Buzz
While it doesn't boast many historical sites like Siem Reap, nor is it the capital like Phnom Penh, the quiet charm of Kampot Town captivates many travelers. Kampot draws visitors at first glance with its nostalgic beauty, offering a serene and calming atmosphere. Moreover, in Kampot, travelers can enjoy a wide variety of famous fruits from the land of temples – Cambodia.
Discover the serene Kampot Town
Where is Kampot Town? Kampot is the small capital of Kampot Province, located in southern Cambodia, about 6 km from the Gulf of Thailand. It's not an exaggeration to say that Kampot is a picturesque little town nestled along Cambodia's coast. The area enjoys a mild and cool climate throughout the year, with tranquil and poetic natural beauty. Visiting Kampot feels like stepping into a peaceful European countryside with a gentle, quiet, and profound rural atmosphere.
Kampot Town is also known as the "Durian Kingdom" (Image source: Collected)
Though Kampot is a small, peaceful town with wide open streets and old, moss-covered buildings, once you arrive, you’ll find it hard to leave. The true allure of this town doesn't come from famous architectural landmarks or dreamy beaches, but rather its slow-paced, relaxing, and tranquil lifestyle.
For those who enjoy the atmosphere of the past and the timeless beauty of days gone by, a visit to Kampot Town is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime. It is sure to be the most wonderful retreat during your upcoming trip to Cambodia!
What is the best season to visit Kampot Town?
When is the best time to visit Kampot? This is a question that many travelers ask. In reality, Kampot Town is located in Southeast Asia, with a climate quite similar to that of Vietnam. Therefore, you can visit Kampot at any time of the year. However, according to many experienced travelers, the best time to visit is between November and February of the following year. During this period, the weather is cool, not too hot, with little rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
The peaceful, simple beauty of Kampot in the autumn afternoons (Image source: Collected)
The climate in Cambodia is much hotter than in Vietnam. So, make sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin. If you're lucky enough to visit Kampot in April, you'll experience the Khmer New Year and can take part in exciting local festivals.
How to get to Kampot Town
How to travel from Vietnam to Kampot Town
Currently, there are two ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Kampot Town, Cambodia. Travelers can choose between two routes:
Option 1: Take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien with a ticket price starting at 200,000 VND/one-way. Once you arrive in Ha Tien, you can take a bus to Kampot Town, with the following prices:
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White-orange bus with the Champa logo: This is a shuttle bus service from a travel company, with fares starting from 150,000 VND per person. According to Kampot travel experience, there is one bus departing daily at 12:30 PM.
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Green market bus: Since this bus picks up passengers along the route, the fare is relatively inexpensive, ranging from 40,000 VND to 70,000 VND per person. However, you should carefully consider it as the bus service and facilities are quite basic.
Cách thứ hai: Di chuyển tuyến xe bus từ Sài Gòn đến Phnom Penh bằng xe khách với mức giá khoảng 200.000 VNĐ/người, thời gian di chuyển từ 5 - 6 tiếng. Sau đó, bạn sẽ tiếp tục bắt hãng xe Sorya đi từ Phnom Penh đến thị trấn Kampot với mức giá từ 100.000 VNĐ/người.
Phương tiện di chuyển tại thị trấn Kampot
Chúng ta sẽ nghĩ rằng với một thị trấn bình yên, giản đơn như Kampot thì hệ thống giao thông công cộng không thể phát triển vượt bậc. Trên thực tế, thị trấn Kampot có rất nhiều phương tiện đi lại cho du khách lựa chọn, chẳng hạn như:
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Taxi: Du khách có thể chọn loại taxi tính km/h hoặc không tính. Giá dao động khoảng 5 USD nếu bạn đi trong trung tâm thành phố hoặc thuê xe taxi trọn gói 1 ngày chỉ khoảng 40 USD.
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Xe tuk tuk: Có thể nói, tuk tuk là một trong những phương tiện phổ biến nhất thị trấn Kampot. Chỉ cần bỏ ra 15 USD/ngày là bạn có thể vu vu khắp mọi nơi của thị trấn.
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Thuê xe máy: Nếu bạn muốn linh động trong việc sắp xếp thời gian và kế hoạch thì có thể thuê xe máy. Giá thuê xe cũng không quá đắt đỏ, chỉ dao động từ 10 USD/ngày. Tuy nhiên, bạn cần mang theo giấy tờ tùy thân, bằng lái xe và tìm hiểu kỹ luật giao thông ở Campuchia trước khi thuê xe máy nhé!
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Xe ôm: Đây được xem là phương án tiết kiệm tại Kampot với mức giá chỉ từ 10 USD/chuyến.
There are a variety of transportation options available for you to choose from (Image source: Collected)
Must-see attractions in Kampot Town
In addition to its inherent peaceful charm, Kampot Town also attracts many visitors from afar with its captivating destinations. Below are some famous tourist spots in Kampot that you definitely shouldn't miss.
Bokor Plateau
The Bokor Plateau is located about 10km south of the center of Kampot Town. This proximity allows visitors to easily adjust their schedules. The area is particularly striking with its mystical, haunting beauty combined with a dreamy and majestic atmosphere.
Nothing is more splendid than witnessing the sunset view from the peak of Bokor Plateau (Image source: Collected)
Notably, at the summit of the plateau, you'll find a series of luxurious 5-star resorts equipped with amenities such as restaurants, bars, and infinity pools. Along the way to the top, you can admire the sacred statue of Ya Mao and wish for good fortune.
Teuk Chhou Stream
If you visit Kampot Town and don't make time for Teuk Chhou Stream, it would truly be a missed opportunity. At Teuk Chhou, visitors can leave behind their worries and fatigue, and instead, enjoy the refreshing natural beauty with its rolling hills and the soothing sound of flowing water.
Phnom Chhngok Cave
If you're someone who enjoys exploring new places, don't miss Phnom Chhngok Cave! Additionally, when visiting the cave, be sure to pay respects at the temple inside, praying for peace and good fortune for your family and loved ones.
Kep Beach
An interesting fact is that it only takes about half an hour to drive from Kampot center to Kep Beach. Therefore, you can easily visit both places in one day. Upon arriving at Kep Beach, you’ll be amazed by the pristine white sand, the gentle slope that stretches to the horizon, and the numerous hotels and resorts. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy beach activities and indulge in delicious seafood.
Taking a stroll and enjoying the view at Kep Beach is one of the most delightful experiences (Image Source: Collected)
Fantastic Experiences in Kampot Town
What makes Kampot Town so special, attracting so many visitors? Although Kampot Town doesn't have an abundance of famous landmarks, it still offers wonderful experiences for travelers. Here are some of the exciting activities you can enjoy in town.
Embrace the Peaceful Life in the Town
The tranquility and calmness of Kampot Town offer a unique charm. The traffic here is not congested, allowing you to easily get around by bike, motorbike, or even just wander along the main streets. The carefree, peaceful life in this place becomes a perfect remedy for those facing struggles or feeling stuck.
Enjoy the rural lifestyle with the gentle river and serene rice fields (Image Source: Collected)
On a fresh spring morning, you can lie back on a hammock and cool off in the river or stream. As the evening approaches, you’ll have the chance to witness a beautiful sunset over Bokor Mountain. Or simply enjoy delicious fruits like mangosteen, durian, and coconut...
Moreover, you can take a tuk-tuk ride around Kampot Town just to savor the famous Kampot durian. In addition to this local delicacy, Kampot Town is one of the largest fruit producers in Cambodia.
Admire the Charming Architecture of Kampot Town
One of the highlights of Kampot Town is its ancient architecture, steeped in history. Despite the ups and downs of time, the town has managed to preserve its unique charm through its colonial-era French-style buildings.
The old French-style buildings create an impression that visitors have stepped into a quaint European city of the past (Image Source: Collected)
As you stroll through the streets, you might suddenly feel captivated by the vibrant pink bougainvillea cascading down. A little further, you'll encounter a row of faded green and blue wooden houses, their yellow paint peeling away with time.
Explore the Kampot River
On the Kampot River, visitors can enjoy the stunning beauty of the sunset. Additionally, you can immerse yourself in the cool waters of the river, offering a refreshing escape from the intense heat of the day.
Visit the Salt Fields
Kampot is renowned as a land of salt and pepper. The vast fields of pristine white salt stretch out to the horizon, creating a picturesque and breathtaking landscape. From a distance, one can observe the hardworking farmers diligently toiling in the fields.
The gleaming salt fields add a unique beauty to this charming town (Source: Collected)
What to eat in Kampot?
Kampot’s cuisine offers a wealth of delicious dishes, ranging from night market treats to gourmet restaurant offerings. Here are some of the famous local specialties in Kampot that you absolutely must try at least once.
Green Crab
Green crabs are considered the 'national seafood' of Kampot town. Kampot crabs are known for their plump, flavorful meat that carries a rich, traditional taste. After purchasing fresh crabs, you can ask the locals to prepare them in various ways. However, no matter how they're cooked, they always taste delightful, but steamed green crab remains the most delicious.
Grilled Chicken
When visiting Kampot town, you must try the uniquely prepared grilled chicken. When served, the tender meat melts in your mouth, blending beautifully with its distinctive flavors. However, this dish tastes even better when paired with water spinach and green tomatoes dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.
Grilled chicken is a must-try dish when visiting Kampot town (Image Source: Collected)
Bok lahong
Bok lahong is not a meat dish but a simple Cambodian traditional salad. The salad is typically made with a variety of ingredients such as papaya, fresh chili, tamarind powder, sugar, fish sauce, string beans, tomatoes, lime, fish sauce, and roasted peanuts. Locals even add salted crab to create a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.
Durian
The most famous delicacy in Cambodia is durian, which is why Kampot is often referred to as the 'Durian Kingdom'. The most popular variety is the small-seed durian, with thick flesh and a golden yellow hue. When you taste it, you'll experience the perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess, creating a rich flavor that leaves a lasting impression on every diner.
This concludes all the detailed information about Kampot town. We hope that with the insights shared by Mytour, travelers will discover a new destination full of experiences for their upcoming trips. If you wish to book a Cambodia tour through Mytour, please contact our hotline at 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!
