Kompot

Introduction

Kompot Province is bordered by Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Siam to the south. It produces cement due to an abundance of limestone. A piece of paradise can be found here at the top of Bokor Mountain. Beyond Kompot the small resort of Krong Kep (see below) is popular with Cambodians.

Travel Information

Car

From Sihanoukville, the road to Kampot is in reasonable condition by Cambodian standards. Taxis from Sihanoukville cost 8,000-12,000 Riel per person, or $18 - $20 for a private taxi ($25 for A/C). The journey takes about 2 hours.
Taxis from Phnom Penh near Phsar Thmei cost $12 to $15 per person, and take about 4 hours.

Travelling Around

Cars can be hired through your hotel or guesthouse, and cost about $20 per day. Moto taxis can be found anywhere in town, and should cost 1000R for a short trip, or $5 - $7 per day if you hire a driver. Some guesthouses have motos for rent (100cc /250cc), and are $3 - $7 per day. There are also motorcycle shops near the roundabout. Cheang Try Rental (012-974698) is very helpful. Budget travellers generally hire a motorcycle taxi and driver to get around. It costs $6 - $10 a day, and the driver knows where to go and what most people want to see. Your guesthouse can arrange a driver or even a bicycle if you are feeling energetic.

Money and Banking

Canadia Bank: Exchange services and Money Gram with no commission.

Acleda Bank: Open M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm
English speaking staff. No currency exchange.

Western Union Minimum 2% or $5 fee for money transfers and credit card withdrawals.

Communication

Mail: The Post Office is on the river road.

Phone: There are several telephone and fax offices around town, and like other towns in western Cambodia, prices are reasonable as the system is connected to Thailand.

Internet: Several Internet places are available in the town center. Costs vary from $2-$3/hour. Internet cafes are well advertised.

Things to See and Do

Kampong Trach is 38km east of Kompot town on National Road Nº 16. Its huge limestone outcrops are visible from miles around. Water has eroded many of them to form caves. One has been so heavily eroded that the roof has collapsed, creating a mini jungle area where locals have built shrines and a large reclining Buddha. Its a great place to take photos. A flashlight and walking shoes are needed for any serious exploration of the caves. Turn left at the white horse monument on the road to Kep. The road is not in good condition, so allow at least half a day for the trip.

Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station is located 42km from Kampot, and is perhaps the strangest tourist spot in Cambodia. It was built by the colonial French in the early 1920’s as a retreat from the oppressive heat of the lowlands. The hill station consists of a once-elegant hotel and casino, a Catholic Church, former royal residences, and other buildings. It was abandoned in World War II, and Cambodia’s violent past has left Bokor in a terrible state of neglect. However, it overlooks the scenic southern coast of Cambodia and provides a dramatic view of the coastline.

Its elevation and commanding strategic location meant that Bokor was fiercely contested by the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese. Shrouded in clouds and fog, the moss-covered buildings have an unearthly atmosphere. Exploring them is a spooky and exhilarating experience. Getting to the Hill Station can be an adventure in itself, as the road up is in a sad state of disrepair, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.

Phnom Slap Ta’aun Caves are very accessible, lying only 8km from Kampot town. Take the Kep road out of town for 7 km to the village of Kbal Meas (Golden Head). At the Garuda statue at the crossroads, turn left and go out to the small hill. It is the only hill in the area so it is hard to miss.

The cave exteriors are not very photogenic because the locals have turned the place into a small limestone quarry. However, the interiors are spectaculara with a vast complex of passageways, amphitheaters, stalactites and strange formations. Take a flashlight with you. In many places the caves are lit by sunlight filtering through fissures in the rock. Between these, it’s a bit dark, but it is this low, mysterious lighting that gives the caves their charm.

Tekchhou Resort & Zoo is an area 8km from Kompot on the Prek Chha River. It is a popular picnic area for locals and visitors alike. There are small rapids in the river where you can play around and cool off. There are also plenty of stalls selling drinks and food. Nearby is a small zoo that is nowhere near western standards, but still worth a look.

Rabbit Island is located only a few hundred meters off shore, and has some picturesque beaches. A few locals live on the island, but you will need to bring with you whatever you need for the day. Boats can be arranged through guesthouses. For those seeking a relaxing day trip, this is highly recommended.

River & Island Trips upriver from Kampot can be arranged through your guesthouse. Trips up to Coral Island and other wildlife and ecological areas, particularly Stung Keo and beyond are very interesting.

Kep

Kep was established by the French in 1908, and today Kep is mainly popular with domestic tourists who go there for holidays. You can swim or just relax on the warm beach, and Kep offers great seafood and magnificent views of the nearby mountains and beaches. Taking a boat to the offshore islands is also a wonderful experience. Another itinerary, which should not be missed, is an excursion to the serene waterfalls of TekChhou situated about 10 km from Kompot. (see above).

Travel Information

The road from Kampot to Kep is quite good and smooth. It’s about 23 km, and takes 35-45 minutes. Motos are about $3 one-way, and $4 return, but add more if they have to wait around for you.

Kep Beach unfortunately does not have a lot of beach, and it mostly disappears at high tide. The road through Kep follows the coastline most of the way then curves back on itself to form a large loop. A toll is charged for cars but motorbikes are free. Remember this is a one-way road and sometimes police fine people who violate the rule. The beach is normally very quiet but can get very busy at weekends with visiting locals.

Where to Stay

Blissful Guesthouse $2 - $4
Tel: 012 513024

Borey Bokor Hotel $10 - $25
Tel: 016-777775

Bokor Mountain Hotel $15 - $25
Tel: 033-932314

Mealy Chenda GH $2 - $6
Tel: 012-831559

Phnom Khiev Hotel $5 - $15
Tel: 012-820923

Senmonorom GH $5 - $15
Tel:012-650330

Champey Inn $40 - $60
Tel: 012-489125

Lodge Le Bout Du Monde $7 - $10
Tel: 012-955670

Vanna Bungalows $3 - $7
Tel: 012-755038

Veranda Bungalows & Resort $4
Tel: 012-333322.

Where to Eat and Drink

All the above-mentioned guesthouses and hotels serve reasonably priced meals, and every restaurant in town serves fresh seafood. Most of the Khmer restaurants are small and inexpensive. Crabs are what Kep is best known for, and dining on the waterfront is a pleasant experience. The road along Kep beach is lined with wooden platforms selling seafood. Prices are in kilos, so decide how much you want, and negotiate the price. Prawns, squid, fish and crabs are all caught the same day as they are served. If you keep an eye on the beach: you may see locals go into the water and pull out a cage of live crabs. In addition to the guesthouses and hotels with restaurants, there are several other cafes and bars worth noting. All of the following are friendly and very reasonably priced. (see map)

Bamboo Light Café
Tel: 012-602661

Blissful Restaurant
Tel: 012-513024

Blue Dragon Bar & Cafe
Tel: 012-365321