Bokor National Park
Kampot has a picturesque setting of Tek Chou River and evergreen mountains. It is easy to get around. Visitors can rent a motorcycle or bicycle from the motorcycle shops to explore the town or take a boat trip along the river. However, the main reason for most adventurous travellers to venture to Kampot is because it is a gateway to Bokor National Park. The park is an important wildlife reserve and home to various species of tropical birds such as Chestnut-headed Partridge, Blue Pitta and Orange-headed Thrush.
Nevertheless, the highlight of a trip to the park is Bokor Hill Station. Built by the French in the early 1920s, it has a collection of dilapidated French style buildings such as hotels, casino and a royal residence. The resort station was used by French officials and foreign visitors as an escape from the tropical humid weather. Many park visitors take a 3-hour gruelling trip on a 4WD car to the top of the Elephant Mountain -where the station is situated - to see the remnants of these colonial buildings, including a Catholic church that was once occupied by the Khmer Rouge.
Located at the elevation of 1079 meters above the sea level, buildings in station are often covered in fog and cool mountain air, adding a sense of mystique and eeriness to the place. The terrace of an old casino building has a stunning view of the coastline. The mountain station is accessible by motorcycles but it is not recommended due to poor conditions of the road. There are small guesthouses in the station but their facilities are limited.
Besides Bokor National Park, you can go to limestone caves near the town. Most of the caves contain Buddhist shrines. Among them is the hilltop Phnom Roh-See-Ah cave shrine. The Buddhist shrine has a nicely painted stupa and overlooks a vast area of rice fields. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight and wear shoes suitable for climbing on rocks when visiting these caves.
The resort town of Kep
Another highlight of the trip to Kampot is the resort town of Kep Beach. About 45 minutes east from Kampot by car, Kep is a quiet beach town. The town was a favourite place of the French during their occupation but burned down by the Khmer Rouge. Remnants of beautiful villas and buildings are visible along the beach. The beach may not be as good as Sihanoukville but its surrounding backdrop of tree-covered Oceanside hills is no less attractive than any beach in Cambodia. There is an area at the main beach that is suitable for swimming, picnicking or simply soaking up the sun and relaxing. Plenty of local seafood restaurants and guesthouses are available near the beach.
Getting to Kampot
Kampot is about 138 kilometres south of Phnom Penh. The road leading to Kampot is relatively in good condition. You can get to Kampot town in about than 3 hours by car or 4 to 5 hours by bus. The town can also be accessed by trains on a 9-hour ride but it is not recommended. In addition, Kampot is about 110 kilometers or a 2-hour drive from Sihanoukville.
Accommodations in Kampot
There are several budget guesthouses in Kampot. Some has riverside views. Some are converted from French colonial buildings and equipped with Western bath and amenities. Room rates ranges from 5 to 40 USD.
Restaurants
All restaurants in town serve fresh seafood. Some offer western dishes like burgers and pizzas. Chinese and Indian menus are also available in some restaurants. The portion of the dishes is small but the price is inexpensive. Most of the guesthouses have a reasonably priced restaurant.
