Kep & Kampot
Kampot’s Riverside Character:
Located about 150 km south of Phnom Penh, Kampot sits along the serene Preaek Tuek Chhu River, framed by lush mountains, making it a haven of calm and charm. The river’s clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or taking boat trips to the estuary, where mangroves and shimmering plankton create magical evening scenes. The town is also known for its durian plantations, a key part of the local economy, and the quirky Durian Roundabout in the town center makes for a fun photo stop. Colonial-era streets, cozy cafés, and nearby pepper farms add to Kampot’s unhurried charm.
Just outside town, Bokor National Park rises into the clouds, offering cool mountain air, abandoned French hill-station buildings, and breathtaking views from the Lok Yeay Mao Monument. Nature lovers can also visit Popokvil Waterfall for a refreshing dip, explore the Teuk Chhou Rapids for light adventure, or retreat to Phnom Tock Thom Resort near the Vietnam border for a peaceful mountain escape.
Kep’s Coastal Charm:
A short drive from Kampot, about 25 km, Kep is a quiet seaside retreat famed for fresh seafood and gentle sea breezes. Once a glamorous 1960s resort, the town still exudes vintage charm with crumbling villas, shady lanes, and a laid-back beachfront. The famous Crab Market serves the freshest catch, perfectly paired with local Kampot pepper. Beyond the shore, visitors can explore Kep National Park’s gentle trails, nearby islands, or simply relax on the sand as fishing boats dot the horizon. Together, these twin towns offer a perfect mix of riverside relaxation, coastal beauty, and small-town character, capturing the very best of Southern Cambodia.