Things to Do

Kep Beach is the most popular day trips destinations out of Kampot. The area also offers several other attractions including pre-Angkorian ruins and caves, jungle trekking, bicycling tours, river cruises, island trips, isolated beaches, pepper plantations and some beautiful rural countryside.

The Caves

There are many caves in the area. Limestone Mountains ('phnom') dot the landscape between Kampot and Kep. Many contain limestone caves; some have unusual rock formations, and almost all containing Buddhist shines. Make sure to bring a flashlight and wear shoes suitable for climbing on rocks and walking through water.

The caves of Phnom Chhnork - Cave #1 Pre-Angkorian ruin set in a limestone cave. Small, 4th-5th century AD brick structure associated with the ancient state of Funan. A bit of carving is still visible. The cave at Phnom Sasear, also known as the 'White Elephant Cave.' Located next to a colorful pagoda. The stairs up the side provide a wonderful view of the countryside. The cave contains a shrine at the base of a limestone formation alleged to resemble a white elephant.

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. The area's main attraction is a series of limestone caves and tubes that have been carved into a nearby mountain.

Volunteer Work

For those interested in contributing some of their time to the community. Contact Little Garden Bar, Blissful Guesthouse or check out the Kampot Dar-laing for more information about volunteer opportunities in the area.

River Cruse

River Trips Short sunset river cruises and longer cultural/wildlife/eco trips upriver can be arranged through Sok Lim Tours or your guesthouse. Sunset river cruises are becoming more popular, running from Kampot to the rapids at Tekchhou and back.

Rapids

Tekcchou Resort: A picnic area on the Prek Chha river. Popular with the locals, especially on weekends. Lots of food/drink stalls. The cool rapids and river breeze are quite pleasant. 8km. Good road.

Massage

The well-known NGO-based Seeing Hands 5 Massage has just opened a branch in Kampot. Shiatsu massage by seeing-impaired Cambodian masseurs and masseuses. On the riverfront road. Tel: 012-503012

Zoo

It's 10 mins down the road on the other side of the river from Kampot. Cross the river to the south side and follow the road East for 10 minutes.

The Beach

Kep beach is a kilometer long stretch of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula. It is a great place for swimming. During the week it is mostly empty but the weekend can be quite busy. There are dining platforms and seafood vendors all along the road behind the beach. The road through Kep is a big loop. Cars must pay 2500 to 5000 riel admission fee to drive the loop but mottos and pedestrians are free of charge. Be aware that the loop is a one way street and the police do occasionally enforce the law.

Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay) is an easy day trip from Kep, being only 20 to 40 minuets away by boat. There are white sand beaches with coconut groves and the water is clear. Bring your gear and snorkel around the rocks. There is no coral but lots of fish.

There are now some very basic guesthouse facilities on the island. Arrange a boat trip through your guesthouse in Kampot or Kep. The boat from the dock in Kep is 15$, round trip, for as many people you can fit in the boat. Single traveler might want to arrange your trip through your guesthouse. They can mach you up with other people heading to the island and save everyone some money.

Pepper Plantation and Salt Fields

Head up the mountain to the Kampot Pepper plantation and see how the world famous pepper is grown. You can buy pepper directly from the plantation at a great price. See how they turn sea water into table salt at the salt fields. If you are lucky they might be filling the trucks and you can get a look inside the storage containers. These are best seen in conjunction with other sights around the area, as they don't take very long to see.

The cheapest way to tour (aside from driving yourself) is by motodup/'local guide': $6-$10/day depending on the destination, time of year, linguistic abilities of the driver, etc. There are a few local tour operators in town and virtually every guesthouse and hotel in town can arrange boat trips, island trips, Bokor tours, Kep tours, countryside tours, etc.