KAMPOT
Kampot
Kampot City sits along the east side of the Kampong Bay River near the base of the Elephant Mountains and is of quite different character than the beach town of Sihanoukville. The city is an old provincial capital of quiet lanes and colonial architecture, a bit worn but radiating a quaint, welcoming, small town ambiance. A partially destroyed bridge, bombed in the wars, though now unused, still sits city center, its unique haphazard appearance iconic Kampot.Kampot is a place to get a taste of provincial Cambodia, both urban and rural. The dining and nightlife scene, while still modest, is developing quickly, with several interesting new eateries in town, well worth exploring. For touring, use Kampot as a base to explore and tour the surrounding countryside, caves and pepper plantations, and as a stepping stone to the nearby beaches and islands of Kep, the Bokor Hill Station and the rest of southeastern Cambodia.
Most of the accommodations are in Kampot City proper or upriver 1-7 kilometers from town. The city is comparatively compact and most of the in-town hotels are within walking distance of the popular riverfront area. Several stylish little places occupy colonial-era buildings in the Old French Quarter, offering a uniquely Kampot experience and plenty of nearby restaurants and bars.
For a more natural, secluded, laid back setting, a number of budget and mid-range guesthouses and resorts dot the riverside stretching north from town, some of them several kilometers upriver, offering everything from family-friendly eco-resorts to backpacker getaways.
A small cluster of boutique resorts and guesthouses (with swimming pools, restaurants and bars) has recently set up at Andong Khmer, a rural area about 15 minutes west of town well off the main road. It’s a tranquil and quiet area of rice paddies and villages. Perfect for a weekend escape from the city.
Accomodations
Bohemiaz Eco Resort
Range: $10 - $25
Affordably priced eco-resort with swimming pool located in Andong Khmer, a picturesque rural area 15 minutes west of town. Private bungalows with fan, en suite bathroom and free wifi. Good restaurant serving British and Khmer dishes, and full bar with foosball, pool and an air hockey table. Friendly place. Visa/MC
Tel: 015-809005
Andong Khmer, 15 minutes west of Kampot
Bamboo Bungalow
Range: $20 - $35
Private bungalows with en suite, a/c and wifi, creatively designed in wood, stunning views of the river from the restaurant decking and from several of the bungalows. In a quiet location a short drive to Kampot town. Restaurant and bar with Khmer and Western cuisine.
Tel: 070-665766, 012-665766
On the Tekchhou Road, riverside
Range: $20 - $38
Nicely restored colonial era building a block off of the riverfront in the Old French Quarter. Three spacious rooms, WiFi, en suite with hot shower, AC and fan, flat screen CTV and fridge, laundry. Swiss management. Restaurant serving Swiss Cheese Fondue and Raclette, French and Asian specialties, Great Breakfast sets.
Tel: 088-8820245, 033-6333313
www.auberge-du-soleil.com
Street 728, Old French Quarter
Recommendations
The Columns Kampot
Range: $48 - $65
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...
Tel: 092-128300
www.the-columns.com
Street 728, Old French Quarter
Moons Resort
Range: $5 - $180
Approximately 2kms from the Kampot Pagoda, Moons Resort offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property features an year-round outdoor pool and terrace. They also offer affordable dormitory accommodation for guests on a budget.
Tel: 010-556569
1 Oksapear Village
Highland Beach Bungalow
Range: $13 - $40
Simple wooden bungalows on the hill above Koh Toch village. Double and twin fan-cooled rooms with either en suite or shared bathrooms, as well as bungalows with private balconies.
Tel: 087-965588, 087-985588
highlandbeach_bgl@yahoo.com
Koh Rong Island, Koh Toch Beach
Dining... Kampot’s culinary scene is quickly expanding, both in number and variety. There is now a choice of good dining in Kampot well worth exploring. Most of the restaurants and bars can be found clustered into a few blocks along the picturesque riverfront road and Old French Quarter, especially near and around Phsar Kronat.
For a local streetfood experience check out a dozen small local restaurants and streets side stands that line the Old Bridge Road near the Durian Market. The restaurants serve mostly fried foods, BBQ and soups and the streetside stands have noodles, pate sandwiches and fruit shakes and more. A very local experience.
Drinking... Like the dining scene, the in-town tippling options are quickly growing and choice is broadening, including a few upscale places and several bars open past midnight. The guesthouses up river offer a headier party scene - chill-out decks, riverside bars and live music. In town, many of the restaurants double as bars. Rikitikitavi, MAKK Hotel and the new Fishmarket on the river offer some of the best sunset views in town, and the pizza places along the riverfront have some of the best happy hour deals.
Most of the town closes by midnight but a few bars open quite late including Oh Neil’s, bARACA, the welcoming Madi’s Bar on and near the riverfront. Madi’s also serves up live music Thursday evenings, as does Bayan Tree Guesthouse upriver, featuring live music every Friday.
Dining & Nightlife in Kampot
Aroma House
Kampot now has a Mediterranean choice. Kebabs, wraps, shawarmas, and lots of vegetarian options including falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, mezze, all homemade from scratch, including the breads. Wine selection and a pleasant atmosphere, the place has heart. Noon-10PM.
A block from the Durian Monument on Street 722
Auberge du Soleil
Set in a very nicely restored colonial era building in the Old French Quarter, Auberge du Soleil specializes in Swiss Cheese Fondue and Röstis, as well as French and Asian dishes. The Duck Breast with an Orange and Honey Glaze and the tender Beef Filet with a "Marchand de Kampot" Sauce are recommended. Wine selection, full bar, cocktails and liquors. French, English and Khmer spoken.
Tel: 088-8820245
Old French Quarter, Street 728, near the riverfront
Banyan Tree
River’s edge guesthouse, bar and restaurant upriver of town about 2km. Full bar with fab cocktails, and open decks over the river. Laid-back, chill-out atmosphere in the day and a party come evening, with live music every Friday night.
Tel: 078-665094
On the Tekchhou Road, riverside, km north of town
Tertúlia
Some of Kampot’s finest dining. Portuguese restaurant serving a variety of traditional dishes. The focus is on seafood, though there are also plenty of meat options. Cocktails and a selection of wines including Portuguese choices. A/C seating and an al fresco terrace with a view.
Tel: 089-850358
West side of the river, on the Tekchhou Rd, just over the New Bridge
Veronica’s Kitchen
Lovely al fresco restaurant on the riverfront, uniquely placed at the riverside end of Phsar Kronat (the Old Market). A friendly upscale ambiance at very reasonable prices. Offering a good selection of both Cambodian and western classics, from Mexican Burritos to Fresh Shrimp in Kampot Pepper. Full bar with a good wine selection. Nice place for a sundowner. Set in an open area with a nice breeze off the river and a sunset view.
Riverfront road, front of Phsar Kronath
Rikitikitavi Riverfront Restaurant
Charming balcony restaurant and bar with a lovely view overlooking the riverfront and mountains. A great place to enjoy sunset - the only riverfront place with a balcony view, and offering a wonderful cool river breeze. Cozy balcony bar offering cocktails, cold beer, a selection of wines and fine spirits including a choice of single malts. Great service. Popular place. Open 7AM - 10PM everyday. 2 for 1 happy hour 5PM - 7PM.
Tel: 012-235102 www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com
Riverfront Road
The quaint riverine capital of Kampot and the oceanside town of Kep sit along the coast a couple of hours east of Sihanoukville. The two are so close to each other that they share most of the same sights and attractions, though some are more convenient to one city or the other. For example Bokor is closer to Kampot and the Rabbit Island ferry departs Kep, but as Kampot and Kep are only 30-40 minutes apart, even if you are in the ‘wrong city’ it adds little time. Kep Beach, Rabbit Island, Bokor Hill Station and countryside tours are perhaps the most popular day trips with tour operators offering competitive prices. There are also Angkorian ruins, caves, jungle trekking, bicycling tours, river cruises, secluded beaches, salt pans, pepper plantations and more.
Things To Do
Architecture of Kampot (and Kep)
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 in the south half of town along and near the river were constructed during this period. Though suffering a bit from the ravages of time, the architecture of Kampot is pleasantly provincial, a mix of red tile-roofed shophouses and old French colonial government buildings.
The south end of town harbors several European-style buildings including the old governor’s mansion (now the Kampot Museum) and the colonial 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’s quaint air.
The old architecture of Kep is also of note, though more for its state than architectural interest. Sea and mountainside villas, constructed in from 1930s to 1960s, were abandoned during the war years and most now sit deteriorating, the remains of a different time. As the Kep area has developed in recent years, the old villas are slowly being destroyed.
Beaches
Kep Beach The most popular beach in the area. A single, kilometer-long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula, bounded by rocks at either end and traced by an oceanfront road. Warm shallow waters. It’s an average swimming beach but still pleasantly peaceful - a good place to 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. The beach can be quite busy on weekends, but is often deserted during the week. The road through Kep follows the coastline to the beach and then circles back on itself. Sometimes cars and vans must pay admission. Be aware the oceanfront road along the beach area is a one way street and the police do occasionally enforce the law, especially on the weekend.
Angkuol Beach Kep’s “other beach” - a long, narrow sandy tropical beach about 25km from Kep. The beach is very lightly touristed with only a couple of snack/drink vendors, a few fishing boats and little else. It’s an interesting, photogenic trip through the rice paddies and salt flats to get there.
Phnom Doung Beach A small, completely untouristed beach about 9km south of Kampot City. The dirt road from Kampot to the beach passes through picturesque rice fields and salt pans.
Bokor Hill Station
Tours out of Kampot to the old Bokor Hill Station in the nearby Elephant Mountains have long been popular. A new casino/hotel complex has gone up over the last couple of years, and the road up the mountain improved, but the reminants of the old hill station are still there - a mountaintop collection of crumbling buildings - hotel, casino, church and royal residence. The station was originally constructed by French authorities in the early 1920s as a complement to the Kep resort area. In its day Bokor was an elegant getaway for officials and foreign visitors - a classic colonial 'hill station' located in the mountains to allow foreigner visitors accustomed to more temperate climes to escape the tropical heat. The old building were abandoned in the 1970s, leaving 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 is jungled and excursions beyond Bokor, including trekking, can be arranged by local tour operators.
The road up the mountain has been completed and is in good condition. Full day Bokor tours can be arranged through a local tour operator. Tours run about $10/person inclusive for an all-day tour including a sunset boat cruise on the Kampong Bay River. The Park Office and turn-off to the Hill Station are 37km west of Kampot on National Route 3. The drive from the base to the top takes 30-45 minutes.
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 (Chhgnok)
The main cave sits a hundred meters up the mountain at the end of a long stairway, and contains a pre-Angkorian ruin about 50 meters inside, set amongst stalagmites and stalactites slowly growing into it. The ruin is a small alcove-like brick structure constructed in 4th-5th century AD and associated with the state of Funan. A bit of carving is still visible. Also look for the elephant shaped limestone formations near the entrance of the cave. A second cave sits about 300 meters from the main cave in the same outcropping. There is very little in the way of formations, but it is quite deep, requiring climbing over piles of rock and through small openings. Small shrine.
Phnom Kbal Romeas (Phnom Sla Ta'aun)
Phnom Kbal Romeas (Phnom Sla Ta'aun) is comparatively plain, but contains a few intereting structures and is base to Climbodia. Look for the huge rock balanced in a hole in the ceiling. A few old shrines, hidden deep inside the hill and many stalactites. Excellent views from the top.
Caving at Phnom Kbal Romeas: Climbodia offers caving and rock climbing. Securely placed Via Ferratas take you deep into the belly of the hill, abseiling down a labyrinth of caves. All skill levels.
Tel: 095-581951
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 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. Even the ride between Kampot and Kep offers some beautiful rural scenery. Keep your camera at the ready.
Half and full day countryside tours by tuk-tuk, taxi or motodup are one of the most popular tour activities out of Kampot (and Kep). The tour routes are in no way over touristed, offering a good look at the Cambodian countryside as well as points of interest specific to Kampot and Kep.
Area tours usually include visits to the salt pans, two or three nearby caves including the a Angkorian-era ruin at Phnom Chhnork, a pepper plantation to see one of Kampot’s most important crops, and perhaps a stop at ‘the Secret Lake’ along the way. Tours also usually include a look at Kep, lunch at the Crab Market and some time at Kep Beach. Other destinations and additions to a full day tour might include a trip to Rabbit Island out of Kep, or a look at the cave of Kampong Trach, or perhaps a sunset cruise on the Kampong Bay River out of Kampot. Tour operators are usually happy to customize the tour to your requirements.
Things to do - Kep Adventures
Offering full and half day tours to several of Kep Bay’s remote islands. Snorkeling gear, BBQ, and drinks are all included. Visits to remote islands and a local fishing village give island goers a taste of authentic Cambodian island life.
Tel: 015 89 24 34
https://kep-adventures.com
Kite Boarding - Kampot
Cambodia Kiteboarding Kiteboarding equipment rental and courses (insurance included) available. Taster and beginners courses. 2016 Ozone kites Mystic harnesses and Crazyfly boards. Qualified IKO instructor active in Kampot for 7 years. Licensed by the International Kiteboarding Organisation (IKO). Contact at Villa Vedici, river road (east side), 1km north of Kampot town.
Tel: 089-392068
River Cruise - Kampot
Running through the town with the Elephant mountains as a backdrop the Kampong Bay river is a prominent feature of Kampot. For many locals the river is their lifeblood and dozens of fishing boats travel up and down the river in the morning and evenings. Any trip to Kampot wouldn’t be complete without experiencing it from the water. Several operators offer various trips and prices start from a few dollars per person depending on duration and other inclusions.
Chakio Tourism Boat
Daily sunset cruise from 5.30pm – 7.30pm, $5.00 per person with one included drink. Restaurant and bar serving Asian & Western food. Go swimming, visit Prek Chak, see fireflies. Private bookings available.
Kampot Riverside Road
Tel: 017-987619, 010-987619
Kampot Museum
The beautiful old colonial era governor's mansion on the riverfront has been converted into the Kampot Museum. Re-cently opened, and though there are posted hours (see below) the actual opening hours seem quite irregular. The museum promises a look at the history of the Kampot area, including local artifacts, old photographs and maps. Open Tuesday, Thursday and weekend afternoons from 3:00PM-6:00PM, and also open in the mornings on weekends. Located on the riverfront road at the south end of town.
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 internationally 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 in the finest French kitchens. It is also featured in local Kampot/Kep cuisine such as Pepper Crab (local crab fried with pepper corns).
Most half and full day countryside tours out of Kampot and Kep include a stop at at least one pepper plantation. There are at least a few different farms in the area a couple not far from the road to Kep, and another at Angkor Chey. At the plantation you can see the different growing methods and types of pepper, and there is usually a shop where you can buy Kampot pepper straight from the source.
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. By 1960, there were more than 1 million pepper poles in Kampot. But the wars from the late 20th century put an end to regular production for almost 30 years. Production was renewed in the late 1990s. Pepper plantations once again dot Kampot province.
Kampot pepper comes in four varieties - green, black, red and white - all from the same plant but differing in ripeness and preparation. Green pepper is harvested young and usually used fresh in cooking. The classic black pepper is allowed to ripen dark green, harvested, dried and ground. Perfect for table use. Red pepper is prepared the same as black, but allowed to over-ripen before harvest. Finally, white pepper is red pepper that has had the outer shell removed. Often used in blends.
Kurata Pepper
“Famous Cambodian black pepper grown and harvested in Koh Kong”
Kurata Pepper have successfully been growing and harvesting organic pepper on a farm located at the foot of the Cardamon Mountains since 1997. Their highly sought after Dry Ripe Pepper and Pickled Green Pepper are a must for all foodies.
#5 Street 222, Phnom Penh
Tel: 012 842 970
Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay) is a small tropical island located about 30 minutes south of Kep by local boat. The island is undeveloped except for some rustic bungalows and a couple of 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 just make a day trip of it. Rooms/bungalows on the island generally 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. Boats are almost always available. A round-trip trip to/from the island runs $25 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 in Kep offer day packages starting at about $7/person inclusive.
Kampot River Trips & Sunset Cruises
Various sorts of river trips out of Kampot up the Kampong Bay River are available, including regularly scheduled daily cruises and charter tours to the rapids, sometimes including jugle trekking as well. The most popular and easiest cruises are the late afternoon ‘Sunset Cruises’ for drinks and sunset on the river and early evening ‘Firefly Cruises’ to see the swarms of fireflies that dance along the river and jungle’s edge.
Most guesthouses and tour operators in town can arrange cruise tickets for you. You can also get info and tickets at the cruise boats that sit riverside opposite the Rikitikitavi hotel most of the day.
Going the other way, downriver trips from Kampot to the ocean let you explore beaches and sand spits near the river’s mouth and do a bit of ocean swimming. Some tour operators can supply basic fishing gear. For something a bit further afield The Crab Shuttle offers a daily 2.5 hour boat shuttle between Kampot and Kep via Rabbit Island,.
Salt Pans
Salt is another of Kampot’s important products. Vast salt pans (salt fields) stretch across much of the coastline south and southeast of Kampot and are usually included in most countryside tours out of Kampot and Kep.
The salt pans consist of large areas of hardpack ground divided up into paddy like pans. Ocean water is pumped into the pans from canals, then allowed to evaporate, leaving a thick layer of salt coating the ground. Workers rake the salt carefully into piles, collecting and moving it to storage.
There are easily accessible salt pans along just east of Kampot town along the road to Kep. The road south from Kampot to Phnom Duong beach also passes through salt pans. The salt field only operate in the dry season.
Trekking around Kep
Offering a fairly easy hiking experience, a small service road loops about 8 kilometers around Kep Mountain through jungled national forest land - a small mountain near the tip of the Kep peninsula.
The gently sloping road winds past a couple of old pagodas, though light jungle where you may spy monkeys or other wildlife, and provides many picturesque overlooks along the way. Kampot and the Elephant Mountains can be seen from the northwest viewpoint, and the trail on the east side of the mountain provides some striking views across the valley to a pagoda on the next mountain and beaches in the distance. For the more adventurous several footpaths split off from the road, leading to the top of the mountain and to the other side.
Most of the foot trails and most of the service road is in good condition, though parts are narrow and overgrown. Suitable to hike on foot, mountain bike or dirt bike. The trail is most easily accessed from the hillside road next to Veranda Resort. When the ranger is present there is a US$1 admission fee. Set on the mountainside 100 meters from the trailhead, Led Zeppelin Cafe is a nice a place to relax over a drink and a beautiful view.
Tour and Dive Operators in Kampot and Kep
Whether you plan to book a tour or do-it-yourself, transportation and/or tours are probably most easily arranged through one of the many local tour operators or your guesthouse. In Kep several tour/travel shops are clustered near the Kep Beach intersection, especially near the bus station. Shop around for the best price and for exact type of tour you would like to take.
Climbodia
Climbodia provides caving and rock climbing in amazing caves at Phnom Kbal Romeas. A climb to the top rewards with breathtaking views inside the cave and from the top of the hill, Bokor and the ocean. Securely placed Via Ferratas take you deep into the belly of the hill, abseiling down a labyrinth of caves. All skill levels, from the absolute beginner to the experienced climber.
Tel: 095-581951
Jungle Jet River Tours
Definitely the fastest and most exhilarating way to see Kampot River. With daily tours up the river starting from just $20. Get up to speeds of 80kms+ as you travel 30kms or so up river from Kampot town. With an internationally qualified driver enjoy doing 360 degree spins as you pass just inches from the banks of the river. Extended sunset tours out to the ocean are also available.
Located downtown, right on the river, at Rusty Keyhole Boat House
Tel: 088 724 2949
Kampot Tours & Travel
All travel and tour services. Bokor, countryside, boating, cycling, Kep, Rabbit Island, transport to Vietnam and Thailand.
Kampot, one block off the river road
Rith Travel & Tours
Tours, tickets and transport. Bokor, Rabbit Island, Countryside tours, fishing, snorkeling.
Kep, at the Crab Market
Tel: 016-789994
Sok Lim Tours
Kampot packages, sunset cruises, Rabbit Island, Bokor, jungle trekking, countryside tours, Takeo.
Kampot, opposite Magic Sponge Guesthouse.
Tel: 012-719872
Tree Travel Service
Long running, trusted Kampot tour operator and motorcycle rental. Offering all kinds of tours of the Kampot-Kep area - countryside tours, pepper plantations, salt farm, caves, Bokor Hill Station, Rabbit Island, river cruise, motorcycles tours, as well as tuk-tuk, car and van. Rental of transportation of all kinds,: cars and vans with or without driver. Motorcycles, both mopeds (110cc-125cc) and dirt bikes (200cc-250cc.) Recommended.
Tel: 012-974698, 015-567499
Street 729, just off Street 724 , about a block from the Durian Traffic Circle
The main market is located at the north end of town - a traditional style market catering primarily to the locals and carrying the usual products: vegetables, fruits, meats, bulk rice, motor parts, moneychangers, etc. Phsar Kronat (‘Old Market’ ) on the boulevard off the riverfront reopened a couple of years ago and now includes souvenir and clothing shops, several little cafes, al fresco restaurants at both ends, a convenience store, several tour operators and real estate agents.
Two or three convenience stores are located on Durian Monument traffic circle, offering a pretty good selection of imported goods, canned foods, snacks, beer, spirits, wines, water and sundries. One of the stores also has a pharmacy.
Some of the guesthouses and hotels offer small selections of souvenirs, usually focused on local products such as Kampot pepper, Cambodian coffee, locally made bags, handicrafts, clothes and cards. And there are now a few proper souvenir and clothing shops in town, as well as a book store.
Kampot Shops and Souvenirs:
Books & Hammocks
Old school bookshop and souvenir shop with a heart. Locally made and produced Cambodian souvenirs, especially hand made lawn games, kites, gifts and more. You can also buy games and supplies to be donated to locals schools and kids in need. Second hand books for sale and a book nook to relax and read. On guesthouse street, near the Salt Worker Traffic Circle.
Tel: 096-5350676
https://www.facebook.com/booksandhammocks
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: 012-960225
Indochina Gecko Shop Souvenirs
Cool little souvenir shop in Phsar Kronath, near the riverside of the market. In addition to the usual Cambodian and Kampot souvenirs (pepper, teas, etc), the shop is crowded with eclectic collection of nostalgia, old posters and photos, Cambodian paintings, curios and funky, comfortable clothing.
Tel: 098-571607, 092-686051
KAMA (Kampot Arts & Music Association)
Founded by members of The Cambodian Space Project, KAMA is a professional not-for-profit arts organization whose mission is to develop and present locally produced music and art to audiences around the world. KAMA's live music venue "The Sun Ra Space Bar" offers food, drinks, groovy artworks and live music. See Dining listing. Located opposite the 2000 Roundabout, #58 Street 726.
Tel: 096-3672224
http://cambodianspaceproject.org
Kampot River Souvenir
New riverfront souvenir shop carrying a wide variety of Cambodian handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes and other Cambodian products. Local basketry, Kampot pepper, Cambodian crafts and jewelry, NGO products, bags and purses from recycled rice bags, also comfortable clothes, sunglasses and such.
Tel: 089-898980, 097-9797971
www.facebook.com/Kampot-River-Souvenir-Shop
Kampot Souvenirs and Handicraft
Riverfront souvenir shop carrying a surprising wide and complete variety of Cambodian handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes and other Cambodian products. Local basketry, Kampot pepper, Cambodian crafts and jewelry, NGO products, bags and purses from recycled rice bags, also comfortable clothes, sunglasses and such.
Kepler’s Kampot Pepper
Large selection of the famous Kampot-grown pepper, some of the finest black pepper in the world. Kampot-grown black, red and white pepper, available in different packagings. Also selling Cambodian grown coffee.
Open 8:00AM - 8:00PM.
Tel: 012-306410
Tiny Kampot Pillows
Like the name says, the specialty is tiny pillows hade made locally. A unique Kampot gift. Also offering a variety of other local products including pepper, coffees, palm sugar, quilts, kramas, bags and more. On the 2000 Monument intersection.
The Pepper Shop
Selling BoTree Pepper grown in Kampot province, this shop has a wide selection of pepper and gift boxes which make great presents for foodie friends. Open from 8am to 8pm 7 days.
Old Market Street, Kampot 07564, Cambodia
https://www.botree.asia
Books
Kepler’s Kampot Books
Kepler’s Kampot Books carries a good selection of used and new novels and Cambodia related titles for buy/sell/trade. Souvenirs for sale. Kampot pepper, statues, t-shirts, postcards, Recycled Products and more. Also provides, print, scan and internet services.Located next to the old market in the middle of town.
Open 8:00AM - 8:00PM.
Tel: 096-7774493
Facebook: Kepler's Kampot Book
Shopping
Public and tourist services are more limited than Sihanoukville, and much more limited than Phnom Penh, but for a provincial city, you can usually get most of what you need. There are a few well-stocked convenience stores in town, several banks and ATMs, a provincial hospital and at least one comparatively reliable clinic, a functioning post office, internet shops and widely available wifi.
Money and Banking
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.
Internet, Phone, Laundry...
Most of the hotels have free WiFi or at least a computer with internet. Many of the restaurants and bars have WiFi these days as well. There are also still a few internet/phone cafes around town, including a couple along the Old Bridge road near the Durian Roundabout, and another on Street 276 just off the riverfront. Street 276 also has a couple of laundry shops and motorcycle rental.
Hospital
Located 8km outside of town at the entrance to Bokor Mountain, the Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital offers high quality medical care, including ambulance (Non emergency: 077-666752; Emergency only: 078-265782) In-town the Bokor Clinic & Maternity, behind the hospital on Street 714 is recommended by local expats (Tel: 017-620531, 033-632053.) The main hospital is on the riverfront in town 100 meters north of the Old Bridge. Rudimentary facilities and services.
Police
Tel: 012-594224
012-824067
017-524444