Vietnam from Kampot

Getting to/From Kampot

Kampot may be approached directly from Sihanouk Ville, Phnom Penh and from Vietnam via the Prek Chak (‘Ha Tien’) and Phnom Den international border crossings.

SIHANOUK VILLE to/from KAMPOT

From Sihanoukville, travel north on National Route #4 to Veal Renh (43km). Turn east on Route #3 to Kampot. Route #3 and #4 are both paved and in good condition. 1½ - 2 hours, 110km total.

Bus Service One bus company, Virak-Buntham, offering regularly scheduled full size buses between Sihanoukville and Kampot. Bus departs Sihanoukville bus station for Kampot/Kep at 7:45AM. Bus departs Kep to Sihanoukville at 11AM and Kampot for Sihanoukville at noon.

Mini-Bus Service
A few of the travel/tour companies including Kampot Tours offer mini-bus service between Sihanoukville and Kampot, most departing in the morning and running $4/person.

Taxis In Sihanouk Ville, taxis can be found opposite the market (Phsar Leu) and at the downtown bus and taxi station. In Kampot, taxis wait at the taxi stand. Price Sihanouk Ville to/from Kampot is $4-$5/person for shared taxi and $20-$25 for a private taxi.

PHNOM PENH to/from KAMPOT

Road The most direct route to Kampot from Phnom Penh, National Route #3 (NR3,) has been under construction for a couple of years, making alternative routes preferable. But the construction is now complete. The full length of NR3 is now in very good condition - paved and quite wide in most places. The trip down NR3 can be made in less than 3 hours.

Taxis ~30,000R/person for a shared taxi. ~$40-$45 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 (~13,000-14,000R).

VIETNAM to/from KAMPOT

Regular Vietnam visas are not available at the border but ‘economic zone’ visas offering limited access are available. See page 46 for more.

If going to/from Ho Chi Minh City, the Phnom Den crossing and the Bavet/Moc Bai crossing (via Phnom Penh) offer the most direct access to Kampot/Kep. If you arrive through Bavet/Moc Bai you must first travel to Phnom Penh then on to Kampot. The crossing at Phnom Den (near Chau Doc) can be reached by taxi directly to/from Kampot. Ask for details at your guesthouse.

If going to/from Phu Quoc Island and the deep south of Vietnam, the nearby crossing Prek Chak/Xaxia (‘Ha Tien’) is the most convenient. It is also the nearest, most easily accessed border crossing with Vietnam. The Prek Chak crossing lies near the Vietnamese towns of Ha Tien and Rach Gia, which are both jump off points to Phu Quoc Island.

A tuk-tuk to the Prek Chak costs about $15 - $20; a car taxi is $20 - $25 for a private taxi and $5/pax for a shared taxi; and a motorcycle taxi to the border costs about $7 - $8. 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 those coming from Vietnam, motodups usually wait at the border crossing to take travelers to Kep or Kampot.
 

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 ($5-$10/day). There are a couple of motorcycle shops just off the traffic circle in the center of town and almost all hotels and guesthouses can help you arrange motorcycle rental and other transportation.

Kampot Hotels and Guesthouses
 

Blissful Guesthouse
Range: $2 - $8

Friendly, inexpensive, clean, western managed guesthouse/restaurant. Most rooms with attached bath.. Free wifi. Quiet area. Receiving lots of good reviews. Some books, postcards, souvenirs and traveler’s sundries. Tours to Bokor, Kep, etc. Free bicycle rental for guests.

Tel: +(855)(0)92-494331
Website: www.blissfulguesthouse.com
 

Bokor Mountain Lodge

Range: $35 - $50

Lovely old French Colonial-era building in a perfect sunset location on the riverfront road. Air-conditioned rooms with CTV and en-suite bathroom. Some rooms 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
E-mail: bokorlodge@gmail.com
Website: www.bokorlodge.com

The Columns Kampot Hotel

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

Fax: +(855)(0)33-932070
E-mail: info@the-columns.com
Website: www.the-columns.com 
 

Cozy Elephant Guesthouse
Range: $3 - $12

Comfy affordable guesthouse 50 meters from the bus station. Clean, fan and a/c rooms, most with en suite bathroom. $2.50 dorm beds available. En suite bathrooms. Private lockers and balconies. Friendly little restaurant/bar on the ground floor. Open 24 hours. Free bicycle rental for guests. Free wifi. Tour and travel arrangements. French, English and Khmer spoken.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-610284

      +(855)(0)17-327250

Ganesha Riverside Eco Resort
Range: $6-$45

Romantic, family-run nature resort build on a riverfront. Children are very welcome. Typical round yurts, tipis. Khmer houses, and the 11.5m tall Ganesha Tower. Bar and restaurant offers varied creations of typical Khmer cuisine and international dishes. Relaxation, boat trips and tours. Canoe and motorbike rental. Free wifi and bicycle. 3km from Kampot. Follow the signs north on the road to Phnom Penh (NR3.) Transportation can be arranged. German, Khmer, English spoken.

Tel: +(855)(0)92-724612

      +(855)(0)92-285621
E-mail: djfeeds1@ganesharesort.com
Website: www.ganesharesort.com

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
E-mail: hang.guesthouse@gmail.com
Website: www.hang.esmartweb.com

Ha Tien Vegas Casino & Hotel

Casino/hotel, not actually in Kampot but at the Prek Chak border choosing with Vietnam about an hour away from Kampot. Full gaming facilities. Table games and machines. Superior hotel. Multiple dining and drinking outlets.

Visa/MC/JBC/AMEX/TC

Tel: +(855)(0)81-999988

      +(84)(0)773-691122

      +(84)(0)16-88977977

Fax: +(84)(0)773-963949

E-mail: info@hatienvegas.com

Website: www.hatienvegas.com 

Kampot Eco-Village Retreat

Range: $5 - $10

Home-stay style accommodation. Sturdily constructed rustic bungalows on raised platforms in a village setting a few kilometers outside of Kampot. Fan and mosquito net, good mattresses and sheets, free bicycle use. Free pick-up from Kampot. Tour services available.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-719872

      +(855)(0)12-289757
E-mail: kampotecovillage@yahoo.com
Website: www.kampot-ecovillage.com 
 

Kampot Guesthouse

Range: $4 - $20

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.
Tel: +(855)(0)97-7981555

      +(855)(0)12-878279

      +(855)(0)33-6660037

E-mail: kampotguesthouse@yahoo.com

Kampot Palace

Range: $5 - $17

Brand new villa style guesthouse just off the river at the south end of town. Nice view of the river and mountains beyond. Clean fan and a/c rooms with hot water and wifi. Restaurant and rooftop bar.
Tel: +(855)(0)92-649864

      +(855)(0)92-226996

La Java Bleue

Range: $35

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)33-6676679

E-mail: contact@lajavableue-kampot.com
Website: www.lajavableue-kampot.com

Le Soleil d'Or

Range: $34 - $50

Nicely restored , tastefully decorated 4-room guesthouse a block off of the riverfront in the old French Quarter of Kampot. Well-appointed rooms with a/c, fan, Cable TV, stocked mini-bar, in-room wifi and en suite bathroom with hot/cold water. Restaurant and full bar serving French, Khmer and Tex-Mex dishes. Room service. Travel and tour services. Taxi direct from Phnom Penh airport can be arranged. 
Tel: +(855)(0)90-589008

      +(855)(0)33-6932999
E-mail: info@lesoleildor-kampot.com 
Website: www.lesoleildor-kampot.com

Little Garden Guesthouse

Range: $10 - $25 Villa-style guesthouse with view overlooking the river and Bokor Mountain. Nicely furnished a/c or fan rooms with attached bathroom. Restaurant in colonial garden setting. Good selection of Khmer and western food, famous for its delicious pizza. Daily specials Information on various volunteer projects around Kampot.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-427572

      +(855)(0)33-932396

E-mail: littlegardenbar@gmail.com
E-mail: littlegardenguesthouse@gmail.com

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

E-mail: longvillaguesthouse@yahoo.com

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
E-mail: meaculpakampot@gmail.com

Website: www.meaculpakampot.com 

Mittapheap Hotel

Range: $25 - $35

New hotel located opposite the market. 40 rooms: standard, VIP, VVIP. All rooms with a/c, fridge, CTV, phone, wifi and en suite with hot water. Elevator. Conference facilities. Parking area. Located opposite of Samaki Market on the ‘New Bridge-Market’ road.
Tel: +(855)(0)33-932777

      +(855)(0)16-999879

      +(855)(0)77-999879
E-mail: mittapheaphotel@gmail.com

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 CTV, 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
E-mail: info@moliden-kampot.com
Website: www.Moliden-kampot.com

Nataya Round House Coral Bay Resort
Range: $100 (Breakfast Included)

Beautiful 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. 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.

Special promotion A: Stay Monday until Wednesday for $70/night. Stay two nights, get the third for free. (Some restrictions apply.)

Special promotion B: Stay on your birthday for $65/night. (Some restrictions apply.)

Tel: +(855)(0)33-6902011

      +(855)(0)12-819202

      +(855)(0)12-902823
E-mail: natayaresort@yahoo.com
Website: www.natayaresort.com

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, CTV, 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.
Tel: +(855)(0)33-641188

      +(855)(0)12-819081

E-mail: naturalbungalows@yahoo.com

Website: www.natural-bungalows.com

Orchid Guesthouse

Range: $5 - $18

Fan and A/C rooms and bungalows. Cable TV and hot water. Khmer decor. International/ Khmer Restaurant. Lots seafood. Full bar. 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

E-mail: orchidguesthousekampot@yahoo.com

Pepper Guesthouse

Range: $5 - $15

Nicely refurbished villa-style guesthouse on a quite 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
E-mail: pepperguesthouse@yahoo.com

Popok Vel Guesthouse

Range: $7 - $13

Affordable, hotel near the market with large clean rooms with usual amenities: CTV, telephone, en suite with hot water. Located on the market side of town on the new bridge road.

Tel: +(855)(0)33-6363535

E-mail: popokvel.kamport012@gmail.com

Rikitikitavi

Range: $30 - $35

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: Rikitikitavi@asia.com

Website: www.Rikitikitavi-Kampot.com

Villa Vedici

Range: $25

Wooden villa-style accommodation on the river in a quiet, natural area north of town. Receiving very good reviews. Offering nicely finished fan rooms with CTV, DVD, fridge, safe, wifi and en suite bathroom with hot water. Swimming pool in a garden area. Restaurant, bar and room service. River cruises and kayak trips. Water board. Water ski. Knee board. Earn your IKO certification.
Tel: +(855)(0)89-290714

      +(855)(0)17-291782
E-mail: vedici@hotmail.com
Website: www.villavedici.com

Kampot Restaurants
KKampot has a number of nice little restaurants, cafés and bars, and like most southern towns, the emphasis is on fresh seafood. There are also several foreigner-oriented places serving western and international fare, many located along or near the picturesque riverfront road.

Come evening, the riverfront is quite popular, offering a tranquil park setting and an idyllic sunset view overlooking the river and mountains beyond.

For a more local experience, fruit shake (‘tukiluk’) and dessert stands set up on the Old Bridge road in the evenings, catering primarily to the locals, but everybody is welcome.

Most of the town shuts down fairly early, with many places closing by midnight, though a few of the foreigner bars such as Bar Red and Wunder-Bar, sometimes stay open quite late. Currently there is one Cambodian-style disco in Kampot offering over-amplified music and beer & whiskey by the bottle, 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, Koh Kong Resort at the Thai border and the Ha Tien Vegas casino at the Prek Chak (Vietnam) crossing, most easily accessed out of either Kampot or Kep. Both sit on the Cambodian side of the border.

Bamboo Light Café

Long-established Sri Lankan/Indian restaurant with indoor and street side seating offering a nice riverfront and sunset view. A good selection of veg and non-veg meals. Specialty Sri Lankan traditional kotturottis. Western breakfasts and sandwiches. Cold beer. Anchor can for $0.75. All day happy hour.

Tel: 033-6586168

      089-476578
 

Bar Red

Town center bar, cold beer, spirits and cocktail at reasonable prices. Good food. Exceptionally good Indian food. Friendly place. Often open quite late, usually one of the last places in town to close its doors.

Blissful Guesthouse

Large selection of good, inexpensive western and local dishes. Great breakfasts. Full bar open into the evening. Happy hour 4PM-8PM. Comfortable atmosphere. Popular place. Lots of travel and local information available. Guesthouse, souvenirs, books. Open early till late.

Tel: 092-494331

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
Website: www.bokorlodge.com

Café Espresso Kampot

Specialist coffee roasted in house. 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.

Tel: 092-388736
 

Captain Chim’s Family Café

amily-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. Opposite the Old Market. Boat and motorcycle rental available.

Tel: 012-321043, 012-210820

Ganesha Riverside Eco Resort

A unique, Romantic dining experience. Cool bar, excellent food and quality service. Serving varied creations of traditional Khmer cuisine and international dishes. Incredible riverfront view and natural setting. Including boat trip, tuk-tuk or come on your own. 3km from Kampot, follow the signs north on NR3.
Tel: 092-724612

Ha Tien Vegas

Casino/hotel, not actually in Kampot but at the Prek Chak border crossing with Vietnam about an hour away from Kampot. Full gaming facilities. Table games and machines. Superior hotel. Multiple dining and drinking outlets.

Tel: 081-999988

Website: www.hatienvegas.com

Jam’s Café

Little outdoor Cambodia restaurant and bar at the edge of town. Already a popular local place serving Cambodian dishes in snacks out of a traditional Cambodian house. Full moon parties. Also offering cooking classes. Call for details
Tel: 011-796919

      012-796919
 

La Java Bleue

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.

E-mail: contact@lajavableue-kampot.com
Website: www.lajavableue-kampot.com

Le Niam Bay

Charming restaurant and bar. Khmer, Chinese and French colonial stylish décor. Offering a mixture of French and Khmer food. Homemade food including terrine, pasta, jam, ice cream, cakes and other desserts. Closed Mondays.

Located between the riverside and the 2000 roundabout.

Tel: 067-569943  

Little Garden Restaurant

Well-established, popular, western managed restaurant/bar on the riverfront. Open air garden seating with a river breeze and a sunset view. Good selection of Khmer and western and food. Known for its delicious pizzas. Daily specials. Information on local volunteer opportunities. Daily river cruises leave from here at 3PM.

Open 7:00AM-10:00PM.

Tel: 012-256901

E-mail: littlegardenbar@gmail.com

Website: www.littlegardenbar.com 

Mea Culpa Guesthouse

Pleasantly quiet patio garden restaurant and bar set off the main roads in a tranquil corner of town. Serving Khmer and international fare including excellent pizzas from a wood-fired oven. The restaurant and the pizzas in particular are receiving great reviews from customers. Free wifi. Closed Mondays.

Tel: 012-504769

Rikitikitavi

Charming rooftop balcony restaurant and bar with a spectacular view overlooking the river and mountains. A great place to enjoy sunset. Offering a wide selection of western and exclusive Khmer dishes prepared by a professional chef. Very generous portions. Full bar with cocktails, cold beer, a selection of wines and of fine spirits including a nice collection of whiskeys and single-malts.

Open 6:30AM - 10:00PM.

Two for one happy hour 5-7PM.

Tel: 012-235102
Website: 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 1kg dino rib!!! 7.30am-10.00pm.

Tel: 012-679607

      092-758536

Salt & Pepper Bakery

Some of the best western style fresh baked breads in the country. Fresh baked cakes, cookies and breads. Sourdough-rye and whole wheat bread. Unique specialty and designer breads. Breakfasts, sandwiches. Wholesale enquiries welcome. Located next to the Old Market.
Tel: 099-219004

Wunder-Bar

Friendly, popular restaurant and bar on the riverfront. Offering breakfast, western and Khmer food, daily specials, ice cream. Pleasant garden seating with a beautiful view of the river and mountains. Full bar will cocktails, draft beer, good pool table, pool competitions, great tunes, stylish decor, cyclo rental. Open till late. Closed Monday.

Shopping

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

E-mail: info@dorsu.org

Website: 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.

Website: www.transparenthandicraft.org

Books and Information

Kepler’s Kampot Books carries a good selection of used and new novels and Cambodia related titles for buy/sell/trade. Located next to the old market in the middle of town. Open 8AM-8PM.
Website: 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. If you are into motorcycling Cambodia, have a chat with Kristian at Rusty Keyhole for the latest. 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. 

Kampot Communications
Internet: There are several internet places around town, including Kepler’s Kampot Books next to the abandoned market and a few shops along the old bridge road near the traffic circle. Several of the guesthouses have computers with internet access available for use and Rikitikitavi, Mea Culpa and Bokor Mountain Lodge all offer free wifi in the rooms.

Post Office: Located on the river road. Stamps in stock. Reliable service. EMS parcel service.

Phone/Fax: There are a couple of phone shops on Rte #3 near the market. The Internet shops also offer international phone/fax, sometimes inexpensive internet phone.
 

Things to Do and See Around Kampot and Kep
 

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..

Fat Lewie's Adventure Tours
Full service tour company specializing in cycling tours around southern Cambodia. Imported western size bicycles available for half and full day rentals. NGO job training center providing jobs for local orphans. Located in the center of Kampot next to Sisters II restaurant.

Tel: +(855)(0)89-863670
https://sites.google.com/site/fatlewiestours/home
 

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)33-6335556

Rith Travel & Tours Service
Transportation arrangements; flight, bus, taxi, boat, tuk tuk, motor bike, visa arrangements/extensions, visa for Vietnam, China, Laos, India. Daily buses around southern Cambodia. Overseas calls, internet
Located at the Crab Market in Kep.
Tel: +(855)(0)16-789994

       +(855)(0)17-789994

Website: www.rithtravel.com

Sok Lim Tours
Kampot packages, sunset cruises, Rabbit Island, Bokor, jungle trekking, countryside tours, Takeo...
Located in Kampot, ear Blissful Guesthouse.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-719872
Website: www.soklimtours.com

Tree Travel Services
Travel and tour services. Motorcycles, cars, vans buses for rent. Tour guide Mr. Cheng Try. Area and all-country tours. Bokor, sunset, river cruises, Kep, Rabbit Island and more.
Tel: +(855)(0)12-974698

      +(855)(0)11-974 698
E-mail: cheangtryservice@ymail.com

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

Tours to Bokor are perhaps the most popular out of Kampot. The Bokor Hill Station on Phnom Bokor (Bokor Mountain) is a mountaintop collection of buildings (hotel, casino, church, royal residence, etc.), constructed by French authorities in the early 1920s as a complement to the already popular Kep resort area. In the 1990s a travel author referred to Bokor as ‘the eeriest place in the world’, and it lives up to that reputation. 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. But years of neglect have left ghostly ruins - vestiges of a different age, often shrouded in fog and clouds. One thing that the years have not changed is the absolutely spectacular view of the coast and the cool (sometimes cold) mountain air. Bokor Mountain is heavily jungled and trip beyond Bokor, including jungle trekking, can be arranged. Wild elephants and other jungle animal are occasionally seen. The is a small guesthouse near the hill station with $5 rooms, good toilets and very few other services. It can get cold on the mountain, especially at night. Bring warm clothes. News: The road up the mountain to the Bokor Hill station has been undergoing construction and until recently was only partially open. As of October 2011, the road and Bokor Hill Station in now open to visitors. The road is complete, new and fully open to the public. US$5 admission for foreigners. 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.

Khmer Cultural Development Institute
Located in Kampot town. Local school of traditional Khmer music and dance for young Cambodian students. The school allows visitors to observe the students in practice and occasionally holds formal performances.. Check the bulletin board in front of the school for visiting hours to observe practice sessions and performance announcements. Whether attending a training session or a performance, donations are welcome.
 

Massage

The Spa at Knai Bang Chatt

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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.

Last updated 12/11