian
silk cushions and decor, and all modern amenities including
air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable and DVD player,
mini-bar, lockbox, in-room wifi and i-docking pad. In-room wifi.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-128300
info@the-columns.com
www.the-columns.com
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Ganesha Riverside Eco Resort
Range: $8 - $54
Boasting a 94% overall positive ratings
on Hostelworld. More than 10,000m2 of tropical garden for
only 7 units gives a real feel of Cambodia’s natural beauty, with
space and intimacy. Bar and restaurant offering a wide selection of
delicious cocktails and foods.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-724612
+(855)(0)92-285621
ganeshakampot@gmail.com
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Hang Guesthouse
Range: $10 - $30
Riverside restaurant, pretty rooms in a
beautiful garden with mango and coconut trees, lots of flowers. and
a nice view of the river, mountains and the rice fields. 2 minutes
outside town. Internet facilities. TV. A/c rooms. Hot water. Free
bicycle rental. Tour service. French, English and Khmer spoken.
Tel: +(855)(0)16-357178
+(855)(0)33-932170
hang.guesthouse@gmail.com
www.sites.google.com/site/hangguesthouse/
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Kampot Guesthouse
Range: $5 - $18
Villa-style guesthouse in a garden
setting. Fan and a/c rooms with CTV and en suite bathrooms with hot
water. Reasonably priced restaurant serving Khmer and western food
and seafood. Exercise equipment and space to play basketball. Tours
and transportation. Motorcycles, cars, bicycles for rent. Free wifi
and Internet.
Visa/MC
Tel: +(855)(0)33-210078
+(855)(0)33-6660037
kampotguesthouse@yahoo.com
www.kampot-guesthouse.com
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La Java Bleue
Range: $35 - $47
Unique, stylish a/c rooms in a fully and
sensitively refurbished French colonial building in the center of
town. No place else like it in town. The penthouse room is truly
something special with a private rooftop balcony. Cable TV and large
en suite bathroom with hot water. Complementary tea and coffee. Free
wifi and free bicycles.
Tel: +(855)(0)86-295894
+(855)(0)33-6676679
contact@lajavableue-kampot.fr
www.lajavableue-kampot.com
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Long Villa
Range: $3 - $10
Unique wooden ‘long villa.’ Fan and a/c
rooms with attached bathroom. Dormitory beds available. Restaurant
with seafood dishes, Cambodian and western food, and pizza.
Reasonably priced. Pool table. Information. Lots of tour services
and guides. Near the market on the north side of town.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-251418
+(855)(0)12-731400
longvillaguesthouse@yahoo.com
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Mea Culpa Guesthouse
Range: $20 - $25
Guesthouse and restaurant in a nice
garden setting, located in a quiet part of the old French quarter of
town. Clean, new nicely decorated fan and a/c rooms with cable TV,
DVD player and en suite bathroom with hot water. Balcony.
Complimentary tea and coffee. Free wifi. Patio restaurant and bar
serving Khmer and international fare including pizzas from a
wood-fired oven. Both the guesthouse and the restaurant are
receiving excellent reviews from customers.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-504769
meaculpakampot@gmail.com
www.meaculpakampot.com
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Moliden Guesthouse
Range: $15 - $60 ($25 - $60 Breakfast
included)
Unique all wooden guesthouse on the
riverfront road at the corner of the Old Bridge. Clean, new rooms
fan and a/c rooms with Cable TV, large en suite bathroom with hot water.
Free Internet. Cambodian-Italian restaurant on the ground floor
offering a nice riverfront view. Kampot Riverfront at the Old
Bridge.
Visa/MC
Tel: +(855)(0)33-6904495
+(855)(0)12-820779
+(855)(0)12-516199
info@moliden-kampot.com
www.moliden-kampot.com
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Nataya Round House Coral Bay
Resort
Range: $100 - $300 (Breakfast Included)
Beautiful, unique resort set amongst
manicured gardens on a secluded beach on the South China Sea 15km
west of Kampot off of Route #3. Fully outfitted, very well appointed
‘round-house’ style boutique bungalows just a few meters from ocean.
Superior and deluxe bungalows and pavilion suites. Infinity pool and
Jacuzzis at ocean’s edge and a long sandy palm-lined beach. Fine
dining and drinking venues. Absolutely unique and one of the finest
accommodations on the coast. Free wifi.
Tel: +(855)(0)33-6902011
+(855)(0)16226471
+(855)(0)12-902823
reservations@natayaresort.com
www.natayaresort.com
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Natural Bungalows
Range: $15 - $70 (breakfast included
$30+)
Stylish, finished, air-conditioned
individual rooms in wooden bungalows at the riverside. Tastefully
decorated, well appointed rooms with all amenities. A/c, Cable TV, en
suite with hot water. Most with balconies and a beautiful sunset
view over the river. Riverside restaurant and bar. 10% discount on
stay of 1 week or more. Located just north of the new bridge.
Visa
Tel: +(855)(0)33-641188
+(855)(0)12-819081
naturalbungalows@yahoo.com
www.natural-bungalows.com
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Orchid Guesthouse
Range: $6 - $20
Fan and a/c rooms and bungalows. Cable
TV and hot water. Khmer decor. Intl/Khmer restaurant. Lots of
seafood. Full bar. Motorcycles, bicycles, boat for rent. Books
available. Quiet area. Secure parking. Contact for Wild Orchid Tours
offering trips to Bokor, Kep, jungle treks, and lots more. Internet,
free wifi.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-226996
+(855)(0)033-210131
orchidguesthousekampot@yahoo.com
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Pepper Guesthouse
Range: $5 - $15
Nicely refurbished villa-style
guesthouse on a quiet street amongst a cluster of guesthouses. Fan
and a/c rooms with cable TV and en suite bathroom with hot water.
Free wifi. Bicycles for rent. Restaurant and bar with BBQ. Happy
hour. All tourist services. Health care services. 30 meters from
ACLEDA Bank.
Tel: +(855)(0)17-822626
pepperguesthouse@ymail.com
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Rikitikitavi
Range: $40 - $48
Charming little western-managed
guesthouse on the river road in town. Very well-appointed, stylishly
finished air-conditioned rooms with all amenities including cable
TV, DVD, mini-bar, in-room wifi, spring mattresses and high-pressure
showers. Free wifi internet access in room. Excellent rooftop
restaurant and bar with a brilliant view overlooking the river.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-235102
E-mail:
info@rikitikitavi-kampot.com
Website:
www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com
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Villa Vedici
Range: $30 - $100
Laidback garden resort on the riverfront
surrounded by paddy fields with spectacular mountain views.
Receiving very good reviews. Rooms and family bungalows. Small
beach, swimming pool, bar. Serving Western, Khmer, Mexican food.
Free Wifi, Sat TV, movie database, PlayStation3. Sunset cruises,
kite surfing, wake boarding, water skiing, mountain biking,
kayaking, basketball, pool table, ping pong.
Tel: +(855)(0)89-290714
+(855)(0)17-291782
E-mail:
vedici@hotmail.com
Website:
www.villavedici.com
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 Kampot
Restaurants
Kampot has a number of little restaurants, cafés and cafes, and like
most southern towns, the emphasis is on fresh seafood. Some of the
best dining in town is to be found along and near the picturesque
riverfront where several restaurants and bars are clustered, most
also serving western and international fare.
For a more local experience, soup, sandwich and fruit shake stands
set up on the Old Bridge road in the evenings, catering primarily to
the locals.
Kampot is not much of a party town but there are a few bars around,
most on and near the riverfront north of the Old Bridge. There’s
also a little cluster of bars next to the new market (north side)
just off the riverfront. Most of the town shuts down fairly early,
with almost all places closed by midnight, though a few of the
foreigner bars such as Bar Red, Mui Tiet and Wunder-Bar sometimes
stay open quite late. The lone Cambodian-style disco in Kampot is
located on the west side of the river a kilometer north of the old
bridge. (This disco was used as a filming location for the movie ‘City
of Ghosts.’)
There are now casinos at both southern international border
crossings, Cham Yeam at the Thai border and Prek Chak at the
Vietnamese border crossing, which is the most easily accessed out of
Kampot or Kep. The casinos sit just on the Cambodian side of the
border, but keep your passport handy.
Blissful Guesthouse
Popular garden
restaurant located on ‘guesthouse street’, all food prepared by a
professional western chef. Large varied menu of Western, Khmer and
Asian dishes. Great breakfasts and a Sunday roast every week. Quiz
night every Tuesday. Full bar open into the evening. Happy hour
4PM-8PM. Comfortable atmosphere. Free wifi. Lots of travel and local
information available. Receiving lots of good reviews.
Tel: 012-848390
Website:
www.blissfulguesthouse.com
Bokor Mountain Lodge
Hakari Restaurant Lovely old
French Colonial-era building in a perfect sunset location on the
riverfront road. International menu featuring superb BBQ lamb,
seafood and more. NZ ice cream. Illy coffee. Full bar, wine
list and cocktails. Indoor and wonderful curbside seating
overlooking the river. Western managed. Wifi internet.
7AM - Late
Tel: 033-932314
www.bokorlodge.com
Café Espresso Kampot
Specialist coffee roasted in house. Amazing selection of espressos,
perfectly brewed. Tapas bar from noon. Australian style breakfast
cafe, baked goods, house smoked bacon, home made condiments & good
vegetarian options. Stylish atmosphere and great service. Set on
quiet colonial side street from epic arts cafe. open 7am till late -
free wifi. Located on the street toward the Market from Epic Arts
Cafe.
Captain Chim’s Family Café
Family-run Cambodian restaurant in the
center of town, offering authentic home cooked Cambodian dishes at
extraordinarily reasonable prices. Some of the best value for money
in town. Luk-lak, Cambodian Amok, soups and more. Also running
Cambodian cooking classes for foreigners. Boat and motorcycle rental available.
Opposite the Old Market.
Tel: 012-321043
012-210820
Epic Cafe
Established in 2006, Epic Cafe provides work opportunities for deaf
and disabled people and is a model of an inclusive work space.
Comfortable corner restaurant near the Old Market. Serving western
breakfasts, sandwiches, soups, home-made cakes, teas, juices and
more.
Happy Dreamily Pizza
Friendly little riverfront pizza place
serving pizza, pastas, burgers and a variety of good Khmer dishes.
Full bar. Cold beer, spirits, cocktails.
Open 7:00AM - 11:00PM. Free delivery.
Call a pizza to your hotel or guesthouse.
Tel: 092-459525
080-997888
www.happydreamilypizza.com
Happy Special Pizza
Riverfront pizza place with a huge menu,
full bar and great sunset view. Western breakfast, sandwiches,
salads, burgers, a selection of pasta dishes and near 50 varieties
of pizzas. Fresh fruit shakes. Beer, wines, cocktails. Very
reasonable prices.
7:00AM - Midnight.
Tel: 012-410538
012-302506
www.happyspecialpizza.com
La Java Bleue
Restuarant
Pleasant little town center corner café
and bar with a rooftop terrace. Full bar serving cocktails and cold
drinks, coffee and cappuccino, we serve also a little selection of
Khmer and western dishes. Very comfortable atmosphere. Free wifi.
Tel: 086-295894
033-6676679
contact@lajavableue-kampot.com
www.lajavableue-kampot.com
Mea Culpa Bar & Pizzaria
Pleasantly quiet patio garden restaurant
and bar set off the main road in a tranquil corner of town. Serving
nicely done international fare including excellent pizzas from a
wood-fired oven. Good salads and sandwiches as well. Excellent
service. Friendly place. Receiving consistently great reviews from
customers. Free wifi. Recommended.
Tel: 012-504769
www.meaculpakampot.com
Rikitikitavi Riverfront
Restaurant
Charming rooftop balcony restaurant and
bar with a spectacular view overlooking the river and mountains. A
great place to enjoy sunset. Very popular. Offering a wide selection
of western and exclusive Khmer dishes prepared by a professional
chef. Very generous portions. Great desserts. (Try the Apple
Strudel!) Full bar with cocktails, cold beer, a selection of wines
and of fine spirits including a nice collection of whiskeys and
single-malts. Two for one happy hour 5:00PM-7:00PM. Open 7:00AM -
10:00PM everyday.
Two for one happy hour 5-7PM.
Tel: 012-235102
012-274820
www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com
Rusty Keyhole
Friendly, very popular, western managed,
bar and restaurant. great western and Asian food at very reasonable
prices. good value, good cooking. Daily seafood and Tex-Mex
specials, draught beer in a pint glass and, as reported by the Phnom
Penh Post, serving the best BBQ ribs in the land. Premier League
footy, ice cream and sweets. Located on the riverfront, next to the
old market. Offering the 1.5kg dino rib!!! 7.30AM-10.00PM
7.30am-10.00pm.
Tel: 012-679607
092-758536
Shopping
The main market is located at the north
end of town - a traditional style market carrying the usual local
products: vegetables, fruits, meats, bulk rice, motorcycle parts,
tools, moneychangers, etc. The formerly abandoned ‘Old Market’ on
the boulevard off the riverfront road has recently been refurbished
and is slowly being repopulated. Watch for new shops.
More useful to visitors, there are a couple of convenience stores
located on central traffic circle offering a pretty good selection
of imported goods, canned foods, snacks, beer, spirits, wines, water
and sundries.
Many of the guesthouses and hotels offer small selections of
souvenirs, usually focused on local products such as Kampot pepper,
Cambodian coffee, locally made bags, handicrafts, clothes and cards.
And there are now a few proper souvenir and clothing shops in town
as well as a book store.
Dorsu
A Cambodian social enterprise combining
skills training and employment opportunities. Shop offering a good
selection of handmade women’s clothing and accessories, most in
comfortable cotton - dresses, skirts, blouses, bags, purses and
more.
Located next to the Old Market.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-960225
info@dorsu.org
www.dorsu.org
Kampot Souvenirs and Handicraft
Offers a wide range of local handicrafts
including the Transparent Handicraft range of products made by
disabled and disadvantaged in the Kampot Area. This product range is
transparently priced so the customer knows who made the product and
how much they were paid.
www.transparenthandicraft.org
Kepler’s Kampot Pepper
Large selection of the famous
Kampot-grown pepper, some of the finest black pepper in the world.
Kampot-grown black, red and white pepper, available in different
packaging's. Also selling Cambodian grown coffee.
Open 8:00AM - 8:00PM.
Tel: 097-6082297
keplerbook_kampotpepper@yahoo.com
Books and Information
Kepler’s Kampot Books carries a good selection of used and new
novels and Cambodia related titles for buy/sell/trade. Souvenirs for
sale. Kampot pepper, statues, t-shirts, postcards, more. Print and
scan services. Internet available.
Located next to the old market in the
middle of town.
Open 8:00AM - 8:00PM.
Tel: 012-306410
www.keplerbook.com
Most of the guesthouses and tour operators can provide local travel
information. Local newsletter,
The Kampot Survival Guide, provides
an entertaining read and a unique take on touring Kampot. For the
history of Kampot, pick up a copy of Robert Philpotts’ The Coast of
Cambodia (Blackwater Books, 2000)
Kampot Banks, ATMs
and Money
ACLEDA and Canadia Bank both accept
Visa and have 24-hour ATMs.
Canadia Bank also accepts MC. ACLEDA ATMs access
Visa and
Gold Dots. Canadia Bank ATMs
access Visa, M/C, Cirrus and
Maestro. For instant cash transfer,
Canadia Bank offers MoneyGram and Acleda Bank
has Western Union. All banks offer currency exchange.
Moneychangers are located around the market.
Essentials
Internet: There are several internet places around town and
some of the hotels and restaurants offer free wifi. Dani Internet
cafe just off the riverfront has inexpensive internet, wifi and
international calls. Hotels and restaurants with wifi available
include Rikitikitavi, Le Soleil d’Or, Rusty Keyhole, Indochine Bar,
Natural Bungalows, Mea Culpa, Bokor Mountain Lodge and others.
Medical: The main hospital is on the riverfront road 100
meters north of the Old Bridge. Facilities and services are very
rudimentary. Local residents also recommend the Bokor Clinic near
the hospital.
Police: Tel: 012-594224, 012-824067, 097-7824067.
Things to Do
and See
Kampot and Kep are so close to each
other that they share many of the same sights and attractions. Kep
Beach, Rabbit Island, Bokor Hill Station, and countryside tours are
perhaps the most popular day tours out of Kampot and Kep with tour
operators offering very competitively priced tours. The Kampot/Kep
area also offers several other attractions including pre-Angkorian
ruins and caves, jungle trekking, bicycling tours, river cruises,
island trips, fishing trips, isolated beaches, pepper plantations,
bamboo train rides and some beautiful rural countryside.
Kampot/Kep Tour
Operators
Whether you plan to do-it-yourself or book a tour, transportation
and/or tours can be found through one of the many local tour
operators or through your guesthouse. Shop around for the best price
and for exact type of tour you would like to take.
Green Tours
Tour and travel agency, guesthouse and general travelers services.
Boats to Rabbit island, fishing trips, countryside tours, motocycle
rental. Dorm beds for $3-$5. Daily buses to Vietnam (Phu Quoc, HCMC,
Chau Doc,) and Thailand (Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Bangkok)
Located in Kep at the Kep Beach intersection
Tel: 089-990321
097-367575
greentours2010@yahoo.com
Kampot Tours & Travel
Bar, restaurant and all travel and tour services. Bokor,
countryside, boating, cycling, ox-carts, Kep, Rabbit Island,
transport to Vietnam and Thailand.
Located in Kampot one block off the river road
Tel: +(855)(0)97-9828756
+(855)(0)92-125556
+(855)(0)88-8125556
kampottours@gmail.com
http://hatienmekongtravel.com/gt001/default.aspx
Wild Orchid Adventure Tours
Day tours and overnighters to Bokor. Countryside tours, cycling
tours, motorbike tours, kayak tours. Kampot pepper plantation tours.
Orchid Guesthouse, ‘Guesthouse Road,’ Kampot.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-226996
 Architecture
of Kampot
Though suffering a bit the ravages of time, the architecture of
Kampot is pleasantly provincial, a mix of red tile-roofed shophouses
and old French colonial government buildings. Kampot has been an
active settlement for centuries but the location and layout of the
modern town was established during the French colonial period in the
late 19th/early 20th centuries. Many of the buildings along and near
the river were constructed during this period. The south end of town
harbors several European-style buildings including the governor’s
mansion and the old prison. Most of the other colonial era buildings
employ the classic 2-storey ‘Chinese shophouse’ design, many
displaying European design elements. Unlike many other Cambodian
cities, the shophouses are often individuated in design and facade,
lending to Kampot town’s quaint air.
 Bokor
Hill Station
Usually run out of Kampot, tours to the
old Bokor hill station has long been popular. The Bokor Hill Station
on Phnom Bokor (Bokor Mountain) is a mountaintop collection of
crumbling buildings (hotel, casino, church, royal residence, etc.),
originally constructed by French authorities in the early 1920s as a
complement to the already popular Kep resort area. In its time,
Bokor was an elegant getaway for French officials and foreign
visitors to old Indochina - a classic colonial 'hill station'
located in the mountains to allow foreigner visitors accustomed to
more temperate climes to escape the tropical heat. Years of neglect
left ghostly ruins - vestiges of a different age, often shrouded in
fog and clouds, though the new development project rising amongst
the old ruins has detracted some from the eerie atmosphere. One
thing that the years have not changed is the absolutely spectacular
view of the coast and the cool (sometimes cold) mountain air. Bokor
is jungled and excursions beyond Bokor, including trekking, can be
arranged by local tour operators.
Bokor Mountain top in the area of the old hill station is currently
undergoing a development project, including refurbishing the casino
and hotel and the addition of a new hotel complex. A new hotel and
casino are now open and the road up the mountain has been completed
and is in good condition. The drive to the top take 30-45 minutes.
Full day Bokor tours can be arranged through your guesthouse or a
local tour operator. Tours run about $10/person inclusive for an
all-day tour including a sunset boat cruise on the Kampong Bay
River. The Park Office and turn-off to the Hill Station are 37km
west of Kampot on National Route 3.
 Caves
near Kampot
Limestone mountains (‘phnom’) dot the
landscape between Kampot and Kep. Many contain limestone caves, some
adorned with exotic rock formations, and almost all containing
Buddhist shines. Make sure to bring a torch and wear shoes suitable
for climbing on rocks.
The
caves of Phnom Chhnork - Cave #1
Pre-Angkorian ruin set in a limestone cave amongst stalagmites
and stalactites that are slowly growing back into the ruin. Small,
4th-5th century AD brick structure associated with the ancient state
of Funan. A bit of carving is still visible. Look for the limestone
formations near the entrance of the cave in the shapes of elephants.
Cave #2 The entrance is about 300
 meters from Cave #1 in the
same limestone outcropping. Very little in the way of formations,
but quite deep, requiring climbing over piles of rock and through
small openings. Small shrine.
The cave at
Phnom Sla Ta'aun Plain by comparison to other caves, but
still an interesting climb. Look for the huge rock balanced in a
hole in the ceiling. Small shrine.
The
cave at Phnom Sasear, also known as the ‘White Elephant
Cave.’ Located next to an colorful pagoda. The stairs up the side of
the outcropping provide a beautiful view of the countryside,
especially during the wet season. The cave contains a shrine at the
base of a limestone formation alleged to resemble a white elephant.
 Countryside/Area
Tours
Kampot and Kep provinces harbor some
beautiful rural countryside just outside the town areas - bucolic
scenery, rice paddies and water buffalos with white egrets riding
their backs, countryside pagodas and little villages filled with
traditional stilted houses. There is some very nice rural scenery
along the road between Kampot and Kep. Keep your camera at the
ready. Tour operators offer full and half day area tours the can
easily be customized to your requirements, often including visits to
the caves, a pepper plantation, Kep, Rabbit Island, Kampong Trach
and a sunset cruise on the Kampong Bay River.
 Kampong
Trach
Kampong Trach is the district that borders Vietnam. The road trip
from Kampot to the main town passes though some picturesque rural
areas. There is a new side road to Kampong Trach town that skirts
the base of Phnom Voar, (where the victims of the 1994 Khmer Rouge
kidnappings were held.) These mountain areas of Kampong Trach were
one of the last Khmer Rouge holdouts. Kampong Trach town is small
and relatively uninteresting. The area’s main attraction is a series
of limestone caves and tubes that have been carved into a nearby
mountain. The roof of a large cave in the center of a mountain has
collapsed, making a small, enclosed jungle. Pagodas and shrines have
been built amongst the caves, providing for some excellent photo
possibilities. Bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes.
From Kampot, take the Kep road, bear left at the White Horse
Monument and follow to Kampong Trach. After a few kilometers the
road changes to badly broken pavement. The side road mentioned above
requires a left turn onto a graded dirt road about 7 km past the
White Horse Monument. It is not a straightforward route and it may
be better if you go with a guide. Set aside the better part of a day
for the trip to the caves and back.
 Kampot Pepper and
Pepper Plantations
Kampot pepper, grown in Kampot province, has been renowned for more
than a century as some of the highest quality pepper in the world -
its distinct flavor and pugnacity, intense but light taste with
fresh lingering aromas has long been a prized as an essential spice
in the finest French kitchens. It is also featured in local
Kampot/Kep cuisine such as Pepper Crab (local crab fried in black or
green pepper corn) and beef steak in fresh pepper corn sauce. At the
beginning of the 20th century the Kampot plantations were in full
operation and Cambodia was exporting more than 8000 tones of pepper
annually. In 1960, there were 1 million pepper poles in Kampot. But
the wars from the 1970s through the 1990s put an end to regular
production for almost 30 years. Production was renewed in the late
1990s but faced new challenges. Pepper plantations now dot Kampot
province. Most general Kampot area tours pass through the pepper
plantations near Phnom Voar. The plantations of Angkor Chey near
Phnom Voar offer a particularly good look at the process or growing
and preparing the pepper. And it’s a good place to buy the Kampot
pepper straight from the source.
 Kep
Beach
A single, kilometer-long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep
peninsula, bounded by rocks at either end and the oceanfront road
along the back. Coarse sand, shallow, warm water. Very average
swimming beach. But still lounge, have an oceanside seafood meal and
enjoy the cool sea breeze. Dining platforms and seafood vendors line
the road behind the beach as well as the oceanfront further down the
road near the Big Crab statue. The beach can be quite busy on
weekends, but often deserted during the week. The road through Kep
traces the coastline to the beach and then circles back on itself.
Sometimes cars and vans must pay admission to drive the oceanfront
road along the beach area (2500R - 5000R). Motorcycles and pedestrians
are free. Be aware that the oceanfront road along the beach area is
a one way street and the police do occasionally enforce the law.
Massage
The Spa at Knai Bang Chatt
“The Spa of Knai Bang
Chatt enchants you” Upscale spa offering select Asian and western
massage styles. Skilled massage therapists. Relax, unwind, recharge
and rejuvenate. After a treatment enjoy the pool and garden for the
whole day.
Tel: 078-888556
spa@knaibangchatt.com
www.knaibangchatt.com
The Veranda Spa combines the essence of nature and purity in
its masterful signature massages, body scrubs, wrap and facials for
everlasting tropical indulgence.
Open daily
from 10:00am - 10:00pm
Tel:
036-6438555
verandaresort2@gmail.com
www.veranda-resort.com
 Rabbit
Island
Rabbit Island is
a small tropical island located about 20-40 minutes south of Kep by
local boat. The island is blessedly undeveloped and lacks most
services except for some rustic bungalows and a couple of
rudimentary beach shack restaurants. Secluded white sand beaches dot
the edges of the island, backed by a hilly coconut palm interior.
Most services are near the west side beach. The surrounding waters
are relatively clear and warm, offering some snorkeling
opportunities around the rocks. Coral is scarce but colorful fish
abound. You can stay on the island or make a day trip of it - go in
the morning, lounge on the beach and return to Kep in the afternoon.
Rooms/bungalows on the island run $10 or less. Arrange a boat trip
to the island through your guesthouse in Kampot or Kep or just go to
the Koh Tunsay Boat Dock in Kep town next to the Long Villa
Restaurant (see Kep map on page 113.) Boats are almost always
available. A round-trip trip to the island and back runs $20 for the
whole boat, so bring some friends to split the cost. The round-trip
price is the same whether you stay a few hours or a few days. Tour
operators and guesthouses in Kep offer day packages starting at
about $7/person inclusive.
 River
Trips
River boat trips out of Kampot on the picturesque Kampong Bay River
are becoming more popular. The tour companies and many of the
guesthouses (Little Garden Bar) are offer several different sorts of
boat trips including short sunset trips upriver to the Tekchhou
Rapids; longer cultural/wildlife/eco trips upriver, often combined
with trekking in the National Park; downriver trips to the ocean to
explore the beaches and sand spits near the river’s mouth; do a bit
of ocean swimming; photograph the fishing boats at work or go ocean
fishing. A couple of the tour operators including those listed can
supply fishing gear. Boat trips are relatively reasonably priced and
the tour operators are generally amenable to customizing the trip to
your requirements.
 Trekking
around Kep
Offering a fairly easy hiking experience, a trail/service road
snakes through national forest land around Kep Mountain - the small
mountain near the tip of the peninsula between Road 33a and the Kep
town area. The gently sloping trail winds past a couple of old
pagodas, though light jungles where you may spy monkeys or other
wildlife, and provides many picturesque overlooks along the way.
Kampot and the Elephant Mountains can be seen in the distance from
the northwest viewpoint, and the trail on the other side of the
mountain provides some striking views across the valley to a pagoda
on the next mountain and the beaches in the distance. The trail is
actually a small, dirt service road that rings the mountain in an
8km loop, part of the road in pretty good condition, some narrow and
overgrown. Suitable to hike of for a mountain bike or dirt bike. The
trail is most easily and conveniently accessed from the road next to
Le Bout du Monde and Veranda Guesthouse. The hiking is fairly easy,
but wear stout shoes and take water and mosquito repellent.
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