Kampot, Cambodia Plan a trip
Known as one of the most beautiful places in Cambodia, the province of Kampot includes a town of the same name. With Bokor National Park on its doorstep, and mysterious temple caves and pepper plantations to explore, Kampot is the ideal destination for those looking to get off the beaten track.
Kampot’s architecture will catch your eye – the mix of traditional Chinese houses, Khmer stilt houses and colonial buildings will make a stroll downtown well worthwhile. Why not hire a bike and explore the city? It’s well worth checking out the Old Fish Market, the Old Royal Cinema and the French colonial-style National Bank.
A couple of hours’ drive away is Bokor National Park, where you can spot gibbons and birds. Take a guided tour up the mountain or go trekking through the forest. A popular way to get here is to rent a motorbike for the hour-long ride up the mountain. Make sure you stop off at the abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel for some photos and explore Wat Sampov Pram on your way to the summit too.
You can support one of Kampot’s social projects by shopping for local, ethically-produced clothes at Dorsu, a Kampot clothing line that provides local women with a fair wage and skills training. Treat yourself to an amazing massage or facial at Banteay Srey spa on the river. This women’s spa trains locals to develop skills in wellness and hospitality industries, so you’re supporting a good cause whilst giving your body a much-deserved treat!
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Epic Arts serves up some of the best breakfasts around, as well as creating work opportunities for Kampot’s disabled. Time it just right and you may even catch one of their regular shows or events.
No visit to Kampot is complete without a kayak trip on the Green Cathedral. So called for its overhead canopy of natural green palms, your journey starts from Champa Lodge just 20 minutes from the city centre. As you kayak through the serene waters, don’t be afraid to jump out for a swim as these waters are pretty calm!
Plan your trip to Kampot today.